Craig: My father served in the Army and spent 14 months on the front lines in Korea. That military background set a standard for hard work and personal responsibility in our home. After his service, he held multiple jobs and consistently modeled diligence, self-reliance, and careful money management.
As an only child, I was taught early to save and live within my means. By age 13, I was mowing lawns for spending money, and at 16 I began working at a small grocery store in Belleville. Both parents believed in balance — work hard, play hard — and our family often gathered with relatives. In our family, resourcefulness runs deep.
My grandfather operated a farm without electricity for years. Survival always came before leisure. In fact, when my father was invited to try out for the St. Louis Cardinals, he couldn’t go because spring planting took priority.
From my parents, I learned to build savings consistently, live within my means, and take full responsibility for earning my own way.
Cindy: I grew up in a more reserved household. My father was Polish and my mother was Croatian. Both survived tough financial times. My father boned hams in a cold environment every day and came home exhausted. Because of this, my family did few recreational activities. My parents highlighted meeting basic needs, avoiding any “wants” unless they were absolutely affordable.
My mother was very religious; she had a twin sister who was a Franciscan nun and lived with strong Catholic values. My father was extremely thrifty—he was determined to save every possible dollar to ensure the family always had enough for daily necessities. This influenced my own thriftiness and saving habits. We did, eventually, get an air conditioner and color TV, but far later in my childhood than many of my peers.
Craig & Cindy: While both of us grew up Catholic, certain aspects (like policies that affected our own children) strained our connection to the institutional church. However, we both still keep a foundational Christian faith!
*Not employees of Cetera