近距离内射合集

Who was special to you when you were a child? Maybe it was a relative, a friend, a teacher or simply someone you admired. Who gave you good advice as you were growing up or taught you valuable lessons about money? We were shaped by those around us, and you may think of several people who positively impacted your life.

For me, there is one person who had a major impact on my life. That was my grandmother, Mildred Skeels. She was my father鈥檚 mother, and her actions helped shape my personality, my values and my career.

My grandmother 鈥� Grandma Skeels 鈥� didn鈥檛 stand out in my mind during my childhood or teenage years. It was only when I reached my 40s and 50s that I realized how much she had enriched my life. Both of my parents were alcoholics, so my childhood was not idyllic. I now realize how my grandmother worked to fill the void.

She became a widow at age 62, when my grandfather died of colon cancer. Although I was only 9 years old when he died, I recall that she lovingly cared for him at home as his health declined. However, shortly after his death, she started planning how she wanted to spend her remaining years. Ultimately, she lived another 19 years.

In our hometown of Evansville, Indiana, it was typical for a widow to stay home and live the rest of her life without much fun or fanfare. But my grandmother broke all the rules. She wasn鈥檛 wealthy, so her options were limited. However, she was very smart.

A few months after my grandfather鈥檚 death, a local travel agency suggested she try leading bus tours across the U.S. for senior citizens. She had always loved to travel, but she and my grandfather could not afford to travel often.

The offer by the travel agency was that her trip would be free (all expenses covered) if she convinced 10 or 12 friends to sign up. It quickly became clear she was an organizational whiz. She not only persuaded friends to take the tour, but she also arranged who would bring the snacks for the bus and led sing-alongs from the front of the bus. She organized many trips throughout the lower U.S., plus trips to Hawaii and Canada, and one to Germany and Switzerland. She was having a blast, and the other travelers on the bus appreciated her cheerful personality and lighthearted nature.

She also influenced me financially. While I was in college at Indiana University, she asked me to come home each spring to help her organize her tax documents to give to her accountant. I鈥檒l never forget that he charged her $25 each year to do her taxes. She was like many who had lived through the depression; she had $10,000 CDs scattered across many banks in southern Indiana. She had a pension from my grandfather鈥檚 career at Whirlpool, a statement from Social Security, a statement showing a small amount of dividends from her Whirlpool stock and numerous bank statements.

She would ask me to go through all the documents 鈥� which were set aside, waiting for me 鈥� and make a list of income, interest and dividends for her accountant. This was not difficult, but it was my first experience with taxes and investments. I am now convinced that she intended to teach me about finances.

The other financial lesson was far more impactful. She and my grandfather set a goal when my older sister and I were born that they would save $20,000 for each of us so we could be the first members of our family to attend college. (In today鈥檚 dollars, $20,000 would be roughly $122,000.) I did not know about their goal until I was 17 and preparing to leave for college. My grandmother opened a savings account in my name and deposited the $20,000. I was told to 鈥渟tretch it,鈥� so it could get me through four years of college. It was up to me to manage it and protect it, and it got me through four years with a small amount left over that I used to move to Albuquerque.

When I was much older, I realized the sacrifices my grandparents made to save the $20,000. If they were not saving the money, they could have traveled more often or had a nicer home. Yet they clearly were determined that we would attend college, which required a very long-term goal. I am certain they had not saved the full $20,000 when my grandfather died, which is why my grandmother continued to be frugal, even while enjoying lots of traveling. She continued saving for the next eight years.

I don鈥檛 recall ever thanking my grandmother for the $20,000, although I now understand the enormous gifts she gave me. Her gift to pay for my college reminds me that long-term goals are still possible, even though impulsive purchases and credit card debt are common in our society now. Asking me to help her organize her tax documents each year is a reminder that small actions and conversations we have with our children and grandchildren can have a lasting 鈥� and very positive 鈥� impact.

My grandmother and I became very close during my teens and 20s, until her death when I was 26. I think of her fondly and often feel her presence. I suggest you think back to the people who were special to you throughout your life. If they are still living, thank them emphatically. You will make them very happy, and you will also feel good. Even if they are no longer living, you can thank them as you ponder the memories.

Donna Skeels Cygan, CFP庐, MBA, is the author of 鈥淭he Joy of Financial Security.鈥� She owned a fee-only financial planning firm in Albuquerque for over 20 years before recently retiring. She welcomes emails from readers at donna@donnaskeelscygan.com.