When I look back on the financial aspects of my childhood I recollect always having what I needed, and most of what I wanted. I considered myself most fortunate to be an only child and completely never understood the concept of sharing. My upbringing consisted of the concept that I must work to obtain the things I wanted. The first job I had was at the age of 15 and it was not considered cruel or unusual punishment. My parents were not abusive because they felt I should be expected to pay for my car insurance and gas. They did provide the food and housing and trips to the mall so it was the least I could do.

The financial basics were taught at an early age. Save, Save, Save was all I can remember. I still haven’t figured out why I never listened to that one. My assumption is that the parental figures failed to calculate in the cost of living expenses that I would incur. Hence, I am failing in the future savings department. (This just makes me feel better to blame it on someone else.)

Listen to all the financial adviser’s, parents included, and one major factor is the least focused on.The fact that you must invest in yourself first and foremost and the rest will come. You may have all the support from friends and family you could possibly need, but unless you believe in yourself your true goals may never be reached. The biggest supporter of your aspirations, financial or otherwise, stares back at you every time you look in the mirror. Get to know this person and take time to listen when that little voice begins to speak to you.

My inner being never bothers to speak up until I am so tired I just want to pass out. But for me that is the best time to get my attention. Right before I am to the point of wanting to give up, or wonder why in the world do I keep wanting to try, or think maybe the single girl has it better than me, that other part of me begins to remind me of all the reasons. She is my best motivational speaker and best yet I didn’t have to listen to a late night infomercial.

If you are like me with a spouse, children, career, and worries dropping by to visit on a regular basis you need to consider my advice. You are more important than any amount of money that could possibly be put into a mutual fund. However, no early withdrawals and your beneficiaries will most certainly be the ones around you.

Melody Myers