Financial Lessons We Learn from Mum – And How to Pass Them On
By Samuel Mather-Holgate
For many of us, our first experience of money came from Mum. Whether it was being handed a few coins for sweets, learning how to budget pocket money, or hearing the phrase “money doesn’t grow on trees” (more times than we can count), mums have been quietly shaping our financial habits for years.
This Mother’s Day, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the financial wisdom we inherit from the women who raised us—and how we can honour those lessons by passing them down to the next generation.
1. “Live Within Your Means” – Budgeting Basics That Stick
How often did your mum stretch a weekly shop to cover a family of five? Or insist that just because you wanted something, didn’t mean you needed it?
That grounding in the value of money—being thoughtful about spending, planning ahead, and saying no to impulse buys—is a core life skill that still matters today.
How to pass it on:
Talk to your kids or grandkids about budgeting early. Use real-life examples. Involve them in the weekly shop, show them how bills work, or set up a junior savings account they can manage with your help.
2. “Save Something for a Rainy Day” – The Power of Saving Early
Whether she tucked away change in a jar or paid herself first each payday, Mum likely taught you the importance of saving. It wasn’t always about big amounts—it was about consistency and discipline.
How to pass it on:
Make saving visual for younger children—use jars or apps. For adults, automate savings into ISAs or pensions. Show that small habits lead to big results over time.
3. “We’ll Make Do” – Managing Money During Hard Times
For many mothers—especially those raising families through tough financial periods—resourcefulness became second nature. Coupons, hand-me-downs, packed lunches… these weren’t just frugal tricks, they were essential survival skills.
How to pass it on:
While we may not need to sew buttons on school shirts anymore, financial resilience is still vital. That means building emergency funds, having protection in place, and not relying solely on credit when life gets bumpy.
4. “Put the Family First” – Planning for the Ones We Love
Mums instinctively put others before themselves. But that generosity should extend beyond the day-to-day. Proper planning ensures loved ones are protected financially—not just emotionally.
How to pass it on:
Consider life insurance, wills, and estate planning. These aren’t just financial tools—they’re ways to ensure your family is looked after when you no longer can.
This is especially important for mothers who act as caregivers or are the central financial organisers in a household.
5. “Education is Everything” – Teaching Financial Confidence
Even if she wasn’t confident with spreadsheets or pensions, your mum might’ve taught you something more important: that learning matters. Whether it was helping with schoolwork, encouraging you to go to university, or just leading by example, she planted the seed for growth.
How to pass it on:
Be open about finances. So many families avoid “money talk,” but knowledge is power. Help your children (or parents!) understand pensions, investments, and why planning ahead matters.
A Note to Mums Today
To every mum juggling packed lunches, spreadsheets, careers, ageing parents and life admin—you’re doing more than enough. But don’t forget to look after yourself, too.
Think about:
Are your own finances protected?
Have you started saving for your own retirement—or just for the kids’?
Do you have a will, or know what would happen if you didn’t?
You’re never too young (or too busy) to plan for your future.
Final Thoughts: A Legacy Beyond Money
Mothers leave us more than heirlooms or a bit of inheritance. They leave us values, habits, and sometimes, life-changing lessons about how to manage and respect money.
This Mother’s Day, take a moment to think about the financial lessons you’ve learned from the women in your life—and consider how you might pass those lessons on.
Because when it comes to money, as with so many things, Mum knows best.
Whether you’re a mum planning ahead, or someone who wants to protect the people they love most, we can help you take the next step.
Speak to our team today about family-focused financial planning, protection, savings and wills. Book a call back now.
