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Children and Finances

My children are getting to an age where I can really see their spending personalities. My daughter, 8, is a planner and already seems to have herself on a budget. She is already thinking about college! When tempted with goodies for sale she very easily walks away and doesn’t seem to think twice.

My son, 11, on the other hand, is super impulsive and totally reckless with money. He spends it on the first things he sees and thinks he wants or just loses it altogether. I honestly wonder where he came from sometimes! I am shocked by his spending habits because I’ve always taught him about value and how hard you have to work for your money.

I let him spend a good portion of his saved dough and was appalled when he came to me complaining that he needed more because he had already spent it all. He was not happy with my “fat chance” response. He suffered from buyers remorse on a few items but didn’t seem to really learn the lesson.

Teach Children about Money

I really believed that my children would learn from my example. Seeing me clip coupons, research my purchases in advance and save up for long term purchases should have prepared them for how to use their own money. Well, my daughter seems to have absorbed something, but my son needs to deposit a reality check in the savings account of his brain.

While exploring the Genworth Financial website, I ran across several helpful articles and actually learned a lot for myself. While I have been embracing teachable moments all along, I haven’t been letting my kids set their own goals. I can’t seem to help but put in my two cents. From now on, I will bite my tongue and let them have control over their financial plans. They’re still just children, so don’t worry, I won’t let them buy anything too outlandish!

Here’s the plan:

I think letting them have more control over their money will make them very excited and hopefully eager to learn how to make it last longer!

Children growing Time Flies

Information for this post is sourced from Genworth Financial in partnership with the SheHeard Influencer Network.

Lily Kwan

Saturday 16th of March 2013

Thanks for the helpful tips and advice!

polly

Friday 15th of March 2013

I think it is a great idea to start teaching them early about money-earning saving etc.....when they were young and would want me to buy this & that...I remember telling my son one time I didn't have the money...he said..write a check!!!!! he learned really quickly about you might have checks but no $$$$

Maria Iemma

Friday 15th of March 2013

I am afraid I have not been diligent in teaching my kids about money. My son is extremely impulsive and buys and buys and then finds himself broke. This post has given me tools to talk to them.

Gianna

Wednesday 13th of March 2013

Thanks for the info.

judy gardner

Saturday 9th of March 2013

thank you for sharing - kids need to learn as early as possible about handling money.