A Day for Dads!

The Budget Doctor’s Advice on Father's Day

Father’s Day may be the single most popular holiday for financial advisors. Not only are many of them fathers, but everyone knows that fathers do not expect expensive gifts. In fact most fathers will become quite upset if their children spend recklessly on anything, including gifts for Dad. In addition, it is well accepted that fathers are the second most important parent children have so the celebration does not have to reach the level of Mother’s Day.

On Mother’s Day it is likely that everyone goes out for brunch. On Father’s Day Dad can cook hot dogs at home. Everyone buys Mom a gift but it is quite acceptable to have everyone go together and buy Dad a single gift. For nearly fifty years, the standard gift for Dad was a tie but since ties are now as popular as buggy whips, gifts require a bit more thought. What else is ugly and inexpensive?

None of this should diminish the importance of fathers or the love that children should have for their fathers. And we need to say that fathers appreciate being remembered and pampered for one day a year. But most fathers will appreciate their children’s time and attention more than anything they might buy. Homemade cards are usually preferred to store bought cards and homemade gifts are usually preferred to store bought gifts. Real fathers are simple creatures and it is extremely easy to create a special Father’s Day.

Here is the Budget Doctor’s prescription for a perfect Father’s Day:

1. Schedule time for Dad.
   Time is the greatest gift of all. Do what Dad likes to do and give him your undivided attention.
2. Be thoughtful and attentive.
   Running to the refrigerator for a cold root beer for Dad or having his favorite dessert can mean a lot.
3. Don’t spend very much on gifts.
   Homemade gifts and homemade gift certificates are best. Washing his car,mowing the lawn and cleaning out the gutters are all good gift certificates for Dad. If you must buy something, make it fun instead of expensive.
4. Be sure to reinforce one of his lessons.
   Most fathers have lessons that they try to teach their children. You can please Dad immensely if you are able to tell him that you remember and use even one of those lessons. Spending very little might remind you that money doesn’t grow on trees and closing the door is a sign that you know not to heat (or cool) the outdoors.
5. Let him know you appreciate him.
   Dad’s major accomplishment may have been convincing Mom to have children with him, but he has accomplished something and many dads don’t get the opportunity to feel appreciated very often. Father’s Day is the right time to say something nice out loud.

Many children are amazed to learn later in life that fathers love their children just like mothers. Our society still thinks of fathers as providers who lack the skills to excel at parenting. That is an old stereotype. Father’s Day may not be as big a holiday as Mother’s Day, but it still means a lot to fathers and having children who are thoughtful and frugal is about as good as it gets for a real dad.

And if you are a real dad, thanks for what you do.