It’s never too early to start teaching your kids about money. In fact, the sooner you start, the better off they’ll be. But how do you go about it? Here are a few tips to get you started.
Talk to your kids about what money is and why people use it
Talking to your kids about money is an important step in their understanding of the world, especially when it comes to why and how people use it. Money is a tool—one used to exchange goods or services, make purchases, pay bills, save for future goals, pay off expenses like a move with Black Tie Moving, and give to deserving causes. Teaching your kids how to handle money responsibly will help them develop skills that will benefit them financially throughout their lives. Explain that money isn’t simply something to be spent freely, but rather a resource that requires wise choices in order for us to achieve our goals. Introducing these concepts early gives kids the information they need to become informed consumers as adults.
Explain the concept of saving money for future purchases
Saving money for future purchases can be an effective way to secure a comfortable financial situation down the line. While it’s tempting to spend any extra money immediately, a wise choice is often to first put away at least some of it into savings. This practice helps ensure that, when needed, there will be funds available for larger ticket items without having to bother with credit lines or loans. Of course, one has to make sure they are also using their resources wisely, by choosing investments and spending habits that appreciate their finances over time. By doing so, their purchasing power can increase steadily over time and significant amounts can be saved in the long run.
Help them set up a savings account at the bank or credit union
Setting up a savings account is an important first step for anyone looking to start building wealth. Taking advantage of a bank or credit union’s services can help make sure that your money is secured and allows for easier access to your funds. Once the account has been set up, it’s important to remember to regularly deposit small amounts in the account, so that soon enough you will have a substantial amount saved up. Banking services also provide expertise from financial professionals that can provide guidance on other strategies to save money and allow you to plan for your future financial goals.
Encourage them to save their allowance or birthday money
Encouraging children to save their allowance or birthday money can provide important lifelong benefits. Starting the habit of saving early can help instill financial responsibility and give them a head start for achieving their savings goals. By teaching kids that it’s okay to delay gratification and giving them a sense of security knowing they have saved for a rainy day, parents are empowering them with the knowledge needed to confidently make wise investments later down the road. Plus, if your children work hard on chores or summer jobs for extra pocket change, saving those funds will reward their hard work by allowing them to spend it on something even more worthwhile in the future.
Match their savings contributions up to a certain percentage
Matching your employees’ savings contributions can be a great way to increase retention and help employees reach greater financial security. Not only will it show them you are invested in their well-being, but it also could economically benefit your business over time. Offering an employer contribution match up to a certain percentage of the employee’s contribution is a great way to incentivize savings while taking the potential strain off their salary. Of course, not all businesses have the resources necessary for such a program but those that do are sure to reap the rewards of happier, more financially secure employees.
Lead by example – show them how you save money every month
Saving money is a valuable skill that can lead to a bright future. One of the most effective ways to teach your children or grandchildren budgeting tips is to lead by example. Show them how you are saving money every month. That might look like clipping coupons, having a budget for entertainment, or limiting eating out to special occasions. If you have an online bank account, show them how you move money from one area to another each month and explain why it’s important to do so. Leading by example instills good habits in kids that can help them maintain financial stability and make smart decisions in the future.
The importance of teaching your kids about money cannot be overstated. The more familiar they are with the concepts of working, earning, controlling, and saving money on a monthly basis, the more likely they will be successful in achieving their financial goals in life. Given the right tools and support, children can develop good money habits that will stay with them into adulthood. Talk to your kids regularly and keep them involved in the process of setting up a savings account. Show them how you save, encourage contribution matching and be sure to honor the allowance or birthday money when it arrives. It’s an investment in their future!
How to Teach Your Kids About Saving Money is a feature post