One of the greatest lessons my parents taught me and one for which I am forever grateful is that of provident living; how to work, earn and manage money, save and sacrifice. Despite my parents being relatively well off (NOT RICH) - I was never 'given' anything without working/doing chores for my modest "pocket money", I had to earn it. From an early age (12 yrs old) I worked; first on a paper route, mowing lawns, shoveling snow AND picking fruit for some of our neighbors. From what I earned I was taught and expected to contribute to the running of the household (granted, it was a token amount but increased as I got older), long term save/invest, contribute to a worthy cause and the remainder I was able to save/spend on whatever I wanted at the time. Everything I bought myself I valued and took care of. Example: I bought my first dirt bike at age 13, and took care of it washing it after every outing, learned to service it, tune it and perform basic maintenance on it. A little ditty my dad taught me "Fix it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without". He was in no way a skin flint but helped many people and families who were struggling. I'm stunned when I talk with young people today how little many of them understand about the value of work, money management, budgeting, credit and compound interest - not to mention how to do pretty basic maintenance on vehicles, homes and major appliances. Welfare is important aspect of a civilized society but should be viewed primarily as a "safety net" to be called upon in exceptional circumstances not as lifestyle choice.
