Money Talks, and Financial Literacy is the Topic #FinanciallyFit #AD

Growing up, money was always a huge subject in our house. My parents really pressed that we learn as much about money as we can. We were given chores, an allowance and taught to save. My father was always very particular about the way he spent his money, he would document every single penny that he spent and then balance his funds and savings. It was quite the ordeal to watch.

Money Talks

Children learn a lot about money management from watching their parents and so the best way to teach your children about money and finances is to make sure you are money savvy as well. The first step to teaching your children about finances is to lead by example.

Like my father, I have a spreadsheet for everything. I like to ensure that we are as organized as possible financially, and although there are many times that planning hasn’t always worked and we’ve needed help, we have been able to learn from our mistakes and recover. After all, sometimes things happen that you are not expecting or ready for financially.

Money Talks

Open Forum

Have open discussions about money in your house. If you have saved up for that new couch and are finally able to purchase it, explain to your kids small details like how long it took to save up to buy it, and why you wanted to save to purchase it instead of buying it on credit. It is easy to fit financial lessons into your child’s everyday life. They will learn without even knowing they are learning.

Keep it Natural

Don’t force a conversation with your children about money. In fact, no conversation about finances should be forced, not even with your spouse. Let the conversation flow freely and ensure the topic is brought up at the appropriate time and place.

Lead by Example

As I said earlier, leading by example with money is a great way to ensure that your family is financially literate. You have to remember that you are your child’s first opportunity to learn about finances and money, so make sure you are setting a positive example. Your children ARE watching you.

Age is Just a Number

You can start teaching your children about money at a pretty young age. Remember, time is of the essence, and if you instill good money values in your child from a young age, they will have a better chance at knowing how to manage their money as adults.

Resources are Your Friend

There are various resources you can use to help your family learn more about money. TD offers a fun Digital Financial Literacy Activity book for children that can help them learn more about finances in a fun and exciting way. Visit TD’s Financial Education page to learn more about how they are committed to financial education, and ensuring that your family is making financial decisions with confidence.

How do you teach your family about money?

Disclosure: This post is part of the YummyMummyClub.ca and TD #FinanciallyFit sponsored program. I received compensation as a thank you for my participation. This post reflects my personal opinion about the information provided by the sponsors.

 

8 Comments

  1. Randa @ The Bewitchin' Kitchen on November 27, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    This is something that I struggle with. I’m not sure how to talk about money with my son, so these are great tips.

  2. brokenteepee on November 28, 2016 at 6:27 pm

    Teaching children how to save and budget early is so important. It sets up those skills from the start and makes them habits so that they are set for life

  3. Jennifer L Johnson on November 28, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    We have conversations often about saving money and planing out purchases. Such an important conversation to have with kids, they don’t teach it in school at all it seems.

  4. Dawn Nieves on November 28, 2016 at 9:47 pm

    This is so true and important. We have money talks with my oldest and really try to incorporate him into his allowance process and so much more. I love these tips!

  5. Jonna on November 29, 2016 at 12:20 am

    I think it’s so important to have constant conversations about money and help your children learn how to use it correctly. Thanks for the tips

  6. @mommyblogexpert on November 29, 2016 at 1:33 am

    Teaching our kids financial literacy could not be more important. It’s amazing what you can teach very young children who haven’t learned how to count change yet about delaying gratification and that money really doesn’t grow on trees.

  7. NPC on November 29, 2016 at 11:23 pm

    Great tips! I’ve been teaching my daughters about how important money is. From earning it to saving it.

  8. Myrah @ Coupon Mamacita on November 30, 2016 at 9:00 am

    Great post. Financial literacy is key to making sure you have everything you need when you need it. You have to know how to use your money.

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