Teach Your Kids How to Budget by Example

The example we set for our children in budgeting is very important.
If they see you short of money all the time and you are not poor, then there is no one who will teach them to save and budget at home. If you realize how important this is for them, then you will budget well for their sakes. You will come out ahead too.

By Bev Sobkowich

Answers:

Teach Your Kids How to Budget by Example

Sometimes, when you get your pay, and the kids say "Gee, Mom, you have 300 dollars, why can't I get that new DVD, CD, game, etc." YOU on the other hand, are wondering how you are going to pay lights, water, gas, food. If you have a game of Monopoly, take the money in the amount of your pay. Now, have them take out for the needed expenses. Then for the surprises like car repair, or the like. Then see what is left over. Then say, "That has to last us a week (or two, if you get paid every two weeks). Show me how YOU would budget, and still have money for all of us." Makes them think just a little bit. (08/25/2004)

By Kris

Teach Your Kids How to Budget by Example

Kris, that is a great idea. Monopoly also teaches them how to save and how to go broke how to sell and how to bargain for those pieces of property. You should mention that one to the math teacher at school!

By Bev

Teach Your Kids How to Budget by Example

If you budget or you don't budget, it doesn't matter. You are teaching your kids by your example. If you are thrifty by nature, that's what you teach. If you spend every penny, that's the lesson taught. You want your kids to be smart with money, take a hard look at your own habits. Are you reading books on money, taking classes, getting professional advice to improve your own finances? Learn with your kids. There are lots of great starter books for kids at your public library (for free).

One thing my mom did to stop the compulsive spending was this: If we HAD to have some thing right NOW. She would tell us to go home and think it over for a day or two then if we wanted it, and we had the cash, we could buy it. Most of the time we lost interest in having to have it. (09/01/2004)

By Randy

Teach Your Kids How to Budget by Example

My two boys ages 10 and 13 receive $8.50 for their monthly allowance. They are required to place $2 into their savings jar, but may place more in if they wish. They have the clear understanding that what goes into savings jar is not to be spent. Period. What goes into their spending jar has to be divided by 4 (weeks) to determine what they have to spend for each week. I have made it clear that when each of them reaches the savings goal of $25, they may go with mom to one of our local banks and open their own personal savings accounts. Then, if they pay faithfully into their savings accounts each and every month, come the month of December, they will be rewarded with a cash bonus of $15 each.

Even my oldest one who has been a total spendthrift is starting to get it about saving. It helps that I give them their allowances in the form of nickels, dimes and quarters, rather than bills. For them at least they can track their spending much closer. (04/12/2006)

By Carol