When my retired mother announced her third international trip this year, I saw red. How could she justify these vacations while I struggled with student loans and rent? My angry text message sparked an unexpected heart-to-heart.
“Remember when I taught you to ride a bike?” Mom asked during our call. “I could have carried you everywhere, but then you’d never have learned.” Her point hit home. By refusing to bail me out financially, she was giving me the same tough love.
We started meeting every Sunday to review my finances. She showed me how to negotiate bills, consolidate debt, and distinguish wants from needs. The lessons stung at first – nobody likes hearing they spend too much on takeout – but the results spoke for themselves.
Today, I understand why Mom prioritized her retirement dreams. Her travels inspired me to take control of my financial future. Next year, I’m saving to join her in Italy – with my own money.
