Savings Day – Dad Taught Me To Save

Life was not easy for my dad. He was raised in poverty. That’s why he encouraged me to save money.  

Dad joined the Marines after he graduated from high school. He saved all the money he earned there to purchase a home for his mother. It was the first house she ever had with indoor plumbing. He earned a degree in accounting with the GI bill while working full time and raising a family. Dad knew the importance of saving. He started us with coin books for pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters. Did you ever have those? He also had us open a passbook savings account and purchase US Savings Bonds. He encouraged us to save extra income whenever we could. 

Now I failed to follow this advice early in my marriage and suffered greatly. I’ve since developed a deep appreciation for his efforts to train me to curb my desires to spend. He was trying to help me avoid becoming like the fool in Proverbs 21:20. “Precious treasure and oil are in a wise man’s dwelling, but a foolish man devours it.” Well, I liked devouring it, but through Crown, God’s Word, and my Dad I was taught the importance of saving. The ability to save is a matter of spending less than you earn. When you set financial goals, you learn to make sacrifices in order to experience victory. My Dad wanted me to understand that saving provides margin in your finances. Consistently setting aside funds now will grow your savings account and impact your family for generations! I’m grateful for my dad who set an example for me.  

Now too much shopping can create credit card debt. If you’re struggling, I recommend Christian Credit Counselors. They’ll create a debt management plan that will work for you. For more information call the Crown Helpline: 800-722-1976 or visit online at crown.org/ccc.