A used microphone.

A better cable for the guitar I’d bought with savings from my first few paychecks.

But I liked earning my own money.

Every Friday, I’d look at my wages and imagine how much freedom they could eventually buy.

I began saving for a car.

Dad surprised me by taking an interest.

He helped me look through used-car advertisements and came along when I found an old Buick that was barely within my budget.

The seller wanted more than I had saved.