What I Learned about Money and Life from My Parents

Mom and Dad were teens during the Great Depression. That influenced the way they lived their whole lives. They were part of “The Greatest Generation” and were pretty amazing.

Here are some of the principles they lived by. Some were sayings that we heard as, “My Mom always said, . . .” Others were left unsaid, but we saw by example that they were important to our parents.

They believed that you could make your life better no matter how bad the outside world seemed.

They were determined to make good things happen for our family. They practiced this  on a daily basis and did succeed. Here are some of their bits of advice:

1. There’s no work so dirty that it dirties the soul. (Well, there is–but we won’t go there.)
2. Use it up, make it do, or do without.
3. Help your family no matter when.
4. Idleness is the devil’s workshop.
5. Grow a garden and some fruit trees.
6. Learn to can some of the produce. Share produce with neighbors sometimes.
7. Pass on used clothing to someone who can use it.
8. Don’t turn your nose up at other people’s used clothing.
9. Learn to sew.
10. Learn to cook. Share what you bake with the neighbors sometimes.
11. Polish your shoes once a week.
12. You must help do dishes unless you have so much homework you’ll be studying until bedtime.
13. Recreational reading is a good pasttime after your chores are done.
14. It’s good to learn a musical instrument. It helps you appreciate music. Music is an important way to enjoy life.
15. Visit your relatives often.
16. Help your church and community in whatever ways you can.
17. Learn to enjoy the great outdoors and visit state parks. Hiking and fishing are good things to do. Nature is a great stress reliever.
18. Museums and free concerts are great entertainment and also educational.
19. Learn to do it yourself and you might be able to afford it.
20. Hard work never hurt anyone.
21. Help people who are in need.
22. Just do your best.
23. Go beyond the expected to do amazing things.
24. Be determined to make something good happen.
25. You can make something out of almost nothing if you are creative.
26. Appreciate the beauty of nature–it’s fantastic.
27. A brother or sister can be a lifelong friend.
30. Treat the oldest people in the family as treasures because they are.

These might sound simple, but put into practice they make for a rich life in all the ways that count. Thanks, Mom & Dad!!!