Raising a financially savvy generation is the responsibility of every parent. Here’s how you can teach your kids
to be smart with their money and learn the true meaning of financial responsibility.
The first thing to remember is that teaching your kids about money is a long-term game. There are no crash courses
or shortcuts to help them understand the true meaning of economic success. This is something they’ll likely pick up
over time (with your help) and can be an invaluable lesson on their journey to financial independence.
With that, here are three easy tips you can use at home to get their monetary minds buzzing.
Showing is better than telling
Kids are remarkably good at picking up the things you don’t say. They observe your mannerisms and attitude, so
teaching them about financial responsibility starts with setting a good example with your own spending habits.
Try to avoid leaving large bills lying around the house or boasting about lavish purchases as this can undermine the
value of saving. Make sure your kids understand that money is a limited commodity that needs to be rationed and
secured. This also extends to how you talk about household finances with your partner while kids are present.
Start a secret piggy bank or savings plan
It can be hard for kids to understand the long-term benefit of saving, so doing it for them and then showing them the
end result is a great way to build motivation. Whether you have adult children paying board or young kids collecting
money for household chores, leaving a portion of it aside every month and then surprising them with a lump-sum is
sure to lift their financial spirits. Plus, it can teach them the discipline required to save up for high-ticket purchases.
Show them how to protect their assets
Insurance comes in many shapes and forms, and it’s not just a boring ‘adult thing’. Extended warranties or servicing
agreements can be purchased with most electronic devices such as video games or headphones. These can be a
great way to show your kids two lessons; the importance of paying a little extra upfront in case the unexpected
happens, and that the true cost of any item includes a safety net to replace it. This is especially relevant for
adult children buying their first car as their car insurance premiums should always be included in any budgetary
discussions.
Any advice is general in nature only and has been prepared without considering your needs, objectives or financial situation.
Before acting on it you should consider its appropriateness for you, having regard to those factors
