Key Takeaways:
- Dad’s financial rules still hold up. From saving first to protecting what you’ve built, these steady, real-world tips offer lifelong value.
- He reminds us that financial success is as much about mindset and preparation as it is about money itself.
- The more consistent your actions, the more secure your foundation.
For many, Dad was the first person to teach money lessons.
Dad had a way of sneaking financial talk into everyday moments. His rules aren’t always the ones you’ll find in a textbook. They come from lived experience, and they’ve stood the test of time.
This Father’s Day, let’s revisit five of Dad’s most memorable pieces of financial advice.
1. Always Pay Yourself First
Dad believes your future should come before your spending. That’s why he says, “Always pay yourself first.”
To him, building wealth has never been about having a huge paycheck. It’s about consistently setting something aside, no matter how small. By treating saving as a habit, not an afterthought, you create financial momentum.
Dad knows steady saving is an essential first step.
Put this rule into action by:
- Setting up automatic transfers to your savings account.
- Starting small. Even $25 a week adds up over time.
- Treating savings like a monthly bill, not just a “nice to have.”
“I tell my children to always make smart choices when buying something so that they are still able to save a little each month.”
-Mark Kucera, Dad and Senior Banking Center Manager in Texas.
2. Don’t Put All Your Eggs in One Basket
Dad believes smart investing is about protection as much as potential. That’s why he cautions, “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.”
He’s seen what happens when people chase big returns with risky bets and how quickly things can fall apart when there’s no backup plan. To Dad, spreading your money out is just common sense. It gives you more balance, more resilience and fewer sleepless nights.
Diversifying may sound complex, but Dad’s rule is simple: Build a mix that can handle life’s ups and downs.
Apply this risk-reducing rule by:
- Spreading investments across stocks, bonds, real estate and savings.
- Looking into low-cost index funds that offer built-in diversification.
- Working with a financial advisor to build a balanced portfolio that fits your goals.
“If you manage your coins wisely, your dollar bills will take care of themselves.”
-Armen Martirosyan, Dad and Banking Center Manager in California.
3. Know the Difference Between Wants and Needs
Dad believes strong money habits start with clear priorities. That’s why he presses, “Know the difference between wants and needs.”
He’s seen how easy it is to justify a purchase in the moment, and how those moments can quietly chip away at bigger goals. For Dad, this rule was never meant to cut out joy. He wanted you to focus on what matters most: stability, security and progress.
Whether choosing a used car to keep monthly costs down or skipping trendy upgrades to stay on track with savings, Dad believed in making the kind of choices your future self would thank you for.
Keep your goals on track by:
- Asking yourself, “Is this helping me move forward or following an impulse?”
- Creating a budget that prioritizes housing, health, savings and long-term goals before lifestyle upgrades.
- Saying no to short-term splurges so you can say yes to bigger goals.
"With so many resources at our fingertips, invest in your financial education while you are young so you can reap the benefits when you are old.”
-Joshua Scroggins, Dad and Senior Banking Center Manager in Michigan.
4. Negotiate Everything
Dad believes you don’t get what you deserve, you get what you ask for. That’s why he stresses, “Negotiate everything.”
Ask for a better rate on a loan. Push for a raise at work. Speak up about hidden fees. In Dad’s mind, you should know your worth and be willing to advocate for it.
Additionally, he saw negotiation as a skill anyone could flex. By showing up prepared and asking thoughtful questions, you could save big over the long run.
Follow Dad’s advice by:
- Negotiating your salary or benefits during a job offer or annual review.
- Calling service providers (phone, internet or insurance company) to ask for a lower rate.
- Asking about discounts or better terms when making big purchases.
“Always spend less than you make, save early and let your money grow for you.”
-Xavier Smith, Dad and Banking Center Manager in Texas.
5. Protect What You Earn
Dad knows it takes years to build something, and one unexpected moment to lose it. That’s why he urges, “Protect what you earn.”
He’s seen it happen too often: a sudden illness, a fender bender, a storm that damages the roof. Life is unpredictable. And he’d rather have protection in place than hope for the best.
That’s why he put safety nets in place before they’re needed. To protect what he built and who he built it for.
Secure your finances and peace of mind by:
- Insuring what matters most. Your health, home, income and family’s future.
- Building an emergency fund with 3–6 months of essential expenses.
- Making things easier for loved ones with an estate plan.
We Appreciate You, Dad
Many of the financial habits we rely on today started with simple, steady lessons from Dad. They weren’t always flashy, but they were dependable. Lessons about saving early, standing your ground, thinking long-term and protecting what you’ve earned.
As life gets more complex, his core principles still hold up. They remind us to stay grounded, plan ahead, and lead with confidence.
Here’s to all the dads and father figures who’ve passed down a winning mindset. We’re better for it.
Want more everyday tips to help you spend, save and plan with confidence? Explore financial resources from Comerica Insights.