My Dad and his secret to success

My dad may not have been perfect in everything, but one thing he did real well while I was growing up was demonstrate for me, through his own life, how to properly manage money.

But that doesn't even tell half the story. He kept our family financially secure by not spending what he did have on frivolous things. He saved. He prepared for emergencies. He took good care of what we did have and made it last a real long time. When times were tough, he worked his tail off. Dad just did everything he could to make sure that we never lost a house to foreclosure, always had food on the table, and could afford at least one birthday present every year. He was a proud but humble man and willing to work jobs that others would snub in order to take care of us.

Those may seem like small things, but to a kid growing up and seeing turmoil and instability all around him, being able to come home to this environment was incredibly welcoming.

Not surprisingly, I choose not to heed my father's example when I left home and of course I paid the price financially. My road to get out of debt however has been a "coming home" of sorts as I have had to change my view of things and remember what it was like to live with little. To remember my father's example and work ethic.

The one timeless principle that my dad taught me through all of this, and one that I will never forget, is that of contentment. Sure, I want "stuff" like everyone else, but the road to getting out of debt is paved with this one secret to genuine success. I've had to work real hard over a long period of time in order to pay back my creditors (yep, still at it). Contentment with what I have has been critical in providing the stability and support my own family needs in the process.

Has it been worth it? Oh man, has it ever! The peace of mind alone has made every bit of it worth the effort.

Today, my successes and particularly, what I've learned about finances and how to get out of debt are simply a tribute to the marvelous principles that my father instilled in me from day one.

Thanks Dad.