I’ve Prioritized One Thing Above Everything Else in My Budget. Am I Making a Huge Mistake?

Pay Dirt Aug 24, 20266:00 AM Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Getty Images Plus. Pay Dirt is Slate’s money advice column. Have a question? Send it to Kristin and Ilyce here. (It’s anonymous!) Dear Pay Dirt, I am writing for an independent voice on whether I’m being responsible or irresponsible with money, or there is some other perspective I need to consider. I currently spend maybe 20 to 30 percent of my after-tax budget on one line item. Travel to to see my parents. My husband, small daughter, and I live quite far away (20 to 36 hours flight time) from my mother and father. My father is heading to 90, and my Mom is younger, but unable to travel for health reasons. So two or three times I year, I pay for flights and accommodations so that I can visit them with my daughter. I know spe