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Resolve To Teach

By Kimberly Shane
Resolve to Teach
 
Resolve to teach.jpg“A New Year, A New You” “365 New Chances” “A New Year is the Beginning of Anything You Want” When I looked up quotes about a new year these are a few I found. They all center around possibility and positive change. For one, I’m not big on new year’s resolutions because I know for me, if it is really something I want to change about myself then why wait until January 1st to start? But for the rest of the world I know they are out setting goals for 2018! Have you thought about goals you could set with your children to assist in educating them? Sure flashcards and sight words are great but what about teaching them something they are likely not being taught in school? I’m talking about financial education, how to make smart decisions with money even at a young age.
 
If you’ve read this blog in the past, you are likely familiar with our piggy bank series which shares ideas to help children of all ages better understand concepts surrounding money and financial decisions. We’ve found wonderful suggestions to incorporate these lessons into everyday life. Let’s face it, we are busy so taking time to sit down and discuss financial lessons is impractical. But perhaps this year you could make an effort to engage your child in a conversation once a week about why you make certain decisions with your money. For example, you could share with them that you would like to purchase a large item, such as vacation, new furniture or something along those lines, but that you are working to save money so you can cover the necessary expenses. Or discuss with them your budget and explain why you don’t go out to dinner every night from a financial stand point. Simple conversations like these will help your children start to have a real life idea about money, it’s value and the impact it has on real life.
 
Maybe more than that, you can take it a step further and set goals with your child. Is there a “big ticket item” your little one has been wanting? Could you help them start saving up for that item? First help them set that goal and then assist them in how to make the money to reach that goal. You could give them opportunities around the house to make some extra cash and ask your neighbors and relatives if they have any work that your kiddo could do to earn some extra money. What about having a yard sale where they have the chance to sell the items they no longer play with? Maybe at the yard sale they could have a lemonade stand or bake sale? When they are an active participant in the earning and saving of money they will learn lessons automatically and it will provide opportunities for educating conversations!
 
By helping our children now to understand financial concepts, we are helping them in the future when they have to make real life decisions that can have a much larger impact on their everyday life!

Tags: Finances, Money, financing, #SMCsmartmoney, financial security