I followed my parents example regarding finances and it's really paid off, so to speak. Never carry a balance on a credit card. Only charge as much as you can pay off at the end of the month.
I'm following advise given just within the last few years and it's this:
What amount of $ you think you'll need for retirement, you'll need more. SAVE!
My dear parents were exceedingly generous, among their other virtues. I took it for granted, but it was humbling to see how it affected DH when he met them. My Dad was a great mentor to him in that regard and giving (without expectation of return ) has definitely become a high value in our household.
Alas, I'm in your boat. My mom passed when I was young, so we didn't have time for heartfelt conversations that I would have remembered; my father was a drunk, who literally would come home, take me to the bar/restaurant next door for dinner, then we'd stay there until almost bedtime, when we'd go home. I could play Ms Pac-Man like no one else, though, and I can make a mean Shirley Temple.
My kids, they get everything I can give. Even when they don't appreciate the advice.
my grandpa always says "relationships are complicated" and my mom has always told me that you don't have to like everyone, but you do have to be kind and respectful and tolerant.
I followed my parents example regarding finances and it's really paid off, so to speak. Never carry a balance on a credit card. Only charge as much as you can pay off at the end of the month.
This. Although thanks to "rewards" I violate part of that, charging groceries, and paying the bill off as soon as I get home. My parents always subscribed to the idea you never charge something that isn't going to still be around when you get the bill a month later.
Also....if you can't pay cash for a car, you can't afford to buy that car. I have purchase 9 cars in the last 42 years, 5 for cash, 4 I financed, so still batting over 500 on that one.