I remember getting my first checking account when I was in 7th grade. It took me a while to figure out that just because I had checks didn’t mean I had money. I also struggled with the concept of intrinsic value in math class so it was obvious from a young age that managing money was not going to come naturally to me. It’s ironic that I spent much of my professional life in financial services. I’ve gone from being an irresponsible check bouncer to money hoarder. I like to see my balance grow, and Mac Daddy and I have been saving for our retirement since we were in our twenties. One of the many benefits of working for a financial services firm is the education I got in my 9:00 to 5:00 life.
Mac Daddy and I don’t argue about money, which tends to be the one thing all couples fight about. We both see the value in saving while balancing our whims and indulgences. We are fortunate to have good financial habits, and debt gives us hives. Damn you, graduate school loans that I will be paying until my own sons are in college!
We hope to keep the cycle in rhythm as we teach our boys about the financial world. When Bird and Deal were born, their grandfather gave them some stock in the company he worked for, and they continue to buy shares every year with their birthday money. At ages 10 and eight, it’s empowering for them to be active participants in their financial future. I’m pretty sure Bird is his generation’s next land magnate so all this finance talk will pay off. So far Deal is more turned on with spending rather than saving, but he did eagerly go with Mac Daddy to open his very own savings account. He does love checking out his monthly statement and revels in pride when he points out his name as the account owner.
I owe more to my job in the financial services world than I do to Sallie Mae. And that says a lot. $$$ Cha-ching.
And that’s why I’m teaming up with The Motherhood and a leading market research firm on a unique and exciting project to learn more about families’ banking decisions and behaviors. I’d love for you to be involved too!
Check out our Twitter chat at noon ET on Wednesday, May 7. We will be asking questions related to selecting and switching primary banks, spending patterns, and saving habits! We are looking forward to hearing your feedback, so come ready to share your thoughts and opinions!
(This Twitter chat is designed to be a general discussion—participants should not share any personal or financial information.)
Follow the hashtag #LetsTalkBanking.
Did I mention there will be PRIZES?! 10 $50 Visa gift cards will be awarded to randomly selected participants who share feedback related to questions that @TheMotherhood25 asks throughout the party. (Prizes are for U.S. participants only.)
Disclosure: I have been compensated for my time and participation, but as always, opinions are my own.