You don’t owe anyone anything

Never forget that.

Photo by Etty Fidele on Unsplash

You know about the side-eye.

You’ve had a hilariously harmless version for years. You’ve even hit me with it a few times.

You need to know how to use your side-eye when it comes to money.

You tell me I’m always preaching. You haven’t heard me preach that lesson as much as I should.

People act funny with money. For as many money talks as we’ve had, safeguarding yourself isn’t one I’ve harped on enough.

You must not only be careful with how you manage your money, but equally important is who you trust with your funds.

You have no context at 10 years old for why this is such a critical lesson. In time, and through the inevitably harsh realities of life, you will gain more understanding.

I realized shortly after sitting down with you to tape Episode 7 of the Money Talks podcast that it’s time I start preparing you. It’s an uncomfortable but unavoidable situation you’ll face.

You wanted us to establish rules for operating your Roth IRA, which reminded me you also need rules for people.

I’ve told you everyone will not be happy for our success with Money Talks. You should keep that in mind.

You also should remember the time, energy and effort you’ve put into learning about money alongside me. You’ve made sacrifices since you were 8 to position yourself to receive what some surely will call luck.

It’s why you don’t owe anyone anything.

People like being friends with people with lots of money. As someone who is on a path toward having lots of money, you have to be mindful of that.

It’s significant enough that I felt compelled to write you this column, and I’m already picturing a day where I’ll have to stop publishing your net worth.

With every update, I’m robbing you of a piece of your privacy, propping open the door for ill-intentioned people to come snooping.

Money Talks is a cute and cuddly project on the ground floor, while we’re aspiring for something greater. But once we take off, we could become targets.

So watch the people around you, Parker. Watch the company you keep.

There will be people who come into your life who genuinely love you.

And there’ll be others who will love what you can do for them.

Learn to tell the difference.

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