I spent much of my career helping families make sense of markets, plan for retirement, and manage wealth thoughtfully.

But some of the most meaningful lessons I ever taught about money didn’t happen in an office.

They happened years ago, around my kitchen table, raising my six children—long before any of them had a paycheck.  And if I'm honest, those lessons were passed down to me by my father, Ed Noonan, around our large kitchen table surrounded by my nine siblings.  

Now that they’re older, I find myself thinking less about what they know, and more about the habits they carry. Especially in a world that often sends the wrong message about money.

Today’s society (notably through social media) can create unrealistic expectations—what success looks like, what you should have, how quickly you should have it. But what I tried to teach my children was simpler, and I believe more lasting.
 

Money is a tool, not a measure of your worth.

We talked often about not comparing—about staying grounded and grateful, whether you have more or less than someone else.

Save first, then spend.

That habit, built early, tends to stay. It creates a sense of control and stability that no income level alone can provide.

Be patient—growth takes time.

Whether it was a jar of coins or later conversations about investing, the lesson was the same: steady patience is more powerful than quick results.

Know the difference between needs and wants.

Just pausing to ask that question often leads to better decisions.

And perhaps most important—don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Comfort with money begins with simple curiosity, not expertise.

Looking back, I never expected to raise financial experts. That was never the goal.

What mattered more was helping them develop a healthy relationship with money—and an understanding that money itself is not where real fulfillment comes from.

In my experience, happiness is built much more on the strength of your relationships with your family, friends, and your community.  But make no mistake, poor financial habits can put a strain on it.

If the next generation can hold onto that perspective, they’ll be well ahead in the ways that truly matter.