I grew up a little bit differently than other kids — for almost my entire childhood, I lived with my grandma.
Her experiences shaped a lot about the way she spent, saved, and invested. These habits are a big reason why she's been able to be retired as long as she has. Three money habits in particularly have shaped her strategy, and ultimately mine.If anyone knows how to make a dollar stretch, it's my grandma.
To this day, I think twice before I buy things I don't absolutely need, and think about whether I could make or fix something else to fit the job first. Growing up with her taught me not to spend money on things I don't need. I credit that philosophy for helping me to save, especially when I was living on the west coast where everything is expensive. My grandma grew up in a house that didn't have running water.