2 Money Lessons From A Deli Cashier

I was in a local deli recently. 

What did I have with me?  On my tray was a book covering financial concepts and savings to read as I ate.

As I paid for my lunch, the cashier (in his early 20’s) noticed the book and asked “why are you reading that?”

It's an easy answer for me, “the more I learn, the more I can share, and hopefully help other parents with less time that have “almost flown” kids along the way.”

My new-found cashier-friend replied “can I tell you my story?”  By now I am thinking, gosh, I’ll never get to eat my lunch and read my book but I am the friendly type and said “I’d love to hear.” 

(Remember, he is behind the cash register and in his early 20’s).

By now I am positively thrilled to talk to him.  Maybe I could adopt him? 

I’ll leave more of his  details to another day, but if you are like me, you are wondering two things.

Yes, I asked him both. 

TWO MONEY CONCEPTS:

“Every little bit I save and invest adds up.”

I hate to leave his story sitting here (there’s more), but in the interest of time let me introduce two wisdom thoughts you will want to share with your “nearly flown”:

Teaching our kids to not settle for that “bottom line” can allow them to look outward for other money-making vehicles.  Encourage them to not think “I don’t make enough money to save and invest.”   I can assure you the deli where my early 20’s young man works can’t pay big bucks.  Did that stop this young man? No.  Show your “nearly flown” that saving just a few dollars a month right now is a habit that can grow into a wonderful lifetime habit with bigger payoffs later.  

Today’s Parent Money Challenge

It is amazing how both “multiple income streams” and “planning for the worst” phrases overlap one another?

From 401K to REITS, to a simple savings or money market account, our mini-you’s need to grasp the concept of moving their money around and not letting it “sit”.   Odds are high, of course, that most young adults have enough money to make a Bill Gates move, but that’s where we parents come in:

• You could be their “savings account banker.” Pay them a bit of interest for each dollar they save.  
• You could explore websites together that discuss basic alternative income streams.
• You could buy a stock together. You put up most of the capital (it doesn’t take all that much, and get them to kick in a small amount of money).  Get a kick out of watching the stock from day to day – together.
• Have them recognize the multiple income streams they currently have. Perhaps it’s their allowance, Christmas money, birthday money, part-time job money just to name a few. 

But remember, every time we parents level up even one notch on lessons, we’ve achieved something for our kids. 

Have a great week.  Go out and make it a wonderful day with your kids.   I will do the same!

And until later . . . .

YOU CAN Have Success in the Middle of it ALL.

Pam Hardison, JellyGeneration