Key Takeaways:
- From budgeting to generosity, many of the best money habits started with Mom’s timeless, real-world wisdom.
- Moms taught us that small, consistent actions — like saving for emergencies or tracking spending — can make a big difference.
- With intentional planning, we can spend wisely, celebrate progress and give generously.
Ask any mom and they’ll tell you: The job description changes by the hour.
One minute, caretaker. The next, teacher. Problem-solver, therapist, chef and more. But one role that often goes unrecognized is financial advisor.
Whether it was said at the kitchen table, in the grocery aisle or after a tough life lesson, many of us can still recall money advice passed down from our moms or mother figures. Simple reminders that still hold up.
To celebrate Mother’s Day, here are five pieces of tried-and-true financial wisdom from moms.
1. Don’t Buy It If You Can’t Afford It
Mom knows not every want is a need. That’s why she always said, “Don’t buy it if you can’t afford it.”
It’s a simple rule, but one that can shape a lifetime of smarter spending. Whether she said it in passing or after a too-quick splurge, this advice teaches us to pause, plan and think twice before opening our wallets.
Mom’s advice isn’t about depriving yourself. It’s about being intentional. Thoughtful spending habits help avoid unnecessary debt and leave more room for what really matters.
Carry this advice forward by:
- Budgeting for the things you need.
- Delaying major purchases until you’ve saved up.
- Paying with cash or debit when possible.
"Spend less than you earn, invest in yourself, and remember that true wealth is living a life you're proud of."
-Best financial advice from Doronda Placide, Mom and Banking Center Manager in Texas.
2. Save for a Rainy Day
Mom knows life is unpredictable. That’s why she always said, “Save for a rainy day.”
It’s advice rooted in experience. She’s seen how a job loss, a medical bill or a broken appliance can be right around the corner. Having a financial cushion can turn a crisis into something manageable.
Mom’s solution? A small emergency fund that can help you avoid turning to credit cards or loans in a pinch.
Bring her advice to life by:
- Building an emergency fund with 3–6 months of essential expenses.
- Automating monthly transfers to savings (even $25 makes a difference).
- Using a high-yield savings account so your money grows while it waits.
Give yourself options in life by saving. You will never regret skipping a purchase to save instead."
-Best financial advice from Heatherly Giovanni, Mom and Multi-Site Banking Center Manager in Michigan.
3. Reward Yourself for a Job Well Done
Mom knows hard work deserves to be celebrated. That’s why she always said, “Reward yourself for a job well done.”
Managing money shouldn’t always feel like cutting back. There are times to recognize progress. When you land a new job, hit a savings milestone, or simply stick to your budget for a few months, pausing to celebrate can keep you motivated for the long haul.
Mom recommends finding small, meaningful ways to treat yourself, without undoing the progress you’ve made.
Make her advice part of your routine by:
- Budgeting for occasional rewards like a nice dinner or weekend getaway.
- Tying treats to personal milestones or money goals.
- Keeping rewards intentional so they lift you up, not set you back.
"The sky is the limit when you have good credit and save your money!"
-Best financial advice from Patricia Juarez, Mom and Banking Center Manager in Texas.
4. Work Hard and Take Ownership of Your Money
Mom knows financial independence doesn’t happen by accident. That’s why she always said, “Work hard and take charge of your money.”
She’s seen how people fall behind when they avoid tracking their spending, never build savings or assume “someday” will take care of itself. And she never wanted that for you.
To her, taking ownership means staying involved. Knowing where your money’s going, asking questions and making informed decisions. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about staying curious and building habits that give you more control over your future.
Bring that advice to life by:
- Tracking your income and expenses so you know where your money’s going
- Using budgeting tools or apps to stay organized and make adjustments
- Making time for regular money check-ins at least monthly
"Invest early and consistently, pay yourself first and always make your money work for you."
-Best financial advice from Jennifer Karadsheh, Mom and Senior Banking Center Manager in Michigan.
5. Be Generous, But Smart About It
Mom knows giving from a place of strength is more sustainable. That’s why she always said, “Be generous, but smart about it.”
Whether it was bringing a meal to a neighbor or helping family through a tough time, Mom led with heart. But she also knew the importance of balance. Giving doesn’t feel so good when it stretches you beyond your means.
She always wanted you to give thoughtfully and strategically.
Embody her wisdom by:
- Setting a monthly or annual giving limit that fits within your budget.
- Reviewing how much you’ve given quarterly to stay on track.
- Leading by example with giving that’s both kind and consistent.
"Being wealthy has nothing to do with how much money you have, but everything to do with how well you love and treat others."
-Best financial advice from Dionka Saddler, Mom and Senior Banking Center Manager in Michigan.
Thanks For Your Wisdom, Mom
Many of the habits that shape how we spend, save and give started with simple truths passed down from Mom. They involved money, sure. But they also involved patience, preparedness, effort and more.
Life changes, and financial decisions get more complex, but those early lessons still hold up. And they serve as an important reminder: Build the kind of financial life Mom would be proud of.
Here’s to all the mother figures who’ve helped shape smarter, steadier financial paths. We’re grateful for your wisdom.
Want more everyday tips to help you spend, save and plan with confidence? Explore more financial resources from Comerica Insights.