Letter to My Daughter on Her High School Graduation

Well, here we are! You made it! I am so incredibly proud of you, and not just for graduating, but for how you’ve used this time to learn as much as you can about everything, and take advantage of almost every opportunity that came your way.

You are as ready as anyone can be to enter this new phase of your life. 

More than anything, I hope you know that you are not alone, and never will be alone, for as long as I’m around. And even longer, when you consider your sister, your family and friends…you will never be alone. 

While you know I’m a firm believer in independence, I hope I’ve also taught you that independence doesn’t mean you’re alone. It means you’re strong enough and wise enough to figure out what kind of help you need. Because we all need help, and the mature among us know how to ask for it and accept help. And to say please and thank you!

You have so many possibilities for your future, and I’m so excited to see what happens next! 

I love you fiercely and completely.

CONGRATULATIONS!!

Love always,

Your mom

Financial Personality Quiz

Some (real) personal finance bloggers are participating in this event. I'm not one of them, but I played along anyway.

This site has a financial personality quiz. Of course, I had to take it and came up with the personality: Contrarian.

know yourself

The Contrarian

Independent Confident Non-conformist 7% in America are The Contrarian

As The Contrarian, you bring a blunt and independent approach to your social life and finances. You know what you like, and it’s going to be hard to change your mind. You’re very set in your ways and don’t follow trends simply because you see everyone else doing it. Your firm independence isn’t unlikeable though. Your friends appreciate your quick and biting wit and your ability to stand strong in support of your beliefs. You like playing devil’s advocate, and that earns you as much respect as it does criticism. But you wouldn’t have it any other way.

I must say, I agree with this assessment.  

Financial Habits of The Contrarian

• Doesn’t reach out for or listen to other’s help and support in financial issues
• Actively analyzes and tracks finances
• Willing to go outside their comfort zone to get the best prices
• Doesn’t spend impulsively and avoids peer, social, and environmental factors that can increase spending
• Doesn’t fully trust others to manage their money
• Sees the long-term outcomes of their current spending

I agree with some of this, except I am totally not willing to go outside my comfort zone for the best prices! And the first one's only kind of true; I seek out advice constantly on blogs, websites, the YNAB forum and podcasts, but it's all very passive. While I did see a financial adviser at my credit union, I only took some of his advice. I used to be much more impulsive, so I'm proud of the changes I've made there, and I am definitely focused on the long-term goals. 

How Being The Contrarian Can Impact Your Dream

Contrarian, your dreams often begin and end with a strong sense of yourself. And while it is impossible to have too much inner strength, never forget those who help you every day. No person is an island and no dream built alone.

 As someone who takes pride in being independent, this is not shocking to me, but it's probably true that I could give more credit to others where due. 

Still, I kind of love being thought of as a Contrarian!