Financial Advice from America's Founding Fathers

What money-management guidance can we glean from the words — and experience — of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Alexander Hamilton and others?

A depiction of the signing of Declaration of Independence on a dollar bill.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Benjamin Franklin famously coined the phrase, "A penny saved is a penny earned." That's a good start.

To help you prosper even more, in honor of 4th of July, consider what other founders of the United States of America had to say on the subject of personal finance. As you'll see, many of their ideas live on today in Kiplinger's advice to our readers. We hope their original calls to action inspire you to forge a path toward your own financial independence.

Sarah Smith
Intern, Kiplinger.com
Sarah Smith is an intern for Kiplinger.com. She is a senior majoring in international relations and gender, sexuality, and women's studies at the College of William and Mary. At school, Smith serves as the news editor of The Flat Hat, William and Mary's student newspaper.
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