Aussie Dad’s Financial Wisdom
Have you ever paused to think about the best advice your dad ever gave you? For many of us, our fathers have been the pillars of wisdom and experience, especially when it comes to money matters.
Today, we’ll share some golden nuggets of financial wisdom passed down from Aussie dads, some of whom you might recognise from the big screen. Let’s explore this financial wisdom which may just shape your financial journey.
Growing up in Australia, you’ve likely heard tales from the good old days and lessons from yesteryears, especially about finances. Many of these tales come from dads who’ve lived through the highs and lows, and there’s genuine gold in their stories.
#1 – Start Early and Learn the Value of Money
Picture this: A young child eagerly shakes their new piggy bank, filled with the shimmering coins they’ve earned from chores. Remember your first piggy bank? Dads across Australia have been teaching their kids the value of money from a tender age. And as Chris Hemsworth once said (or could have said), “Teaching my kids the value of a dollar, early on, sets the foundation for a lifetime of smart decisions.” Remember, every cent counts.
One of the most straightforward lessons, yet often overlooked. Teaching kids about money early often translates to better money habits as adults. Consider using a clear jar for saving, not a piggy bank. This way, kids can see their savings grow. Set up a weekly allowance for chores, reading a book, or whatever behaviour you wish to reward. This can help children understand the concept of earning and saving.
#2 – Live Below Your Means
Imagine cruising in a flashy car or donning the latest designer wear. Feels great, doesn’t it? But here’s a dad-tip: don’t let success fool you into overspending. The ever-charismatic Hugh Jackman said “I try to teach my children that money is something you need to earn and that you respect the value of money more when you have to work for it.” That trip overseas? That shiny new car? Think twice. Living below your means now can mean living your dreams later.
Living frugally ensures that you save more and are better prepared for emergencies. Teach your children to prioritise needs over wants. Do you really need that new gadget? Allocate a portion of your income (say 10%) to a savings account immediately upon payday. That may mean the day that you receive your allowance, or the day your salary is paid into your account.
#3 – The Power of Saving
Think of every dollar saved as a step closer to your dreams. Whether it’s a home, a car, or that long-awaited trip to the Whitsundays, every penny saved brings you closer. As Chris Hemsworth puts it, “true happiness is not expensive. If it requires a high price, it’s a fake.” So, next time you’re tempted by that impulse buy, remember the bigger picture.
With each dollar saved, you’re building a financial cushion, so automate your savings. Schedule automatic transfers to your savings account, and set up a high-interest savings account to maximise the returns on your savings.
#4 – Avoid Bad Debt
Ah, the siren call of credit cards and easy loans. Enticing, right? But not all debt is created equal. Good debt, like a mortgage, can be an investment. Bad debt, like splurging on luxury items, can be a trap. As Paul Clitheroe puts it, “There are plenty of ways to get ahead. The first is so basic I’m almost embarrassed to say it: spend less than you earn.”
Understanding the difference between good and bad debt can make or break your financial health. Pay credit card bills in full each month to avoid exorbitant interest, and if necessary consider consolidating multiple high-interest debts into one lower interest rate loan.
#5 – Invest in Yourself
Your brain, your talents, your health. They’re your biggest assets. And just like any investment, they grow with time and effort. In the words of one of the greatest money minds of our time, Paul Clitheroe, “Invest in yourself. Your career is the engine of your wealth.” What are you passionate about? Dive in, and invest in yourself!
Personal growth often leads to financial growth, and your education is one aspect that can’t be ‘taxed away’. Take online courses to boost your skills. Platforms like Coursera and Udemy offer a variety. Dedicate a set time each week for personal development, whether it’s reading, learning, or exercising.
#6 – Understand the Magic of Compound Interest
Have you ever seen a snowball grow as it rolls down a hill? That’s compound interest in a nutshell. The earlier you start, the more your money grows. As the great property developer, Lang Walker, put it – “Patience. Patience. Patience. We’re in an industry where everyone’s throwing obstacles at you and it can take years. You’ve just got to keep rolling on all the time.” Even if it seems insignificant now, trust me, future you will be thanking present you.
Reinvest dividends or interest rather than spending them, and when you’re in the building phase, start with a small recurring deposit that benefits from compound interest.
#7 – Diversify Investments
You wouldn’t eat the same food every day, would you? Then why put all your money into one investment? In the words of the great, Lang Walker – “The way I have dealt with the risk matrix of our business has been to diversify across the different sectors.” Make sure your investments cover a range of sectors and types. This way, you stand a better chance of weathering financial storms.
Invest across different asset classes, including stocks, bonds, and real estate. Seek out the right financial advisers to build a diversified portfolio suited to your risk profile.
#8 – Have an Emergency Fund
Life’s unpredictable. From unexpected medical bills to sudden car repairs, having a rainy day fund ensures you’re never caught off-guard. As Motley Fool’s Scott Phillips puts it, “If you have a strong financial foundation then it gives you more flexibility to invest more heavily in ‘risk’ assets like shares.” This buffer is your safety net, offering peace of mind even in turbulent times.
Life’s uncertainties are less daunting with a financial cushion. You should aim to have at least three to six months’ worth of expenses saved. Open a separate account for this fund to avoid temptations of using it for daily expenses.
As we wrap up this journey through the financial outback, remember that wisdom isn’t just in books or seminars. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet conversations on the porch with Dad, under the southern stars.
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General Advice Warning: The information contained herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute personal advice. You should not act on any recommendation without considering your personal needs, circumstances, and objectives. We recommend you obtain professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.
