Financial literacy is a vital life skill that often gets overlooked in traditional education systems. It's the understanding of how money works, how to manage it, and how to make informed decisions that contribute to one's financial health. Always do your own research and work with a professional before making financial decisions. Our blog is written to inform, not instruct.
If you haven’t had a chance to look at our previous post about financial literacy at a whole you can find it by clicking this link:
Financial Literacy: Why it matters to you and those you care about.
From Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo to Everywhere in the world we live in today, where financial transactions (and especially digital financial transactions) have become a regular part of everyday life, financial literacy education for our next generations is no longer a choice, but a necessity.
Teaching kids about money from a young age lays a strong foundation for financial responsibility, fosters independence, and contributes to their overall success in adulthood. Understanding money and finance enables them to make informed decisions as they grow older, whether it's about saving for a new toy or managing student loans for college.
So, how can parents support this critical goal? Here are five ways parents can encourage financial literacy in their children:
- Start Early and Use Everyday Experiences:
The earlier children start learning about money, the better. Everyday experiences like grocery shopping, visiting a bank, or planning a family outing are perfect opportunities for practical lessons about budgeting, saving, and spending.
- Teach the Value of Saving:
Children should understand the concept of "delayed gratification". Encourage them to save for what they want. This could be through piggy banks or child-friendly saving apps. Over time, they'll understand that saving money can help them achieve their goals.
- Introduce Them to Budgeting:
Give your child a small allowance and let them budget their spending. It will teach them to distinguish between needs and wants, prioritize expenses, and plan ahead. Consider exploring savings apps that may offer a positive interactive experience, or consider going “old school” and showing kids how to save and budget with cash and envelops. Board game currency can work great!
- Encourage Earning:
Creating opportunities for children to earn money (through chores, for instance) can be a great way to teach them the value of work and money. They'll appreciate money more if they understand the effort that goes into earning it.
- Make It Fun:
Use games, apps, and stories to make financial education engaging. Many online resources can help children learn about money in an entertaining and interactive way.
Teaching kids about money is an investment that pays significant dividends. By instilling financial literacy skills in our children from an early age, we can equip them with the tools they need to navigate the complex financial landscape of adulthood. The goal is not just to create financially aware adults, but also to foster a generation that values financial independence and takes informed, responsible financial decisions.
And remember, it's never too late to start these lessons. As parents, the most important thing we can do is lead by example, because kids learn more from what they see us do than from what we say. So let's start the journey of financial literacy with our children today!
As always, our blog is written to inform, not instruct. Always talk to a professional before making important decisions.
If you’re interested in talking to our advisors, explore our Fit Process and book a meeting here: Are We a Fit?. Our office is near Ada and Forest Hills in Grand Rapids, MI, and we also offer zoom meetings!