A mother’s love is priceless. And a mother’s advice on work and money can have lifelong value in dollars and sense. Take it from financial company executive Jennifer Dickey, who credits “mom Gloria” with lessons that embraced appreciating the value of a dollar and learning to work for what you want to buy.

With Mother’s Day in mind, Dickey recalled a childhood episode when — as a third grader growing up on Detroit’s East Side — she asked for a new pair of tennis shoes.

“I was hoping for this really sweet pair of kicks,” said Dickey, chief experience officer for Cornerstone Community Financial, headquartered in Auburn Hills.

At the time, both of Dickey’s parents were working and money was tight. Word came back from mom that new shoes would have to wait.

Dickey responded with the willful stubbornness of youth, enlisting a classmate to stage a backyard “carnival” to raise shoe money. Pooling their savings and energy, the twosome loaded up with penny candy and games and asked neighborhood kids to pay to play.

The main attraction: A raffle for a goldfish bought for “about a dime” by Dickey and her pal.

The event — staged without her parents’ knowledge — was a smash hit, with Gloria Jean Stephens arriving home to find dozens of kids in the backyard for fun and games.

“(Her) lesson was that you have to work hard to get things you want and to understand the cost,” Dickey said.

Surprised by her daughter’s entrepreneurial activities and the backyard bedlam, Stephens was nonetheless impressed. She took the opportunity to recognize initiative by making up the difference between the carnival’s revenues and the cost of new tennis shoes.

“She appreciated that I was doing the work to earn the money,” said Dickey, noting that mom added, ‘Next time, let me know.’”

In honor of Mother’s Day, several Cornerstone executives who are moms themselves shared some of their favorite money lessons.

Don’t spend more than you have

Dickey, mom to Grace (20), Laura (18) and Lily (15)

Advice: “This may seem like an obvious tip, but it’s the one people tend to adhere to the least when it comes to their personal spending habits. Credit cards are great when used responsibly, but overspending, especially for wish items versus needs, is never a good idea. Spending wisely isn’t about deprivation, but rather focusing on purchases that enrich your life long-term, like education, travel and hobbies.”

Save for a rainy day (even when it’s sunny!)

Melissa Boulier, digital banking manager and mom to Aiden (17) and Alicia (14)

Advice: “You will never regret paying yourself first. Savings will come in handy throughout your life, for items big and small, and for circumstances you can predict and those you never see coming. Having a savings cushion, even a small one, can help alleviate so much stress and worry around personal finances. Even just a few dollars here and there will add up over time. And automating your savings, like having $10 every month automatically transferred to a savings account from a checking account, will make that rainy day fund grow without you even having to think about it.”

Practice ‘the pause’ when making important financial decisions

Cassie Mini, risk mitigation specialist and mom to Jade (11) and Eve (4)

Advice: “Most people think of budgets and savings accounts to manage money. The truth is that one of the best ways to manage your money is to protect it. Be vigilant of risks associated with quick-buck schemes. Give yourself at least a 24-hour pause before making any important financial decision. It’s important to always do your own research, know your limits and have a good balance between the risks and the rewards of your financial choices.”