Named the International Day of Families by the United Nations, May 15 is a day dedicated to communities around the globe and the families that make them special. In celebration of this year’s International Day of Families, we’re sharing our top four ways to teach your kids or grandkids about something that they’ll need to navigate for the rest of their lives – money. If you haven’t started laying the foundation for healthy money habits with your children or grandchildren yet, now’s the perfect time to start. Here are a few fun, stress-free ways to get every family member involved with finances.
way ONE:
Encourage Kids To Experiment
Making mistakes is one of the most effective ways a child can learn to do something. And when it comes to money, you have the power to create a safe environment for your grandkids to experiment, make mistakes and, with hope, grow their understanding – without costing their financial future.
Give the children small cash gifts from time to time as a tool to teach them the power of saving versus spending. Encourage them to create a budget and make goals. Soon enough they’ll learn the value in saving their allowance for a big purchase later instead of spending it impulsively as soon as they get it.
Stay involved with how they are spending or saving. Help them talk through their frustrations, answer their questions and provide guidance when needed.
way TWO:
Talk About Budgets
If your grandchildren are a little older and have the basics of money down, consider asking them to get involved in establishing and sticking to a budget. This can be an eye-opening experience for children, and it’s something you can refer to throughout the month. When a child wants to go out to eat every night, remind them about their budget for entertainment and dining. Modeling can be a good way to teach as well; Every time you spend money, your grandchild is seeing a budget on paper come to life.
Remember, this shouldn’t be stressful for a child. If you don’t feel comfortable sharing your whole household budget, start with just a few easy categories like entertainment, dining out and groceries. You can even make it a challenge to have your grandkids find creative ways to do things within the budget.
way Three:
Make It a Competition
If your grandkids’ household already has some sibling rivalry, why not play into it with a friendly competition?
Turn budgeting and saving money into a game. Give your shopping list to each kid and let them search online or in the newspaper for coupons and sales. Offer a reward for whoever finds the most savings, or put whatever money is saved from the coupons into their bank account.
If you have older grandkids, they may be interested in stock market simulation games, which are available online. If you’re not well-versed in the market yourself, this could be a fun activity to do as a family.
way FOUR:
Emphasize the Importance of Earning
Knowing how to save, invest and spend money is important. But to make the lesson really hit home, consider having your grandkids earn a little money of their own. Losing money that was handed to them doesn’t make as big an impact as losing money they earned. If they’re old enough to work, consider encouraging them to find a part-time summer job or seasonal gig. If they’re younger, find chores for them to do around your house or for other family members, and pay them per task. The willingness to work hard and be rewarded is one of the best financial lessons you can pass on to your young ones.
In honor of this year’s International Day of Families, celebrate and encourage your children and grandchildren to grow into valuable community members. Finding small, stress-free ways to instill financial life lessons now can pay off later in life. If you’re having trouble finding the right way to talk to your grandkids about money, RGA can help you start the conversation & build the foundation of positive money habits for their lifetime. Click the button below, call 1.800.467.8152, or email info@ronaldgelok.com
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SOURCES
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.
