This article talks about how my father taught me the value of money and how to reach and reach my goals in life.
Peter is a friend of mine, and for his 17th birthday, his parents bought him a very nice car that cost them about GBP2000. He was very happy and showed everyone, including me, his new car. Even though he couldn't even drive at this point, it was still a great gift.
Peter lived right next door to me, so I showed my dad the car and told him I wanted one for my 17th birthday, which was only three weeks away. He said something like, "I'll bet you would." Even though he said this, I was sure he would buy me a car because, in my opinion, he had enough money to do so.
On my birthday, I didn't get a car. Instead, the main gift I got was a pair of sneakers. I have to say that I was pretty upset, even though it makes me feel bad to say it now.
About eight months later, I passed my driving test, which made my father very happy. He told me how proud he was of me. I told him I was happy, but what good was it to pass my test if I didn't have a car to drive? He seemed to agree, but he still hadn't bought me a car two months later.
My 18th birthday was coming up, and my dad asked me what I would like for my birthday. He told me that turning 18 is a special birthday and that this year he would spend a little more on me. When I told him I wanted a car, he started to laugh. Even so, I was sure he would do what I asked.
Even though it was my birthday, I didn't get a car. The main gift I got was a watch, which was nice, but I was still sad.
I waited two more months and then decided to go at it straight on. I told my dad I needed a car when I went to see him. I asked him, "Okay, so what are we going to do now?" He told her, "If you want a car, go buy one." I told him that I was spending more than I was making each week on going out, buying clothes, etc. He said that if I really wanted a car and was willing to make sacrifices to get one, he would match what I saved.
This really bothered me at the time, but I'm glad it happened because it taught me that if you want something, you have to work hard and make some sacrifices to get it.
