The journey to college is an exciting time for both parents and their young adults. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with opportunities, growth, and independence. As parents, we want our children to succeed not only academically but also in managing their finances responsibly. The period leading up to the big move to college presents a unique opportunity to impart important financial lessons and set clear expectations and boundaries, even if you haven't communicated about money openly in the past. In this blog post, we will explore how to make the most of this time by teaching budgeting skills and fostering open communication to ensure a smooth transition into college life.

The Importance of Financial Preparedness

Before your young adult leaves for college, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of financial preparedness. College life introduces them to newfound independence, and managing their finances becomes a vital aspect of their personal growth. Sadly,...

How do you teach your kids to save instead of spending their money as they get it? And how do you discourage your family members from spending everything they earn? I hear that a lot from parents and they’re great questions.

Teaching kids how to save up for big purchases while they’re young will prepare them for larger financial decisions they’ll have to make down the road. It teaches them to set goals and work to earn their money.

It’ll also help them to make saving and only purchasing when they have enough money to do so a habit. After all, it’s much better to do that instead of hopping on the Instant Gratitude Express at the Debt Station!

Here are a few ways you can teach your kids to save money instead of spending everything they earn.

Teaching Your Kids to Save

It’s never too early to talk to your kids about money and saving for bigger things rather than spending money as they get it. Yes, these items will grow as your kids do, but the...

Summer 2020 will go down in the books as one of the oddest times since my kids can’t do the summer activities they usually do. I’m getting refunds for my kids’ camp programs that I signed them up for. It breaks my heart because these things they enjoy and that enrich their lives have been canceled. And, selfishly, I want to stop making all these meals every day!

Instead of wallowing in my 11,000th grilled cheese, I’ve decided to invest that camp money back into my family’s summer activities. Since we’ve already budgeted that money for the kids, I’m going to spend it on them. They can still have a fun summer, even if it’s at home.

Although my husband and I did budget for this expense, we don’t want to go over that set amount. There’s a good chance it could happen as we have a long summer to fill! As I’m considering how to keep the kids busy and happy at home, I came up with four financially-friendly ideas to entertain...

Teaching kids about anything (and especially money) is always easier when you  make it fun for them to understand, so that’s why I love games! Using games to talk to your kids about money can be rewarding because you have an example right in front of you to base your conversation on.

I don’t know about your kids, but hands-on experiences are always preferred to hypothetical discussions in my house! (And, let’s be honest, they don't want to hear a lecture about money and quite frankly, I'm guessing you don't want to give it.)

Talking to your kids about money can be a confusing conversation to have, especially if you don’t even want to have that conversation in the first place. So, why not incorporate it in your family nights so it's not a drag?!

On Sundays, we usually have dinner at my mom's, which is often followed by an evening of board games and other family fun. Here are some of our favorites that teach some great lessons on financial literacy.

Games...

Do you wonder how to effectively teach your kids financial responsibility? The financial behaviors we impart to our children are significant in shaping their future money management skills. As a financial advisor who frequently encounters deeply ingrained money habits, I understand the importance of these early lessons and aim to share them with my own children.

Teaching kids financial responsibility starts at home. My children, although young, exhibit distinct attitudes towards money, highlighting their understanding and unique relationship with it. The core principle I wish to instill in them is that they are in control of their own financial situation. This understanding becomes particularly clear with my youngest, aged seven.

A real-life scenario unfolded recently when my 12-year-old son prepared for a camping trip with his Boy Scouts Troop. A portion of funds from the boys' fundraising activities are allocated to their scout account, teaching them the value of money. The...

By Kelly Greene

It starts with the tooth fairy, right, moms? Your child loses that first tooth and you’re both so excited! The tooth fairy will be visiting! As your child is asleep you stress over how much the tooth fairy is paying these days for a tooth. Your friend maybe gave their kid a dollar or a quarter but what about that one mom who gave her kid a $20 bill?!? And so it begins…

Now flash forward a few years and your kids are older, they want money for things plus they live in your house and make their kid messes so they have chores. So, should you give an allowance? Should you pay them for doing chores? If you google this you will find so many varying opinions and methods, leaving you even more confused. Here are a few ideas:

1. Give them a weekly allowance along with a list of chores. The amount of this can be their age or an amount you feel comfortable with. Also, if you have more than one child the chore list may rotate. If you choose the amount to match...

By Kelly Greene

Your bundle of joy has arrived and through the endless laundry, sleepless nights and spit-up on your clothes, you don’t want to be stressing about money. We want the very best for our children but do they really need all the fanciest items and expensive gadgets as infants? We easily fall prey to these things, especially with our first child. Many of these items aren’t necessary or can be obtained in much cheaper ways.

Here are 10 money-saving tips for new moms:

1. Buy gender-neutral items. It’s hard not to want your baby girl’s nursery to be the epitome of a pink princess palace, but a few years down the road when you have your son you’ll wish you had opted for something more neutral. 
2. Consider convertible items. There are so many great options now like cribs that can convert into a big kid bed later. Car seats and strollers also come in more options that will last longer as your child grows. 
3. Don’t dismiss...

by Kelly Greene

It's that time of year again! Many moms celebrate the end of a summer full of video games, "I'm bored," and coming home to a sink full of dishes and cups (and what is up with those cups?!? How many cups does one child need in a day?) But, celebrating aside, this time of year can cause some financial stress. School supplies, activity fees, equipment, and, of course, CLOTHES. It seems the older your kids get, the more costly these things become. So what are some ways to save money?

1. Recycle school supplies from last year. Most kids didn't use the entire box of 24 pencils or 12 glue sticks that were on last year's list. Scissors last an eternity, markers still have some juice and a backpack can be washed. 
2. Stock up for next year during this year's back-to-school clearance sales. I've seen prices slashed up to 80% a few weeks after school started. 
3. Look on Craig's List, Offer Up and at thrift stores for athletic equipment. You'll be amazed at what you...

We all grew up with various ideas about money instilled in us by our parents, some good and some not-so-good.

How do we, as parents, become positive money role models for our children?

Teach your kids the value of money at an early age.  

I know how tempting it is to buy your child every single toy or book they want, especially around birthdays and holidays whether it's to avoid a tantrum or just because they’re so darn cute, buying your children anything and everything they want doesn’t teach them the value of money. 

Encourage your kids to save money.  

It can be very tempting to spend birthday and holiday money on one trip to Target, only for your child to be bored with their purchase a week later. Motivate your child to set a goal and save up for it. One of my sons is currently saving for a Nintendo Switch. It's a lofty goal for him, but I know he’ll feel a sense of accomplishment.

I recently took two of my kids to open up an account at...