Hello Reader,
Father’s Day isn’t just about cards and cookouts it’s a chance to reflect on the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways our dads or father figures (Uncles, Grandpas, Cousins, Mentors .etc) influenced our relationship with money.
Whether they talked openly about finances, led by example, or never said a word… they shaped what we believed. Some of those beliefs served us. Others? Not so much.
So let us dive in and talk about it.
💬 Rant:
Money messages from dads can live deep in our bones.
Maybe your dad:
Taught you to never spend more than you earn.
Believed in saving for the future by showing you how.
Encouraged independence and helped you open your first account.
But maybe he also:
Avoided talking about debt.
Shouldered all the financial pressure silently.
Made you feel like money decisions weren’t for you to worry about.
The truth is, we carry all of it. The empowering parts and the limiting ones. What matters now is this: you get to decide what to carry forward and what to lay down.
👀 Reflection:
One of the few times my dad talked to me about his money, he ended the conversation by telling me to share it with my future husband because “he’s the one who needs to provide.” Even then, I felt the disconnect. I wanted to be involved. I wanted to understand. That moment didn’t stop me, it motivated me.
Because I also saw how hard he worked, how carefully he planned, and how deeply he cared. He didn’t always have the tools to explain his mindset but I know it came from love. He came from a household that did not talk about money. He learned from his father that it was a man's responsibility to provide.
Now I get to take what did help, heal what didn’t, and pass along something stronger to the next generation. While my Dad may not have directly spoke to me about his money, he did try to pass on financial literacy. I remember as a kid playing the board game Cashflow 101 with him. When I got married he gave us (it was noted for my husband, but he hates reading) a few personal finance books. And when he passed away I inherited the rest and a bunch on real estate (my Dad's dream).
If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be here typing this out. He inspired me and motivated me to become radically financially transparent so my kids wouldn't feel shame or guilt around talking about money. This movement of unmuted money is because of him. So for that I am grateful and I know deep down he was trying to pass better financial stewardship but unfortunately before we could hash it out together his time came.
🔗 Resources:
💭 Journal Prompts:
- What’s one money lesson from a father figure that shaped you for better or worse?
- When you think about money and responsibility, what emotions come up?
- If you’re a parent or mentor, what money message do you want to pass down?
🧠 Reflection Questions:
- Did the father figures in your life talk about moneyor stay silent?
- Were you taught to be curious about money or to leave it to others?
- How have you already started to rewrite those early beliefs?
🔄 Quick Reframes:
- “Men are supposed to provide.” → Providing isn’t about gender it’s about shared values and teamwork.
- “Don’t ask questions, just work hard.” → Questions are how we grow. Hard work matters, but so does strategy.
- “Money isn’t something to discuss.” → Silence breeds confusion it is conversation that builds confidence.
These small shifts add up and they’re how we build a financial legacy rooted in clarity, not shame.
P.S. I’d love to hear the money messages you got from a dad, grandpa, mentor or even what you’re teaching as a father figure. Hit reply and share!
Keep what empowers you,
Coach Becca
📩 Unmuted Money | Debt Tale
📆 Free Q/A Call | 📽️ Watch on YouTube