"Florence, don't spend all your money," my mum said as I was counting the cash I had just received.
I smiled. "Mummy, don't worry. I'll still have some left."
She looked at me and shook her head.
"No. Keep part of it. You may need it sooner than you think."
I didn't listen.
I had plans. I wanted to buy new clothes, order food, and treat myself because I felt I deserved it.
Within a few days, almost all the money was gone.
Then, one evening, I got a message from school. We were to pay for some materials needed for a practical class, and the deadline was only two days away.
I checked my account.
Almost empty.
My heart sank.
I started regretting all the unnecessary things I had bought.
That night, my mum called.
As if she already knew, she asked, "How is the money?"
I didn't even know what to say.
I finally admitted that I had spent almost everything.
She was quiet for a few seconds and then said, "This is why I told you to save. Money has a way of disappearing when we think we have plenty."
I felt so embarrassed.
Thankfully, my mum helped me out, but I learned an important lesson that day.
Parents don't always advise us because they want to control us.
Most times, they have simply experienced life longer than we have.
Since then, whenever my mum tells me to save money or be careful with my spending, I pay attention.
Because sometimes, the best advice comes from someone who has already walked the road you're about to take.
And sometimes, all you need to do is...
Listen to her.
