More than skin deep

My high school year book title ;-)

I used to walk from my mom's crappy apartment to Beverly Hills High School and pass by the tiny stucco boxes (I mean houses) on South Linden Drive 

— dreaming maybe one day, I could afford one.

Years later, walking to work from our apartment at 68th and 3rd to 400 Madison Avenue, I’d pass brownstones 

— wondering if I’d ever own one in New York City.

Now, looking back at those memories and thoughts, 

I probably wouldn’t have had them unless I felt like one day it would be a possibility. 

Growing up on the other side of the tracks in Beverly Hills among a lot of rich people stirred an unrest, a desire that I can do this. 

Yes, I felt out of place back then, even as a cheerleader.

But ok with the decision to forgo ordering a Coke when out to lunch with my friends at California Pizza Kitchen, to stay within my allowance, and so I have enough money to tip our server.

Now I realize these experiences and memories meant something more profound and important than just budgeting while growing up in Beverly Hills.

It meant these were golden money lessons which shaped me into someone who loves doing mental math, into an investor and to someone who understands eat-what-you-kill in business. 

It reminds me of something I read in the #WSJ from last Saturday/Sunday edition. 

Katie Roiphe writes about how she was terrible at money, her daughter should learn from her mistakes. 

My mom was terrible with money but I appreciate all the rich lessons I learned from her and what not to do. 

And now? 

I wouldn’t trade those early money lessons, which run more than skin deep (this the title from my 1990 yearbook) for any house on Linden Drive in Beverly Hills or a Brownstone on 65th street.

What early money lessons did you learn that have helped you today?

I'm here to help you shake it off and learn from our early experiences.

Thanks for reading!

Tiffany Kent

Your Friendly Wealth Engagement Guide

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