The smartest advice I ever got

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From an early age, my parents told me, "Save your money first and get used to living on what's left over." That message proved useful. When I first started teaching, we would get paid only during the nine months of classes. I remember saying to myself, "My goodness, I'd better budget my salary to survive the summer."

I have also tried to inculcate in my daughters the idea of putting money away before they spend it. I forced both of them to set up an IR A with their summer earnings, and I told them they would call and thank me when they turned 80. I plan on staying alive until then just so I can get that call.

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