Teaching your kids about money can be tricky for even the most financially savvy parent. After all, talking about income, debt and expenses can be uncomfortable, even among adults. But ignoring the subject altogether? That’s a parenting no-no.
Leaving your kids clueless about financial basics like budgeting and saving means they’ll be ill-equipped to manage money once they’re on their own. “Money has to be talked about at all different times, in all different ways,” says Erica Sandberg, author of Expecting Money: The Essential Financial Plan for New and Growing Families. “It’s key to have a fluid, constant conversation that starts when your child is young and goes all the way to the teenage years.”
And click through till the end to see Mia Freedman talking to mummy bloggers about their kids. And money.
Allot an allowance
In order to understand money, kids should have some of their own.
Give them responsibility
Kids need lots of experience with money management before they’re on their own.
Make them pay
Kids should help foot the bill for some things, so that they learn the true value of their dollars.
Use cash and get them comfortable with it
It’s important for kids to see you paying with cash,” Bodnar says. The reason?
Talk about taxes
If (or when) your teen gets her first job in high school, she may not have a firm understanding of taxes and the difference between gross pay and net pay.
Explain your family values
Even if you can afford to buy your kids everything they want, that doesn’t mean you should.
Take advantage of teachable moments
Money talks don’t have to be serious, sit-down affairs. In fact, you can talk -- and teach -- about money using everyday situations.
Make them budget
Budgeting is something lots of adults struggle with -- which is why it’s a good idea to get your kids comfortable with it at an early age.