My dad was a successful banker and Army veteran, and he would have been 82 this year. Even though I only got 27 years with my dad, he's still very much alive in my heart. Some of the most memorable things he taught me centered around his favorite topics: family, working hard and being smart about money. My dad always focused on being constructive rather than complaining about things that were beyond his control. By the time I graduated, I had a strong credit score and the ability to open a card with points.

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Persons: he's, I'm, Christie Daley, he'd, spender Organizations: Army