Thanks, Dad, for Making My Kids' Life Better

My father is alive today, so I can thank him again in person this Sunday on Father’s Day for some of the most important things he taught me when I was young.

My father started a small business on borrowed money shortly after I turned 8 years old. He left the safety and security of a large company, and opened up the fifth car dealership
in a small town in southern Minnesota. Today, my brother runs the only car dealership left in that same town.

My father taught me how to treat customer’s that did business with his company. He taught me how to never be afraid to tell the customer the truth—even when it could cost you a “sale.” He always told me, “If you don’t have customer’s you don’t have a business.”

By far, the most important “real life” lessons that my father taught me was how to handle money and make investment decisions. He taught me that not every person in the world was blessed with the ability to manage their money wisely, and that helping people make financial decisions in their best interest was the foundation of his business.

I am thinking of my Dad a lot this week because of how the lessons he taught me have helped me help my clients over the years. Making investment decisions in a company retirement 401(k) plan does not come easy for most people.

My investment advice business has grown and I have been able to save for retirement and fund my kids college education needs and beyond.

It all started with my Dad teaching me. Because of what my Dad taught me, my kids
will be better off financially.

I hope that all Dad’s have a money conversation with their kids soon. Their grandchildren will be better off for it.

Ric Lager
Lager & Company, Inc.