In my June 17th post, I talked about how we weren’t brought up to talk about money. If it was talked about, it was with subtle and not so subtle messages for us to figure out ourselves. And, like most things, the interpretation of those messages are subject to the idiosyncrasies of the listener. The message is reinterpreted from our own unique being, from our ears, our minds and our hearts. So, that message ends up playing out in our finances in unique ways.
Andrew sent me an e-mail message in response to that post demonstrating this so well. Your post “…reminds me that I grew up with a father who described himself as a “child of the depression.” My brother, who loved the good life would quip – “and I am a grandchild of the depression” and then drive off in his Jaguar. I think I have inherited my father’s tendencies. My father, a Princeton professor, would get a thrill out of finding and buying a pair of new shoes for $4.99 (1983), special ordering the most basic, stripped down version of an entry-level car -Toyota Tercel, yet maintained a beautiful home in Princeton and a summer home on the coast of Maine and sent 4 kids to college.”
Same family – two different responses to the same message. One is confirming his father’s behavior, the other is negating the behavior. Which is “correct?” Neither! Both can be life-affirming as long as the belief and resultant behavior has been examined and reflects the deeper values of the individual. Only we in our own uniqueness can decide what behavior best fits our financial beliefs and values.
What’s your story? Do you have a similar story to tell of your family? I know my three sons’ behavior around money is as different as night and day – but that’s a story for another time. Tell me yours!
Another day without sun! I’m molding, I’m molding……..
