A mom has shared how she is paving an unconventional path for her three daughters as she raises them for a life of freedom and financial independence.
"It all started with a realization," Amanda Custer told Newsweek. "In the midst of caring for my daughter, Carsen, who battled severe disabilities, my husband and I realized the constraints of conventional employment. We wanted more time together as a family, and we knew we had to forge our own path."
In 2015, the family faced a tragic loss when they lost Carsen. Determined to cherish every moment and prioritize family time, they embarked on a journey across the country in an RV, embracing a nomadic lifestyle.
"When you face loss, you realize the fragility of life," reflects Custer. "We decided to homeschool our daughters, using the Acellus online program. It's not just about academics; it's about instilling a sense of autonomy and freedom. They have control over their schedules and ample time for activities they love."
Read more: Investment Strategies for Beginners
Living life to the fullest is something Custer takes so seriously that she is now raising her daughters, aged 12, 10 and 9, to "never have to work a day in their lives, if they don't want to."
As well as instilling a sense of autonomy and freedom in the girls, Custer is a mentor in day trading and is introducing them to the skill.
Day trading is a form of short-term investing where an individual buys and sells securities, such as stocks, bonds, or currencies, within the same trading day with the goal of profiting from small price movements.
Read more: How to Buy and Sell Stocks
"I'm teaching them to read the charts, understand market dynamics, and cultivate a mindset of financial independence," Custer said. "While they're not actively trading yet, they're learning invaluable lessons about money management and entrepreneurship."
For Custer, it isn't just about profits either, it is about teaching her daughters that there are different ways to make a living.
At just 12 years old, her oldest daughter is already brainstorming business ideas. "I want them to understand the power of compounding their money and making it work for them," Custer added. "With financial stability, they can pursue their passions and contribute meaningfully to the world."
The mom shared her approach in a TikTok video with more than 2 million views and added: "I'm creating little legends."
In thousands of comments, people shared their thoughts and reactions.
"Adopt me," said one commenter. While another said: "Can I be one of your daughters?"
Others weren't as keen. One commenter said: "I want my kids to know the value of hard work," while another wrote: "What about potential losses?"
Despite the unconventional approach, Custer believes that other parents can benefit from similar strategies.
"The internet has opened up a world of opportunities," she said. "It's about empowering our children to live life on their own terms."
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Alice Gibbs is a Newsweek Senior Internet Trends & Culture Reporter based in the U.K. For the last two years ... Read more
To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.
