Are You Teaching Your Kids How To Handle Money?
September 7, 2007
It is up to us as parents to provide financial prowess in teaching kids how to handle money. Here are some tips on how to accomplish this difficult process.
Kids learn by example. If you are in debt, odds are they will be too. You need to teach fiscal responsibility at an early stage. The earlier you discuss money with your kids, the better prepared they will become. Open up a savings account with your kids; allow them to deposit and make withdrawals. Give them the option to use the account in whichever way they decide. By allowing them this freedom to choose, you are also giving them the opportunity to make mistakes and learn from them. Always be there in case they need your advice in this regard.
Give them an allowance. If they run out of money before the following week, do not replenish it. This will teach them about choices: the good and the bad. This is especially true if they are saving to buy something special. If they use their money unwisely, and cannot buy that which they were saving for a valuable lesson will be learned.
Do not spoil your kids by giving them everything they want. Give them just enough money via a weekly allowance and no more. If they choose to buy something you think is not appropriate, discuss it with them. Teach them about the importance of saving money and what they can look forward to as they get older. Give them examples of your own experience as a child, particularly if you had a problem handling money.
Finally, teach them the pitfalls of borrowing. If they ask for money to buy a certain item; inform them they will have to pay it back with interest. Tell them exactly how much they will have to pay back and figure out together how long it would take. Undoubtedly, they may change their mind; but if not, stick to the terms you set. Teaching your kids how to handle money begins with you. Whether you were a saver or a spender, it is incumbent upon you to pass on to your child all the tools he or she needs to make worthwhile decisions now and in the future.
Giving your child the Money Savvy Pig piggy bank is a unique way to put financial control into your child’s life. This financial management tool for kids teaches them the critical life skill of delayed gratification,by showing them that they have choices for their money (SAVE, SPEND, DONATE and INVEST) and by showing them the importance of setting goals for each choice. As the child works towards achieving each of their goals, they experience delayed gratification and feel the sense of accomplishment when they achieve their goal. In these complex times, this is truly the piggy bank for the 21st century kid.