money talks

Everyday Occasions = Teaching Opportunities

One of the best ways to teach children about money is to use day-to-day activities. Which of these might provide a chance to teach a valuable financial lesson?

1. Take your elementary school-age child to the grocery store to comparison shop
2. Help your middle school-age child open a savings or checking account at the local bank
3. Invite your teen to sit in on a family bill paying session

All of these activities offer opportunities to teach important money management concepts. Children who learn to compare spending choices are likely to grow up to be more consumer-savvy adults. Those who learn about checking and savings accounts now are better equipped to master more sophisticated financial concepts, like investing, when they get older. Teens who help pay bills have a better understanding of how much it will cost to live when they leave home.