Before heading to bed yesterday evening I read a blog post about the financial influence of one individual from their parents and the confusion it has caused. Growing up in a single parent household I cannot ever recall having much of a financial influence from my mother. She always stressed education, working hard, and paying the bills (particularly those from credit card companies) on time.
To her education meant a good job, working hard meant higher-paying jobs, and paying bills on time meant a good credit score. But without sound personal finance principles it could all mean very little.
On numerous occasions she has mentioned that math was her least favorite subject growing up and that possibly prevented her from learning more about managing her personal finances. On the other hand I have always been quite good at math and as I grow older continually seek to learn more about personal finance.
Much of my financial influence has surprisingly come from the FatWallet Finance forums. I initially stumbled upon the site while looking for deals on random stuff and later started browsing the finance section out of pure curiosity. There is some really sound advice given in that forum and it has had a positive impact on my life.
From there I started to read personal finance blogs recommended by others in the forum and began subscribing to financial magazines. Today I constantly give financial advice to family members and friends based on what I have learned and continue to learn. Financial issues burden many individuals, including myself, but it is amazing how knowing that you are in control puts your mind at ease.
(Image: Man Thinking by Paulo Correa)
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