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When I was a kid, we lived with my maternal grandparents. I grew up hearing stories of the Great Depression, and all the things they had to do to get by. They never gave me any advice, but their stories made a big impression on me. My own family never had any money when I was a kid (my dad died when I was very young), so that probably factored into my mind set, as well.
I started working at age 12, and by age 30, I had my own business, which was quite sucessful. Always been very frugal. Never spent a dime on myself. Drove an old used pickup till I was over 50. My only new clothes have been gifts from the family. That's still true today. I guess I can afford whatever I want, but I don't want anything, I have too much as it is.
Funny, my brother had the exact opposite reaction. He always worked a high paying job, and spent every nickel. Lived the high life. Flashy dresser. Felt he was a deprived child, I guess. Nothing was ever too good for him. Now he's broke.
While young, did you listen to advice of parents or those older and wiser? Do you hear their words ringing in your ears?
My late mother's wise advise of "it is better to be lonely than miserable" fortunately stuck and saved me from marrying a man very different from myself which no doubt the marriage would have been very short lived.
My dad taught me how to budget and handle money when I was young and about investing when I began working. I listened and I'm glad. He also taught me how to swim, fish, drive, play tennis, and he paid for music lessons. He taught me how to grow old gracefully and not become a grouch. I wish he were still around so I could listen to him again.
What I heard everyday from my father, "save your money for college."
He had just a high school education and was struggling to support 7 kids. He had not taken advantage of the GI bill to attend college and I think he had grown to regret that decision.
All 7 of us got at least a BS degree, three did masters degrees and one did a PhD. His advice was actually the best advice ever. In my entire life getting well educated was the best decision I ever made.
I realize, looking back, that my parents gave me next to no advice and guidance. They were very big on negatively judging any decisions I made, however. I've tried to give my kids the benefit of my experience and on things I learned the hard way, and they have appreciated it.
I never had any direct advice given to me by my parents. But I did learn lessons from their actions.
My father was obsessed with the idea my mother cheated (I have no idea if she did). It caused so much anger and upset in my growing up years I decided I would never do that since I never wanted to go through that insanity again.
And I stayed faithful throughout my marriage, tho my ex did not. But then, he did not grow up with my parents.
My father's most indelible piece of advice was this: You have one life to live. You can choose to make it a good one or you can mess it up. It's up to you.
Some other pearls of wisdom were: Go to college and get that piece of paper (diploma). Great advice!
He did advise me to wait and teach a few years before getting married. I did not take that advice and married right after college. Eventually, that marriage ended in divorce. I should have listened to him, but he never said, "I told you so" to me when it fell apart.
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