What's the best piece of advice that your parents (or whoever raised you) taught you about spending less/saving more?

I love my parents but they are horrible with money.
I guess you could say that they taught me what I don't want to be like... but they don't even know that they did that.

My parents have always and will probably always be in major debt. They buy what they want when they want and don't care if they have the money for it or not.

My dad is a lot better than my mom but not by much.

I hope this doesn't sound like I don't love them because I do I just don't agree with them when it comes to finances.

My parents taught me that I should buy good quality, and that price and quality don't always go hand in hand. I also learned that one's way of handling money when times are hard tells about a person, but handling money when times are good is also telling. (ie - not blowing money on stuff just because there is extra this month).

Well it took me almost 37 years to listen but my Dad has always said just because you can afford something doesn't mean you should buy it. You should act like you cannot afford it and would have to work for it -- Do you still want it? If not then don't buy it. It is because he saved when he could have bought that he wound up with so much in the end and has peace and freedom.

My Dad is one of the most frugal people I know -- totally debt free (he owns four cars and three homes with no debt) He retired at the age of 55 and has enjoyed himself since then.

__________________
Grace

Wife to Stoney

Mommy of Sarah (8), Hannah (6.5), and John(4.5)