She Strengthens

Financial Wisdom from My Parents: What to Keep and What to Update

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the importance of being smart with money. They came from humble beginnings, with my dad raised in a large Roman Catholic family in Wisconsin and my mom in rural Montana. Despite their modest upbringings, they worked hard to achieve a comfortable middle-class lifestyle. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that their financial wisdom is invaluable, but some of their advice needs a modern twist.

Lessons to Keep

Not Every Degree is Worth the Debt
My parents taught me that education is highly valued, but not every degree deserves to be an exercise in crippling debt. They encouraged me to pursue my passion for theatre, but to do so wisely, without breaking the bank. This advice has been instrumental in helping me make smart financial decisions.

Clutter Used to Be Money
My mom’s minimalist approach to life has been a great influence on me. She taught me that clutter is just a manifestation of wasted money. I’ve learned to be mindful of my spending habits and to avoid accumulating unnecessary possessions.

Making Saving Fun
My dad showed me that saving can be enjoyable. He’d check his stock portfolio on Saturday mornings, and I’d ask him questions about it. He modeled good financial habits, and I’ve learned to make saving a game. I set weekly savings goals, track my progress, and reward myself when I reach milestones.

Cooking Up Savings
My mom taught me that cooking at home can be a great way to save money. She showed me how to make delicious, restaurant-quality meals quickly and efficiently. This skill has saved me hundreds of dollars over the years.

Autonomy Over Finances
My dad’s entrepreneurial spirit has been an inspiration to me. He taught me the importance of having control over my finances and not relying on others to dictate my financial fate. I’ve learned to diversify my income streams and to prioritize financial independence.

Lessons to Update

Buying New Isn’t Always Bad
While my dad’s bargain-hunting skills are impressive, I’ve learned that sometimes buying new is the better option. I don’t want a used washing machine or blender; I want the latest models with warranties.

There’s Food at Home, But Sometimes It’s Okay to Treat Yourself
While cooking at home is a great way to save money, I’ve learned that it’s okay to treat myself to a meal out every now and then. Sometimes, the convenience and time saved are worth the cost.

Talking Money with Friends Is Okay
My parents taught me that talking about money is impolite, but I’ve learned that sharing financial wisdom with friends can be incredibly helpful. I’ve helped friends create budgets, calculate interest on loans, and shared my own financial experiences.

As I navigate adulthood, I’m grateful for the financial lessons my parents taught me. While some of their advice needs updating, the core principles remain the same: be smart with your money, prioritize financial independence, and don’t be afraid to adapt to changing times.