As I reflect on my childhood, I realise that both my parents played a significant role in shaping my views on money. In particular, my dad was the financial pillar of my life. He basically embodied the perfect blend of frugality and sensible enjoyment.
He prioritised holidays and vacations but always approached money consciously. Even on seemingly “lavish trips”, he still found a way to instil mindful spending. Once we were old enough, we got involved in basic things like booking flight tickets and sorting accommodation. Seeing those figures before asking for his card to make payments really put the reality of these “free perks” into perspective. That balance between savouring life’s moments and being responsible with money has stuck with me to this day.
Growing up as a “baby girl” came with perks — extra spending money here and there. It was not just about indulgence; it was about understanding the value of money. He would innocently ask what I spent money on (which I always hated lol). Immediately I got any other money, I made sure to grow it, so I had enough to myself that did not need any accountability. To date, I track almost everything in an Excel sheet like someone is coming to question me at the end of the month.
What is remarkable about my dad’s approach is that he led by example. I do not recall any formal talks on budgeting or investing. Instead, I learned by watching him and overhearing conversations about finance, thanks to his job as a stockbroker.
Sometime in 2015, I gave him some change from my shopping money to manage. He invested it in blue-chip stocks, and I have enjoyed dividends from that investment for over ten years even though I have taken out my initial principal with some profit. I also discovered much later that he had added to that initial amount as a show of support to me taking my first investment step.
As I grew more interested in finance and money management, he was always there to bounce ideas off and eventually entrusted me with some assets and paid “incentive bonuses.” These experiences shaped my personal finance journey and influenced my career path today.
I am also grateful that my dad brought up my siblings and I in a way that avoids or minimises “black tax”. This freedom has allowed me to pursue my own goals without feeling weighed down by one strange obligation or the other. In general, his approach to money taught me the importance of balance, responsibility, and smart financial decisions.
To my dad and other responsible fathers, thank you for being incredible role models. I hope other dads can learn from your example and help shape their children’s financial futures. If I were to sum up my experience into tips for dads, they would be:
- Learn about money yourself so you can talk about it openly without creating a scarcity mindset.
- Teach and show your kids how money is made, saved, and grown.
- Start planning for a trust fund or long-term financial support early because who does not want that soft landing?
