Teaching your kids about money is skill that all children should learn. Financially savvy parents understand the importance of empowering children to make good decisions about money when they are young, knowing that these skills will serve them well later in life. A great way to teach your kids about money is through coupons. Take a sneak a peek at this website for some savings.
Here are five ways that you can teach your children about money and savings.
Teach Them About Wants Versus Needs
The cornerstone of good financial planning is understanding the fundamental difference between wants and needs. Explain to younger children that needs are items such as food, housing, and clothing.
Once they understand what is truly a need, you can delve into the different layers of wants. This is a good time to introduce the concept of prioritizing wants as they align with your overall financial goals. Helping your child to understand the key differences between needs and wants will also make them more appreciative of what they already have in their lives.
Open Up a Checking Account
Opening up a personal checking account is a rite of passage for many responsible older children. Letting them take control of their money in such an official way will help to prepare them for adult life. Once they graduate beyond a traditional piggy bank, you can elevate their financial understanding by taking them to the bank to open their own account.
It could not be easier to set up a personal checking account. Look for a credit union in your area, for instance, if you live in Nebraska you can look for a bank that offers a free personal checking account in La Vista, NE. You can decide if you want your kid to have their debit card for when they are not with you and need access to their money. You can also still have access to the account so that you can see where their money is going.
Encourage Them to Earn Their Own Money
Nothing brings home the value of a dollar more than earning it yourself. As a parent, you can help your child to learn about this value by providing them with opportunities to earn their own money.
Your child is never too young to help around the house. Even preschoolers can perform basic activities such as taking their toys back to their rightful place or helping to set the table for dinner. When they are young, it does not matter how much you pay them to perform these tasks. What truly matters is the feeling of satisfaction that they get for taking control of earning money for their own discretionary spending.
Involve Them in Household Budgeting
Your own family household budget is a great place to start teaching your children about money. Start with something simple and contained such as the weekly grocery budget. Show your child how much you have set aside to spend that week on food and allow them to help to meal plan in a way that meets your financial goals.
Once they have a good grasp of that concept, you can move to more complex budgeting concepts. For teenagers, this is a good time to talk about saving for college if that is in their plans for the future. Another good idea is to show them your retirement savings while explaining the power of compounding interest in reaching all of your long-term financial goals.
Help Them to Set Goals
One of the best ways to empower your children to practice good financial habits is to help them to set their own personal money goals. Perhaps this is something as simple as saving for a new video game. Older teenagers may want loftier goals such as saving for their first car.
If the goal seems daunting to the child at first glance, you can help them to break it down into manageable sections. Showing them how long it will take to reach their goal will provide them a framework and help to guide their savings efforts. They will also be motivated to forge forward when they see their progress.
You will make financial savviness a habit if you begin the process with your children at an early age. Focusing on these five elements will ensure that your child leaves the nest with a solid financial background and a strong understanding of the importance of saving money.
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