Women control an estimated $31.8 trillion of worldwide spending and more than two-thirds of women say they are the primary decision makers for their household’s investment choices.

With the “she-conomy” thriving, we turned to our female Zions Bankers to share their financial wisdom in honor of Mother’s Day — what they’ve learned from their own mothers as well as the lessons they’re passing on to their children.

Kristiane Koontz, Treasury Services and Payments Director

I grew up in a family where mom was a nurse and dad was a teacher. They served the public good but weren’t making millions of dollars a year. But we got to have really incredible experiences as kids because they were really thoughtful about saving. They prioritized travel and education. We always got to take a vacation somewhere interesting to learn about a different culture and had educational opportunities outside of school.

My mom impressed on me the importance of saving and always having money stashed away in case of emergency. She encouraged me to have a backup plan and never assume that I was going to get a raise or promotion.

I became financially independent at the age of 18 because my mom instilled that desire in me. It’s part of growing up and being an adult. I took a lot of pride in that. Five years after becoming financially independent, I bought my first home in San Francisco, which I still own to this day as an income property.

Today, we live well below our means and have a comfortable level of savings. Some might say we're a little too conservative, but it pays off during hard times.

Twyla Lehto, Corporate Trust Director

One of the most important lessons I've shared with my children is the concept of having "skin in the game." When you invest your own money into something, you tend to value it much more and are less likely to take it for granted.

For instance, if they wanted new sneakers, I encouraged them to pay for half the cost. Similarly, if they wanted to attend a concert with me, they were responsible for covering half of the ticket price.

This approach not only taught them the value of money but also instilled a sense of responsibility and appreciation for their possessions and experiences.

As they transitioned into young adulthood, I emphasized the importance of gratitude in the workplace. Being thankful for their jobs and employers can significantly impact their overall job satisfaction and performance.

I advised them that if they find themselves unable to be grateful for their current job, it might be time to seek a new opportunity where they can feel more appreciative. Maintaining a sense of gratitude for their paycheck can lead to wiser spending habits and a more positive outlook on their professional life.

Crystal Low, Strategic Initiatives Director

Growing up, money was always top of mind and my goal was to get a job and become self-sufficient. My 10-year-old son, Tuxton, lives a much different life than I did. I want him to enjoy the blessings of having enough money to spend and have fun, but also to learn responsible spending and saving.

I’ve tried lots of systems. Since he was 5, I’ve given him an allowance, and taught him to track money earned and spent with a general ledger in a notebook. Even though he now has a checking account with a debit card, he still uses the ledger to track his money today.

The key is ensuring that he uses his own money to pay for things. If you want a Swig, it’s coming out of your pocket. He needs to learn what things cost and be willing to spend his own money on the things he wants.

We can give our children everything but just because we can doesn’t mean we should. I want Tux to have the same appreciation for money and hard work that I do, but also live a life without struggle. The hardest part is not giving in.

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