What lessons did you find out from your parents?

Lessons from your mum and dad can final for life. Did you learn any great financial lessons from your parents?

This was a query I was asked lately on my News Corp Gen Y column, and I’ve written before about the cash lessons that I learned from my Dad. Namely that when it comes to a career it’s great to do anything you really like, provided you balance that with looking following your household financially. If your passion does not pay the bills then contact it a hobby instead and do anything else. That is some thing that I’ve applied and I’m lucky that I’m able to combine my passion (writing) with my location of knowledge (finance). Thanks Dad!

From Mum I discovered the art of getting strategically.

When my parents first married and set up a property and organization, income was tight. Mum became an avid op-shopper and managed to furnish the residence, stock the cupboards with cutlery, crockery and linen, acquire clothing, accessories and all sorts of collectibles along the way. She did all that with a extremely small amount of income.

As the household enterprise flourished, her buying habits didn’t alter. As a kid I loved going to the op shops. I’d make a beeline for the bookshelves exactly where, amongst the several hundred Mills&Boon books, I’d locate Enid Blyton, CS Lewis, LM Montgomery and much more. The greatest issue? I could afford to get them! I could acquire a dozen books second-hand for the cost of just one particular shop-purchased new one. As I got older I applied that very same getting method to a lot of items and discovered to appreciate the worth of the dollars I earned and spent.

Recently it was National Op Shop Week and whilst the  awareness week may be passed, it is constantly a great time to spring clean your cupboard and donate, as nicely as pay a visit to your local charity op shop to see what bargains you may possibly be in a position to locate. It’s a excellent way to remind yourself of just what a dollar can potentially purchase.

What lessons did you find out from your parents?