What Do We Teach Our Kids About Money?

I hear lots of excuses when people explain to me why they haven't done more to teach their kids the value of money- everything from "they're too young" to "they'll think we're poor if we talk about money". But, in many cases, it's fear that holds parents back. The fear that they themselves don't know enough about finances to help their children. The fear that their children will be able to see what poor money managers their parents have been. And the fear of facing their own financial realities.

We can only help our children succeed in life if we give them strong financial skills. We won't be there when the credit card companies set up their booth on the first day of the new college semester. We won't be there when the salesman in the stereo shop insists to our child that this amazing sale only lasts one more hour. And, if our kids learn shame about finances from us, we won't be there when they are in danger of losing their home.

Take some time this week to think about what our kids are picking up from us that will help them in the future.  Shore up your own financial knowledge and start putting some healthy money practices in place like budgeting. It will help your family for generations to come!