Helping kids appreciate money
When it comes to being savvy about money, the line between what teens think and reality is as wide as the Grand Canyon. Most teens surveyed believe they are financially savvy. But when asked about specifics such as establishing good credit, balancing a check book or what a credit score is, the majority of teens were in the dark.
Read MoreEvery day in life we are presented with opportunities for negotiation, and doing it successfully and where everyone walks away satisfied is an art worth learning at a very early age.
Read MoreI know other moms who’ve experienced this mom-switch syndrome, but whether you can relate or not, there’s no denying that back-to-school time is about making transitions. Schedules, extracurricular activities, homework, new teachers, new friends, carpools, books, supplies, clothes…it’s time to pull up our socks and get moving again!
Read MoreFollow the story of Goldilocks in her search for an imitation bear skin rug and how she decides which one is just right for her and that buying something because it’s cheap will often make you weep, and to purchase to impress never works out for the best.
Read MoreWe learned of a new program Amazon recently launched called Amazon Mom. In the spirit of sharing great ways to save money we thought we'd share it with you. Here are the details...
Read MoreAccording to one expert, the right time to start an allowance is as early as your kids start to understand the value of money (usually around age 6).
Read MoreIt feels great when your kids earn their first paychecks in their coveted summer jobs. Their first instinct might be to rush out and spend away. But what happens when school starts? The money is long gone. The best way to make that money last through the year is to set up a budget.
Read MoreEating local is another way to be green, according to simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com. Not only is your food more nutritious because it’s picked at the right time, it also hasn’t been trucked hundreds of miles, using up gas and emitting greenhouse gases. Local farmers markets are a great way to open up your menu to whatever is in season and try something new.
Read MoreToday’s parents can set the same example for their kids, who are bombarded with all sorts of expensive, “must have” electronic gadgets du jour. No matter how your child earns money, teach her how to save it, if only as a stepping-stone to bigger and better down the road.
Read MoreWho doesn't like to shop? Oh, I know there are guys out there that will say they hate shopping, but you catch them on the web surfing for a new Ipad or the latest and greatest gizmo. We're a consumer society. That's what we do...we buy stuff. But there's smart shopping and not so smart shopping. Who wants to be a smart shopper? Well here are some tips to help you and your kids stretch that dollar:
Read MoreHaving a family of 6 in today’s society means that being disciplined in managing family finances must be a priority. This realization, and ultimately a commitment to do something about it is what brought my family to FamilyMint. If you are reading this blog….your probably have a very similar story.
Read MoreEveryone remembers their first car. Loving the freedom of the open road, getting your driver’s license, feeling in control, being behind the wheel by yourself for the first time. It’s an exciting feeling for the teen in your life, but how much should you spend on a car for your inexperienced driver?
Read MoreAfter months of saving, many teens anticipate spending part of their summer traveling with friends. However, it’s important for teens to plan trips as wisely as they save for them. Whether it’s an overnight camping trip or a week on a coastal beach, smart planning is equally important to financial success.
Read More“But why do I have to wait two weeks?” said my 12 year old son. “O, come on, please! I really want it and I won’t want anything else for a long time!” This was almost a weekly ritual in my house as my son would look through the Sunday ads for good “deals.” We had tried many things, including a mandatory two week waiting period, but nothing seemed to really help.
Read MoreWhy does your child need to know about supply and demand? Because unless you live on a deserted island, it affects practically everything in your life! From the price of lemonade to how many Beanie Babies you can collect, to how many summer helpers the pizza store needs, the forces of supply and demand are everywhere - so kids need to understand the concept early in order to live a reality-based existence.
Read MoreAre your kids looking to make few extra bucks this summer for a new bike, camp, vacation or just to sock away the savings? There is no better time than summer to encourage your kids to be creative and earn some extra money around the house or around the neighborhood.
Read MoreThe price of college continues to go up; around $9,000 for tuition and fees alone at four-year undergraduate schools, and $35,000 or more at private schools, according to the College Board. Be sure there are no surprises; discuss these costs with your children, decide what they will be responsible for and get them on board (a FamilyMint.com account with a college goal is an excellent place to start!)
Read MoreOne of our earlier blog responders suggested that “budget” has negative connotations these days, so he prefers “spending plan.” He suggests that this indicates that the planner is in control of his or her own financial destiny.
Read MoreThe biggest money lesson I am passing along to my kids is how I act on a daily basis.This thought used to strike a bit of terror in me, especially when I saw how some of my kids’ money habits were turning out.
Read MoreToday’s kids glob on to computer-based programs like it is genetically engineered into their DNA, so dated “tools” like the envelope system we used, piggy banks, etc. don’t capture their attention. And what’s worse, they focus only on the money, and not on what the money can do.
Read More
