Born of fierce independence and intent on passing this on to his children, my father required us to learn from his excellent financial acumen. And so I sit at the kitchen table, an investment website open on my laptop, him hovering over my shoulder, saying, “You need to learn to take care of your money. You need to invest.” “OK,” I respond. He says, “I’m going to teach you how to put in an order.” “Ok . . .” Confused, I await further instructions, the incomprehensible dashboard of acronyms and numbers in front of me. “Well?” He asks impatiently. “Put in an order!”
Melissa Owens is no longer a university student trying to write things down before she forgets. It happens far too quickly. She lives in London. Find Melissa on Twitter @Meli_Owens.