Most of us have one, or sometimes more than one: a turning point or a moment when our feelings about money crystallize. When that happens, we know it and resolve to think about our finances in a different way while saving, spending or giving away money much more carefully.
In these pages, you’ll read about grandparents who made an outsize impact when parents were not fully engaged, and parents who spent more (much more) in areas where their own parents had kept their wallets shut tight. A boss makes an appearance and, surprisingly, de-emphasizes money. A good friend teaches a valuable lesson over a free lunch. And another chides our correspondent for taking unnecessary risks with both of their lives.
You’ll also meet writers whose lessons were self-taught, through a change in attitude after nearly becoming homeless or making a big mistake running a company.
Do you have an essential money lesson or financial turning point that you’d like to share? Visit nytimes.com/yourmoney to post it and read the contributions of others.
This Your Money special section is part of a continuing collaboration with American Public Media’s “Marketplace” radio programs. Broadcasts this week will feature people in this section; visit marketplace.org for stations and schedules. —Ron Lieber
Artices in this section:
A Singer-Songwriter, Just Trying to Make Do
By AMY SPEACE
Amy Speace lives in East Nashville, Tenn., a bohemian neighborhood, but surging development there has made it difficult for artists there to make ends meet.
How the Year 2000 Turned My Life Upside Down
By PAUL SULLIVAN
When I bought my first New York apartment, the down payment came from my grandfather, who had long offered support and financial advice.
Need Financial Advice? Ask the Future You
By DAVID BRANCACCIO
In personal finances, it’s easy to focus too much on the present. To overcome this, think of yourself and your needs years from now.
Paying for College and Learning a Lesson for Life
By RON LIEBER
Applying for higher education provides an important opportunity for parents and their children to discuss decisions about money — and the amount of debt that will accrue by graduation.
On Not Spending Money
By KIM GORDON
The co-founder of Sonic Youth discusses money uncertainty as a musician and daughter of a Depression-era mother.
Breaking a Rule on Hiring, and Paying the Price
By OLALAH NJENGA
The owner of a marketing strategy company learns that when it comes to acquiring talent, potential is great — but experience is better.
Finding Surer Footing
By CARL RICHARDS
Carl Richards says an experience while mountain climbing with a friend changed how he views risk in business or personal finances.
Pick Up the Tab: The Wages of Virtue
By GUSTAVO ARELLANO
Whoever makes the most, picks up the tab. For several reasons.
Money Admonitions From 9/11
By KENNETH R. FEINBERG
Kenneth Feinberg determined payouts to victims of such tragedies as the Sept. 11 attacks and the shootings at Virginia Tech, giving him pause about how to handle his own money in the face of life’s vicissitudes.
An Excuse to Splurge on Her Girls
By ANN CARRNS
Seven years and about $2,500 later, a mother recalls that the popular toys and accessories that she bought for her daughters also fulfilled her own childhood desires.
A Real Estate Game Plan, Dashed by a Dalliance
By SLIM THUG
The rap artist Slim Thug saw a real estate opportunity a few years ago, but it slipped away when he and his agent became more interested in each other.
A Costly but Valuable Lesson in Debt and Self-Confidence
By LIZZIE O’LEARY
Spending as a salve for growing pains causes a more serious malady.
Chinese Cabbie’s Query Prompted an Epiphany
By MARY PILON
Americans are acculturated to being cagey about our personal wealth and income, but a little transparency might serve us all better.
A Teenager’s Harsh Lesson Is an Adult’s Buffer
By NICOLE A. CHILDERS
The day after graduating from high school, a foster child was on her own. Ever since, she has saved — and been her own backup plan.
Making Money Secondary in Decisions
By MELLODY HOBSON
A top executive learns early that money shouldn’t be the key factor in making career choices.
Passing Along the Financial Genes
By KAI RYSSDAL
Like his father, a radio host doesn’t like to think about money. So his wife handles every last penny.