Money Smarts

I am blessed to have the family I am. They are conservative yet fun. They are wealthy but only because of what they have done, not from their past. My mom was extremely poor as a girl growing up. She was the only one to go to college in her family. College repayed her and my dad for going. They are very smart with their money and are now retired getting payed just as much as they did before. My dad is a retired engineer while my mom is a retired elementary teacher. My dad has also done well on stocks. The thing that saved them was how smart they were with there money. They didn't get married right away like most. They waited until they were settled and about 30 years old. The built there own house which they still live in. They bought a lot of land when it was cheaper so now when they sell it they make good profit. They have nice cars but they keep them for years before they trade. They don't try to show off like a lot of people by showing off their things. They buy there clothes from Wal Mart because they don't care about brand names. They might get a few things that are higher priced brands but that is only because they like the product. I think they're the reason I'm such a tightwad. I saw how there life ended up and I'm working like that. If I don't need new clothes then why buy it? What is so much better about those Abercrombie jeans and Ed Hardy shirts then those at Target. If you are not a germaphobe a good place to get good brands would be Plato's Closet but I understand some people can't do that because they feel nasty. I also buy my own groceries instead of going out. That was a big money saver. Also when I buy groceries, I look for the deals and buy the off brand. My parents never really got the off brand food but I think that's because quality of food is important but I'm not that picky. I do although only get organic fruits because those at Wal Mart go through a radiation process so I hear and they just taste better. Luckily, I have a discount at MaMa Jeans so I am able to get those fruits and get good healthy meals that will fill me up. The trick about health food is that it is pricey, no doubt about it, but the quality is better and keeps you full for longer. But if you look at my comforter, bookbag, hair products, desk-all Wal Mart. I don't buy anything really unless it's on sale because almost always it will go on sale and I'll be dissapointed with my self. I know I shouldn't stress about money since I have been such a good saver but what if the econmy falls? I want to have money to keep me on my feet. I can thank my parents for teaching me this lesson without them even knowing. They never taught me about money or told me how to spend my money. Money wasn't an issue to them, or so they showed. But through example they have taught me a very valuable lesson I hope to teach my kids when I have them. I won't pressure them but just hope they catch on.