The roots of my Irish heritage and money are complicated. In Ireland, coins were used for centuries. Often the coins represented reigning kings. In the twelfth century, the British took over and ruled Ireland. This included their money, their banks, and systems, imposing the English system.
The Irish learned not to trust the banks or the money that was used for exchange during the time of the British rule. Though valid currency, the system was English, the language was English and there were so many restrictions on the natives, that many natives were leery of using their banks. These feelings ran deep and settled in many a family over the generations even in an independent country.
The Republic of Ireland became independent in 1921, leaving six counties in the north still part of England. In 1927, the Republic issued their own currency. That currency changed with the advent of the Euro in 2002.
Some of my relatives emigrated in the 1920’s and would have had money in the US banks when they failed during the depression. They lost their hard earned money, so the feeling carried down through the ancestors about money and financial systems are complex.
My ancestors learned from their experiences. (Yours did too.) I learned many things from what they had to live through on both sides of the ocean. They were an industrious, practical bunch. Land and homeownership were key to success. Even generations later, feelings around money can be complicated because of a “rich” history of happenings. Sometimes what were their experiences, though no longer relevant to me, make it into family lore. Sorting this all out adds a bit of complexity to what I really need to learn.
My profession is about creating solid quality of life while living in peace around your money. Although knowledgeable on the facts and US rules on the money and tax system, I was taught that there is more to life than money alone.
This is what I learned from my family:
Help Others: There is always someone who is worse off than you.
Buy Quality: From clothes to cars to home goods, be sure you buy value.
Repair It: Do not go and buy new, which takes money and hard work. Fix it.
Get Educated: From vocations, academics or a lesson in cooking, learning is invaluable.
Enjoy Music and Dancing: They are a fun release – and fun matters.
Maintain Community: Connections improve the quality of your life as well as your neighborhood.
Buy the Best Health Insurance: One cannot put a price on health.
We all learn consciously and unconsciously from our families of origin. We take away the good and the unhealthy financial habits. This month, ponder your roots and learning. What have you learned?
Picked up not good financial habits? Adapt and adjust. As adults, we can choose what we want to change.
Do one thing to honor your ancestors. I will be donating to an Irish charity.
What will you do? Cook up something traditional. Create a family gathering. Simply connect with a family member.
Whether you are Irish, Spanish, Italian, Mexican, Canadian, Greek, a mix or a pure bred American, we are all human and survived thanks to the strong good character of our ancestors. Celebrate one aspect of your history this month.
Here is a bit of Irish music by The Chieftains: Will You Go Lassie Go (aka Blooming Heather; aka Wild Mountain Thyme)