Every parent wants the very best for their child. This does not imply that you want children to have the most up-to-date toys, cutting-edge technological gadgets, or fashionable clothes. You most certainly want children to be safe and secure. You also want to lay the groundwork for them to succeed in life.
In 2020, one in every two children in the United States held a savings account. The results of this survey, which included almost 2,000 children and their parents, found that one out of every 10 American children owned a credit card.
Even if you don’t teach your children about money, they will learn about it in some way. Give your children the gift of financial literacy from an early age if you want to play a vital role in molding their feelings, thoughts, and beliefs about money. This is how you do it.
1: Discuss the Differences Between Wants and Needs
Helping children discern between wants and necessities is the first step in teaching them the value of saving. Explain that essential necessities such as food, shelter, basic clothing, healthcare, and education are all necessities. Wants are all the extras—from movie tickets and candy to designer sneakers, a car, or the latest iPhones.
You can even ask them about items around your house to reinforce the concept. For instance, you can point to an item in their bedroom or kitchen and ask them whether it’s a need or a want. This helps you convey the concept of prioritizing what you spend money on while leaving some money for future needs.
2: Create a Savings Habit
For younger children, using a clear money jar is an excellent way to explain saving money visually. It’s a fun approach for them to learn and comprehend the concept of saving as they watch the number of coins add up and slowly fill the jar. This will demonstrate to your youngster that adding to the jar over time results in more money, allowing them to purchase more expensive products. “Saving teaches goal-setting and planning. Saving stresses being prepared. Saving builds security and independence.” Renick says
3: Maintain Transparency and Honesty in Your Financial Situation
Allowing your children to know about the family finances when they are old enough to grasp is the best method to teach them about saving. Make them a part of the dialogue, whether it’s about how much mortgage costs or how income tax works. It’s also fine to discuss your pay. Explain that parents shouldn’t talk about it publicly, but children need to see what happens when they work hard. They’ll understand how your money affects the family as a whole if you share your promotions and raises with them.
Allow your children to see what you’re doing, whether using coupons at the supermarket or depositing checks on your phone. Respond to their inquiries and explain your choices. Demonstrate to them that they are free to ask any financial questions they desire, and don’t be afraid to recognize your mistakes – it might just save them from making the same mistake in the future.
4: Encourage Them to Use Their Mistakes as Learning Opportunities
You should allow your youngsters to overspend on bikes or sweets or on anything they are buying while saving for something special may cause them to realize that they will take longer to attain their objective. Assist them in comprehending why they overspent and encourage them to learn from their errors as they occur.
5: Turn It Become a Sport
Make saving money a game for your kids since they enjoy competition. Please encourage them to set aside a certain amount of money each month. If they succeed, you will reward them with a bonus. They won’t get anything more if they don’t. You can also include other incentives, such as a trip to the movies or purchasing a new cloth – whatever motivates your child to win.
Do you want your children to acquire excellent saving and spending habits? If your answer is yes, they must witness you doing so. In other words, put your words into action. Also, keep preaching. It can take a long time to teach your children about personal money. However, if you put up the effort and consistently express a clear message about money to your children, you will build healthy habits that will benefit them.
How are you teaching your child to save?