My mom's smart investment helped me buy my first home in my 20s. I want to give my kids the same financial head start.

Tech Insider : Business, Travel
The author and her family smiling and standing under an archway, they are dressed up.
The author bought her first home when she was 23 and sold it when she and her husband bought a fixer-upper.

Courtesy of Melissa Noble

My teens use me as an excuse to get out of social plans. I'm more than happy to play the bad guy.

Tech Insider : Business
Three teenage boys relaxing and having fun while playing on a games console in a bedroom
The author's kids (not pictured) know they can use her as an excuse to get out of social plans.

SolStock/Getty Images

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