There is an expression an apple never falls far from the tree. It is an excellent metaphor to describe children's behaviour, especially in life choices. Both of my parents attended university, and it was expected that I would attend as well. I was fortunate as a child because my parents made sure that I bought a $100 Guaranteed Investment certificate with the first $100 that I earned. I was probably 5 or 6 when my mother matched me down to the bank to buy that certificate. The first $100 is the hardest. The first $1000 is the hardest. The first $1000000 is the hardest.
When I was attending university, I purchased my first Canada Savings Bond. At the time, it had an interest rate of 18%. I was able to earn 36% interest for a short time because I bought it on margin. For many people, the entire idea of buying interest-bearing instruments (a fancy name for what I just described) is alien to them. This investment pattern I learned from my parents. I wish my father had taught me a few more things while he was at it. Principally, my father had bought real estate and rented houses before he got married. After he settled on farming full time, he sold these properties.
What a different life I would have led if I had bought rental housing instead of buying Canada Savings Bonds, even if I did make 36 percent interest.