RIP Grandpa - Thanks For Teaching Me About Life and Money

Image Courtesy: BL1961

Today is the 5th anniversary of my grandfather's death. I still miss him a lot but I know he is in a better place.

My grandfather was like a father to me growing up since my father was not around. We lived across the street from my grandparents growing up so I got to see him everyday. He was my hero and my role model.

My grandfather was a hard worker. He worked in construction up into his late 60's; only stopping due to health issues. He was never in a management position and worked for the same company for over 30 years. He was only making about $10 an hour when he retired but he still managed to get the bills paid and save money. 

My grandfather taught me that it was important to always set a little something aside for a rainy day. Whenever he would get paid, he would give my grandmother cash to spend on the things she needed and buy groceries.  The rest of the money went to the bank for the checking and savings accounts. My grandmother knew that once the spending money she had was gone, that was it until the next paycheck came. 

When I was in high school, my grandfather would have me write out the checks for the bills and go to the bank for him. Even though there was not a lot of money, he would make sure he paid everyone he owed. He stressed the importance of keeping your word. Whether it be the gas company or your buddy, if you owed someone money, you made sure you paid them back.If you told someone you were going to do something, you better be sure you did it.

Those early lessons still stick with me today. If I owe someone money, I make sure I pay them; no matter how small the amount. I always make sure I set something aside for a rainy day and if I tell someone I am going to do something, I do it.

What money lessons did you parents teach you?

Subscribe to SingleGuyMoney and/or Follow Me on Twitter