Life Advice: Learn How to Manage What You Have

LinkedIn Influencer Roger Ferguson originally published this post on LinkedIn. Follow Roger on LinkedIn.

The words of wisdom that made all the difference in my life came from my father.

He worked as a mapmaker for the Army but had a keen interest in the financial world. We were not a wealthy family, but he saved and invested and closely followed interest rate fluctuations and other financial news.

My father’s “words of wisdom” came not in the form of a pithy phrase, but in his regular discussions of money matters with me, even when I was just a young boy.

His passion was clear. We talked about money at the dinner table. I have fond memories of joining him on occasional outings to buy government bonds.

He taught me the value of saving and the importance of having a financial plan. Most important, he showed me that building financial security is not just about the size of your paycheck, but about how you manage what you have.

My father would be proud to see that I ended up at TIAA-CREF, a financial services company with a long-term focus and a mission to help people achieve financial well-being.

I try to “pay it forward” by sharing what he taught me with others – especially the college students I meet on visits to TIAA-CREF’s college and university clients nationwide. Here’s what I tell them:

These concepts are pretty straightforward, but given today’s economic realities, they are perhaps more important than ever before. When I share them with students, I always think of my father – and of how grateful I am that he shared his wisdom with me.

Roger W. Ferguson is president and CEO of TIAA-CREF.