My family has always been self-employed small business people. I grew up in a family of 8, with three 
brothers and two sisters. Was there ever enough money?
As a kid we had plenty to eat and lived in a nice house. My first store bought dress was my First Communion dress and I put myself through college. In her later years after some strokes our mother went through a geriatric evaluation. I was there when the social worker visited and asked her questions. "What is your biggest worry?", she asked. Mother replied, "that I'll run out of money." I was sure it would be her health, or a problem with one of her kids, or violence in the world.
Small wonder then that I have also had this worry in my life, as I am sure many of you have also. You have a good show, the bills are paid, it feels wonderful, and maybe you celebrate. Another day it all looks bleak. I'm thinking we all go through this roller coaster of emotions.
Today I read an article in Oprah's magazine More written by Michelle Blake that tells what it took her to stop looking into the abyss and start counting her blessings:
My mother and stepfather, who had both grown up poor, were prone to excesses of hoarding and spending. In our linen closet, I remember seeing rolls and rolls of toilet paper. Sometimes my parents gave lavish parties; at other times they punished my brother and me for spending our 50-cent allowances unwisely. Only my penniless grandmother acted as if money were not a problem.
“If it fits, buy two,” she would say whenever we shopped for clothes.
She also liked to say, “It's just as easy to fall in love with a rich man as it is to fall in love with a poor man.” Unfortunately, like my grandmother, I did not find that to be true.
I think you'll like this article and be interested in its conclusion: http://www.more.com/money-how-much-is-enough
Do you agree with her?
Comments
I was definitely taught to respect it and was always a saver. As an only child I had periods of being spoiled but that fortunately didn't seem to affect my respect for money ... or my work ethic which has enabled me to continue to be a saver. My husband is the same, yet his family did it hard while they were paying off their farm and they operated in a frugal way.
We try and instil a healthy respect for money with our children too. They do get a small amount of pocket money (appallingly small compared to most of their school friends apprarently) and they are expected to do chores in return. Of course they ask for things all the time but are rarely upset at our constant 'no' response although I do let my "mother" genes loose occasionally and buy them things just 'because'! They understand that we have to work hard for our money and the value of saving so that you can buy something worthwhile down the track.
In Australia, superannuation is compulsory if you are employed by someone else, but not if you're self-employed (which we are). THis is to help subsidise retirement, accessible after 65 I believe, so that you can survive on more than the government pension, although a lot of the super funds appear to be a bit of a rip off with excessive fees and poor investment strategies with no responsibility taken. There are tax deductions for self funded superannuation payments although we don't do this, our investments in our farm should see us do OK when the time comes.
I read these articles about how much money should be put aside for retirement, what percentage should be saved every month. Are you kidding me? I wonder who they are writing those articles for. People perhaps who are professionals with careers? dual careers? Many of my friends are retired, bit don't envy any of them their lives. What is the point of retirement if you enjoy what you are doing and it is meaningful to you.
I was taught early to earn money. My parents didn't give us kids money. I thought most people didn't give their kids money. I also pretty much put myself through college and we bought our first car, too, without a parental loan. Once I got married I never asked my parents for a penny. My husband and I have gone through a few times when money was very tight. However, we both thought we were poor when we grew up (he really was), and we are both quite frugal, so I think we could weather most situations (although I am hoping we won't have to). I always felt I was a simple girl who didn't need to have everything I see. I am content to go shopping to look. I don't think I need much to be happy (as long as I am warm).
I think that my family always worried about money. I have had a job since I was 12 years old (a paper route at that time). I paid my way through college and no one ever bought me a car.
I still worry about money, but am blessed to have a husband who is well paid at his job. I am quitting my teaching job at the end of this school year so I can focus on my craft full-time. This is worrying to some degree. My day job salary has been the "bank" for my micro business. Now, it will have to be self-supporting.......
So, are you nearer the end of the line, or can you see the front of it?