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The summer job – a rite of passage for some teenagers, but for our Money Coach Bill Stanley, it turned out to be where he learned a lot of life's lessons.

Here's his story, in his words:

“It was Kentucky Fried Chicken back then. I was a sophomore and junior in high school. I worked a couple of hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I started in French fries and moved up to counter service.

“I remember Henry, our corpulent cook. He was the one who knew about the secret recipe. I remember our 2-for-1 sales when we sold two chicken dinners for $1 -- people were lined up out the door! I even met KFC founder Colonel Harland Saunders, who looked just like his picture.

“Reflecting back upon this, my first real job, I came to realize that I learned many valuable lessons about life from KFC.

“They were depending on me, so I had to be there when I was supposed to. I would ride my bike to the next city. I never missed a shift.

“I think every person should work at least one summer at a fast food restaurant. Dealing with the public is a lesson in patience and perseverance, and I think it is a necessary lesson; everyone should do it.

“I remember the time an old man in old clothing ordered onion rings. I asked did he want the small size, 45 cents, or the large size, 75 cents. He pondered a moment and said, “Give me the large size; it's only money.” That phrase "it's only money" has stuck with me over the years.

“I was paid $1 an hour. I worked a total of nine hours each week. After taxes (another life lesson) I received a check for $7.11. Each Monday at lunchtime, I would walk from high school to the bank and deposit my check. Thus started my habit of savings. I never touched that money; I let it grow.

“When I was thinking about KFC, it occurred to me that as a teen I never woke up one morning and said: “I had better get job and start saving for my life ahead.” My mom got me the job, and because I was a good kid, I went to work just like she told me to.

“I want to say "thanks, Mom" for getting my work life started. The lesson here for parents it to not only to encourage your kids to get a job, but make them do it and make them save their salary.

“So now, many years later, I look back at my Kentucky Fried Chicken job as a turning point in my life. Sometime we can talk about my other early jobs – telephone operator at a hotel, lifeguard, floor scrubber, and then there's the time I worked in a funeral home.”