Andrew and I had the following conversation the other day about some Skylanders action figures which go along with a video game he has.
Andrew: My friend Austin from the bus has all the Skylanders, even the Legendary ones.
Me: That's nice.
Andrew: He said his parents bought them all for him.
Me: That's nice.
Andrew: Why can't you just buy me all the Skylanders instead of me having to save up to buy them myself.
Me: You will appreciate it someday that we are teaching you to be responsible in your finances. If we bought you whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted it, then you would never learn the value of a dollar.
This conversation made me truly thankful that my parents taught me the importance of saving money from a young age. I remember one summer when I put every penny of my meager allowance into a coffee can and didn't spend it on candy or treats at B&B Grocery just to save up for the gym bag I wanted. I know how to save and wait so we aren't in debt up to our eyeballs. My parents instilled in me what I hope to instill in my children about needs versus wants and about saving and about earning their way into things to be proud of the work done and the work that went in to getting something instead of just getting it for nothing. I don't remember what happened to that gym bag, but I do remember how truly proud I was that I was able to accomplish my goal and carrying that bag with my head held high.
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