I guess I'm an oddball. Growing up we were working class and my parents always talked to me about saving money before I purchased something, starting a 401K when I started my first real job, and teaching about how to balance a checkbook. They even talked to me about CDs, mutal funds, and stocks (a little). Plus my dad would constantly tell me how much things cost like the utilities, food, etc. especially as I got older. I'm sure glad they did. I'm 29 and in much better financial shape then a lot of people in their 40s and 50s that I work with. I think seeing them live out what they always preached to me about really made a difference.
I hope to pass along this kind of knowledge to my kids. I'm already trying to teach my 3 year old about saving money first in order to buy something. I just hope my advise sticks as he gets older. Time will tell.
|