These three letters are good ones to know...
S = save
Y = your
M = money
For a long time, I laughed at the "S.Y.M" phrase that Steve told me about. Grandpa Ron (his Dad) would often tell him that growing up. I used to be a person who thought about money and spending like 'It doesn't matter today. There's always tomorrow to pay for things.' Honestly, I felt I deserved things. Well, I'd charge things until my cards were at their limit. Then I'd pay them off, only to start the racking up of credit card balances again. That behavior is long gone and there is so much freedom around it. Don't get me wrong. Trips to ski, Hawaii, travel, etc... all those showed me parts of the world and gave me great experiences. I will continue to do those things but actually will have the money up front to pay for them. And I hope to help Sierra and Alexander start learning about finances early in life. I think of it as a fun game!
Being a parent means that our job is to help guide our children and help them discover the world... sometimes they need more guidance and other times they need to learn things on their own. With money, I really want to help the kids learn to save, spend, and give back to the world.
Anyway, as I researched Sierra's helmet and whether or not our insurance company will cover it (very unlikely. oh well.) I discovered that though I do have some anxiety around money (probably due to my obsessive nature), I can let go a little of my worries. Finally, after 7 years, we are on the path to financial freedom and responsibility. Asking ourselves questions when we feel the urge to purchase non necessary things. And at the same time, allowing ourselves to make purchases that will benefit our family, or lives/others, in certain ways.
Basically, Alexander and Sierra, what Mom's saying is that there are many lessons we will all continue to learn (if we are open to them). And working with money can be fun versus stressful. We will continue to have open talks about it... and remember S.Y.M. and also remember it's great to also S.Y.M. (spend your money!) Love you two!
