My grandmother had an uncanny ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary, giving seemingly simple advice that worked like magic. Although she was never rich, she managed to live in abundance, always having enough money and resources to make ends meet and even help others, not only her children and numerous grandchildren, but also those in need.
Her advice may seem strange or superstitious to some, but its “power” lies in faith and tradition, not in any real impact on finances.
Take with your left hand, give with your right.
“Take with the left, give with the right,” she always said.
While this advice may seem strange, it’s based on the idea of balance and mindfulness with money. In some traditions, the left side is symbolically associated with receiving, while the right side is associated with giving. By consciously practicing this little ritual, you’re reminding yourself of the value of sharing and gratitude, which can help you build a healthier relationship with your finances.
Ancient Eastern philosophy states that balancing energy flows promotes mental and physical well-being, and this simple practice reminds us to be mindful of what we give and receive. While it may not guarantee wealth, it certainly helps build a respectful attitude towards every financial transaction we make.
Do not clean up or take out trash after dark.
One of the strangest pieces of advice she gave was about cleaning up after sunset.
“Leave the house as it is in the evening,” she said. If you sweep the dirt or take out the trash in the evening, they can take away your good luck.”
This idea has its roots in folklore, where it was believed that the night was a time for rest and reflection, not for active activities that could “disturb” the energy of the home. The idea is that maintaining well-being helps maintain natural rhythms. Even if it is only symbolic, postponing household chores until the daytime is a simple way to show respect for tradition and, just as importantly, give yourself the opportunity to rest after a long day.
I once took out the trash after dark, and a few days later I lost a considerable amount of money. Maybe it was just a coincidence, but after that incident I started listening to my grandmother's advice much more carefully.
Borrow money wisely and without regrets
“Only borrow what you can afford to lose,” she often reminded me. And another piece of advice: “If you don’t want to lose a friend, don’t borrow money.”
While generosity is noble, borrowing your last money leads to resentment and regret.
She encouraged me to remember that helping others is a blessing, but financial responsibility starts with taking care of yourself. The key is to give from the heart, whether it's to a friend, family member, or neighbor in need, but never at the expense of your own financial stability.
Ancient proverbs remind us, “He who gives wisely gives twice.” It is a reminder to support others thoughtfully, knowing that we cannot pour from an empty cup.
Respect your money and keep it in order.
As trite as it may sound, my grandmother taught me to be careful with money. She had a habit of sorting bills by denomination, carefully placing them in her wallet.
“Money doesn’t like mess,” she said. “If you show it respect, it will come back to you.”
This approach is not so much magic as psychology. By being careful with money, we develop financial discipline and responsibility. This helps us to better control our expenses and income, and respect for money as a symbol of our own work subconsciously encourages us to be more frugal. Thus, “money comes back” not through mysticism, but through our own changes in behavior.
Sweep crumbs off the table with a rag, but not with your hand – otherwise you will lose money.
In the past, bread was not just food, but a symbol of life and abundance, especially in times when food could be scarce. Therefore, it was treated with great respect. It was believed that by throwing away crumbs, a person showed contempt for this gift, and therefore could lose his well-being. Therefore, people were strongly advised to finish even the smallest pieces.
The belief that you shouldn't sweep up crumbs with your hand grew out of this same tradition of reverence for food. By sweeping them into your palm, a person seemed to devalue what had once been bread. This was seen as a sign of carelessness that, it was believed, could attract poverty.
Keep coins and talismans at home
One of my favorite memories is of her telling me, “Always keep a coin bank in your house.”
She explained that this would attract prosperity. She also placed coins under rugs or in secret corners to attract abundance.
“There should always be a coin under the doormat – it attracts money.”
The horseshoe on the door was another device designed to attract good luck and protection, and was always hung with the open end up to “catch” prosperity.
Superstition or not, keeping symbols like coins or amulets in your home creates an atmosphere in which wealth and abundance are valued. They serve less as magical objects than as psychological “anchors”—powerful reminders of your financial goals and intentions. A coin bank can be a symbolic start to saving, and a horseshoe can be a reminder of your belief in yourself. These talismans can serve as powerful reminders of your goals and intentions.
Got the money – pay yourself first
“When you get your paycheck, set aside one bill for yourself. Carry it in a separate pocket; it will act as a psychological talisman, reminding you of your worth and setting you up to attract new opportunities.”
When we get our paycheck, we often rush to pay off debts, pay bills, and meet our immediate needs. However, as grandma used to say, pay yourself first. This simple principle holds deep wisdom.
By setting aside at least one bill for ourselves, we not only create a financial cushion, but also send a signal to our subconscious that we value our efforts and work. This bill becomes a kind of symbol, a reminder that you are worthy of financial prosperity and new opportunities. The more we realize our value, the more chances we have to attract additional income into our lives.
After all, as another wise saying goes: “You reap what you sow.”
If we take care of ourselves and our needs, the world will respond in kind. So by setting aside money for ourselves, we are not just taking care of the future, we are creating space for prosperity and growth.
