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My Dearest Child,
You are the most important person in the world to me and I want you to grow up in a better world with more opportunities than I had, because that is what all parents strive for: for our children to stand on our shoulders and to pass that legacy on through generations.
In order to achieve this I have worked hard at making sure that my own finances are in as healthy a state as possible, given my means. I have also made provision for your future should I not be around to watch you grow up.
If, however, I reach a ripe old age and get to enjoy my time with my grandchildren, I also want to ensure that you do not have to worry too much about your old dad when you are struggling to meet mortgage repayments and educating your own children.
For that reason I have put the following in place:
I have sufficient life cover so that if I pass away or am unable to work due to disability or illness, your education will be paid for.
From when you were just a baby I started putting money away each month for your education. By starting early, even the small amount I could put away each month has grown into a reasonable amount so that I do not have to borrow money to help you finish your studies.
I continue to put money away for my retirement. This has not always been easy and I had to avoid the temptation of cashing the money in when I changed jobs, but the money is there and will also be available to you should I leave this world earlier than expected.
I have made sacrifices for you, taking on extra work where possible and never buying that luxury car that I have always wanted, and continue to dream of, knowing it would cost me more than I could justify.
As much as I have made sacrifices, I also want you to know that I have plans of my own for my future.
I will support you through your education but if you mess around and do not respect the money I have spent, then you will pay for your own tertiary education. My sacrifices have been an investment in you to grow, not to squander.
I also expect you to find student jobs and pay for your own spending habits. I am not going to be an ATM for your cellphone data and designer shoes.
I have structured my finances such that I will not be financially supporting you after the age of 25. By then you would have received sufficient education and support to stand on your own two feet. I will always be there for you in my capacity as your father, but it is then that my job as banker and financier comes to an end.
The role of a parent is not only to support our children but also to raise responsible adults, and I hope I do that as successfully as I have provided for your education.
Always,
Your Father
