Explore

9 Money lessons you need to teach your kids

by

One of the best things you can do for your kids is to teach them about money. And as a homeschool parent, you have an incredible opportunity because you can be more hands-on than many parents. So, as you’re getting your kids ready for college and the future, how can you make sure they are prepared with a healthy view of money? Here are nine tips that will help:

1. Budgeting matters

save-save-save

This is the first priority when teaching your kids about money. Creating a budget is simply making a plan. Your kids will never become wealthy, or even financially comfortable, without living intentionally. A budget is simply spending every dollar on paper, on purpose, before the month begins. When you have this plan on paper, you won’t get distracted by all the shiny objects promising to make your life better. It is incredibly important to teach your kids about budgeting, so don’t take this step lightly.

2. Save, save, save

It might not be raining right now, but it will be one day. The savings account is an umbrella that will keep your kids from getting drenched in the storm. Sure, they might not be making much, if any, money right now, but when that day comes, it’s important they understand why saving matters. The earlier they develop that habit and begin saving, the wealthier they can become. That savings might also enable them to make large purchases. Buying a used car for your kid shouldn’t be only your responsibility, especially if you can’t afford it. What if they could save several thousand dollars over a few years to buy their own car? How cool would that be?

3. Debt is dumb

One of the biggest myths your kids will face when they enter the real world is the idea that debt is just a way of life. They’ll hear about the credit score,“good” debt, and debt as a financial tool. The truth is that building a credit score will cause more harm than good, and using debt as a tool can show impatience and immaturity in money management. Debt simply makes us financial slaves and limits our future. So talk to them about why avoiding debt is important. As they become teenagers, they’ll begin to understand and appreciate this even more.

4. Beware of marketing

Marketing is everywhere, and your kids are right in the bull’s-eye of most marketers. Young people comprise a huge demographic that offers tons of potential profit. Make sure your kids know about marketing tactics like same-as-cash, zero-percent interest, and product positioning. Marketers will say you need more stuff to make you happy, but that’s simply not true. Stress to your kid that no amount of stuff will bring contentment.

5. Shop for bargains

Shopping for bargains is about more than merely ripping a coupon out of the paper. A lot of it simply has to do with patience―waiting for the right time to buy. Help your child learn about when and where to find the best sales and they will be able to use that knowledge when they head off on their own.

6. Investing basics

No, your 14-year-old doesn’t need to know all the ins and outs of a 401(k), but they should know the basics of how long-term investing works. For instance, how awesome is compound interest?―the longer you keep an investment, the more interest you accrue, and the more money you make. The older your child becomes, the better they’ll grasp investing; so, be sure to pay attention to their maturity and interest level before you break into investing.

7. Insurance … Ugh

Dreaded insurance; not many people love it, but everybody needs it. As much as we hate paying for insurance every month, sometimes it will save us from completely going broke when tragedy hits. That’s what it’s for. Talk with your children about the basics of car, life, and health insurance. When your child gets old enough to pay for these on their own, they might feel like they’re throwing money into the wind. Help them see how insurance is a major part of a healthy money plan.

8. Relationships and Money

Guess what? Money problems tend to have a way of creeping into all areas of your life, especially relationships. When you’re stressed out about money, you’re not as productive at school or work, and you’re just not as friendly a person. When you make smart decisions with your money, you tend to have healthier relationships.

9. Giving

Every good money plan involves giving. That’s what building wealth is all about. Ultimately, you’re trying to change your future―as well as the future of those around you. Don’t simply tell your child they need to give. Show them. More is caught than taught. When they see you writing a check to charity, dropping money in the offering plate, or giving your time at a homeless shelter, they’ll be more likely to follow your lead.

While it may seem overwhelming to think about applying all of these steps, don’t think you need to bombard your child with all of these lessons overnight. Take your time. Your goal here is to make sure they are prepared for how money works in the real world when they leave home. Prepare them now, while they are still under your roof, and you’ll build a foundation that will help them succeed for the rest of their lives.


Biographical Information

Rachel Cruze is a seasoned communicator and presenter, helping Americans learn the proper ways to handle money and stay out of debt. Her new book Smart Money Smart Kids, co-authored by her dad, Dave Ramsey, released in April 2014 and debuted at #1 on the New York Times best-sellers list. You can follow Rachel on Twitter at @RachelCruze, online at www.rachelcruze.com or at www.facebook.com/rachelramseycruze.

Copyright, 2015. Used with permission. All rights reserved by author. Originally appeared in The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, the family education magazine, 2015 Print Book. Read the magazine free at www.TOSMagazine.com or read it on the go and download the free apps at www.TOSApps.com to read the magazine on your mobile devices.