Exploring More, Spending Less: Finding Financial Balance in Everyday Life with SDPRA
Sometimes the best things in life really are free.
In a recent episode of Tips for Change, Tiffany Mutchler sat down with Brett Kollars, Assistant Director of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation and President of the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association, to talk about something many people overlook when thinking about financial wellness: getting outside.
From neighborhood parks and bike trails to splash pads, camping trips, and community events, outdoor recreation offers families a chance to connect, recharge, and make meaningful memories — without overspending.
At Voyage Federal Credit Union, we believe financial wellness is about more than numbers. It’s about building a life that feels balanced, healthy, and sustainable. Sometimes that starts with something as simple as taking a walk.
You Don’t Need an Expensive Vacation to Recharge
When people think about relaxation or quality family time, they often picture large vacations with a large price tag attached. But Brett shared an important reminder during the conversation: meaningful experiences don’t have to be expensive.
South Dakota is filled with affordable ways to enjoy life:
Exploring Falls Park or the Sioux Falls bike trail system
Visiting splash pads and swimming pools throughout Sioux Falls
Camping at parks like Newton Hills or Palisades State Park
Fishing at Family Park or Covell Lake near Terrace Park
Hiking or biking trails at Great Bear Recreation Park, Dunham Park, or Tuthill Park
Attending community events like Mondays at McKennan
In Sioux Falls alone, there’s a park within a half-mile of every resident.
“It’s important that neighbors have that chance to step away from their own home, their own work routine.” Brett Explained.
For families trying to balance rising costs while still prioritizing experiences and connection, local parks offer an easy and affordable solution.
Why Free Activities Matter Financially
One of the biggest takeaways from the episode was this: low-cost activities reduce financial pressure while still creating lasting memories.
Brett shared how families often place pressure on expensive vacations or entertainment because of the money invested into them. But with parks and outdoor recreation, there’s more flexibility and less stress.
“When you pay a price tag for an experience, there’s a certain expectation that comes with that,” Brett said. “When the experience starts to fall short of that expectation, it almost becomes a grind.”
But outdoor recreation offers something different.
“When you’ve got an accessible park experience, maybe the day’s not hitting right, the mood didn’t hit quite right — but guess what? You’re not out of anything financially. So come back another time and try it.”
That freedom can have a real impact on your financial mindset and emotional well-being.
It also aligns with many of the conversations we regularly share around financial wellness and mental health. Financial stress impacts more than your bank account — it affects your overall quality of life. Our recent article, Money & Mental Health: Navigating Financial Stress, explores how reducing financial strain can positively impact emotional wellness, relationships, and everyday decision-making.
Building Healthy Habits Without Overspending
Outdoor recreation can also become part of a long-term healthy routine.
Whether it’s:
Walking the 40+ miles of Sioux Falls bike trails
Spending time at Sertoma Park, McKennan Park, or Family Park
Visiting Jacobson Plaza or the Levitt at the Falls
Taking weekend camping trips to Lake Kampeska or Lewis and Clark Recreation Area
Exploring the Outdoor Campus
Attending free community events throughout Sioux Falls
These habits support both physical and financial wellness over time.
And unlike many expensive hobbies or entertainment options, outdoor recreation is often accessible year-round.
Brett encouraged families to “lean into the seasons” — enjoying everything from summer splash pads to winter ice ribbons and snowshoeing opportunities across South Dakota.
He also highlighted activities at Great Bear Recreation Park, including skiing, tubing, and newly added mountain bike trails developed alongside Falls Area Singletrack.
“Make it a habit,” he said. “It takes time to build that habit, but it’s going to become such a healthy part of your routine.”
Community Spaces Create Connection
Parks and recreation spaces do more than provide entertainment. They create opportunities for connection.
In today’s fast-paced, screen-heavy world, having places where people can gather, slow down, and spend time together matters more than ever.
Brett described parks as a “third place” — separate from work and home — where people can reconnect with nature, neighbors, and themselves.
“Parks and recreation is such a mediator to a better life,” he shared. “Whether it’s a neighborhood park or one of our more expansive natural spaces, it’s a chance to step away from all the noise.”
He also spoke about the impact spaces like Hayward Park have had locally. Through partnerships and recent additions like a splash pad, obstacle course, and dog park, the area has become a meaningful gathering space for families and kids on the west side of Sioux Falls.
“The activation you see out there with kids through the hot summer months — the smiles on their faces — there’s a lot of power in getting kids away from the screens,” Brett said.
That sense of connection is important for communities and individuals alike.
At Voyage, we believe financial wellness works the same way. It’s not just about saving money. It’s about creating stability, confidence, and peace of mind so you can spend more time focused on what matters most.
Financial Wellness Is About Balance
At the end of the day, financial wellness doesn’t mean saying “no” to fun. It means finding ways to enjoy life without creating unnecessary financial stress.
Sometimes the most memorable moments are the simplest ones:
A walk around the neighborhood
A picnic at the park
A weekend camping trip
Watching your kids run through a splash pad
Taking a break from screens and slowing down
Those moments matter.
And often, they cost far less than we think.
As Brett put it, “I can’t recall a time where I’ve decided to go for a walk and looked back on it and said, ‘Wow, that was a bad idea.’ Every walk has benefited me in some way, shape, or form.”
At Voyage Federal Credit Union, we’re here to help support every part of your journey — from smart financial decisions to building a life rooted in connection, balance, and well-being.
Explore more financial wellness resources and community stories on the Voyage Blog.
Episode Mentions:
About the Guest
Brett Kollars serves as the Assistant Director of Sioux Falls Parks and Recreation and is the current President of the South Dakota Parks and Recreation Association (SDPRA). With a passion for creating accessible spaces and meaningful experiences, Brett has dedicated his career to helping individuals and families connect with nature, build healthy habits, and strengthen their communities through parks and recreation.
From neighborhood parks and bike trails to community events and outdoor programming, Brett believes recreation plays a vital role in improving quality of life and supporting overall well-being. Through his leadership, he continues to advocate for opportunities that make South Dakota’s outdoor spaces welcoming and accessible for people of all ages and abilities.
In this episode of Tips for Change, Brett shares how embracing affordable outdoor experiences can help families create lasting memories, reduce stress, and find greater balance in everyday life.
