tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526417756972408609.post2739383254391840151..comments2023-06-06T05:44:15.824-04:00Comments on GCDSpa Celebrations: Word of the Week: IndependenceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07133755874358356819noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526417756972408609.post-39854489165043361322010-07-22T21:55:49.568-04:002010-07-22T21:55:49.568-04:00I totally agree with you, Lisa. In thinking more a...I totally agree with you, Lisa. In thinking more about it, I am pretty sure that we don't talk about money because it IS so wrapped up in our values, and those things are considered too personal to teach in school. There should be some fundamental things, though, that we can all agree on and teach our kids (whether in school or at home). While I enjoyed advanced math classes, a more practical lesson in budgeting and balancing a checkbook would have been helpful, too. My parents taught me about those things, but not all parents do that. Isn't that more important to kids' success than some of the other things they are taught?<br /><br />I've just added a new post about financial planning, and hope to run a series of related posts with Robert's tips and advice. I'd love to have your feedback on those posts, as well. I really appreciate your thoughts, Lisa!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07133755874358356819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3526417756972408609.post-86304355868861497972010-07-05T11:32:44.641-04:002010-07-05T11:32:44.641-04:00I think the most important thing we can learn for ...I think the most important thing we can learn for ourselves (and subsequently teach our children) is fiscal responsibility. Stay out of debt if at all possible, reduce the debt you have as quickly as you can, credit cards aren't free, save for what you want, save for a rainy day, and don't spend more than you have coming in. Our family goals include paying off the house (we pay extra to bring it down faster), saving for our son's college education (we make this a monthly obligation and started as soon as he was born), saving for retirement (we make a point to max out our retirement savings as much as we can), and for me personally, keeping a reserve of cash in the bank for "emergencies." I can't tell you how many times that "rainy day fund" has come in handy. I also think it's important to differentiate between wants and needs. Needs first, wants second (if and only if there are still funds available). It seems to me that people struggle with living within their means. Look at the mortgage crisis or companies "needing" bailouts; even our government can't balance a budget. Doesn't really say much for our society now, does it?Lisa Cnoreply@blogger.com