The thing I didn't know before I became a parent is that 98% of
my child's quirky (and/or annoying) habits will come directly from
me. For example, my 2 ½ year-old refers to all forms of currency as
not just money, but money-honey. The first time I heard her use
this expression, I was slightly appalled. But then I figured out
that she learned it from me. I pick a penny off the ground, put my
debit card in my purse, or mention how expensive gas is and she
automatically says, "It's money-honey, Mama."
She is acutely aware of money and I want to ensure her
perception and eventual use of it will serve her well throughout
her lifetime. The internet is chock-full of resources you can use
to raise financially literate children. Here's a list of some of
the better information, games, and tools I've found:
Preschoolers
1.
Thrive by FiveTM: Teaching Your Preschooler About
Spending and Saving
- This website lists several free and easy activities you can use
to teach your preschooler basic concepts about money.
2.
Toys
- Preschoolers have a difficult time understanding abstract
concepts. You may consider getting them a simple piggy-bank or cash
register to help develop their interest in how money is used.
Grade School
1.
Mad Money
- This interactive game allows kids to think through the choices
they must make as they save, spend, and earn money.
2.
KidsMoney.org
- This entire website is pretty fantastic, but the link takes you
to a list of games your child can play to learn about money.
3.
Money Flash Cards
- This useful and fun game teaches how to count coins and bills.
This website also has a place you can create your own
money-counting
worksheets
.
4.
Keep the Change
- This is not a pretty website, but the game is perfect for those
kids who are looking for a slightly more challenging way to
practice their money counting skills.
5.
Kids.gov
- List of cool games and interesting information for your
elementary-aged child.
Teens
1.
Teaching your Teen to Budget
- A wonderfully comprehensive list of resources and advice to help
your teen increase their understanding of financial issues.
2.
Reality Check
- This calculator gives teens an idea of the types of things they
will need to budget for as they transition into adulthood.
3.
TheMint.org
- This is a super source of information, games, and challenges to
learn about the more important concepts about money like
compounding, debts, and checking accounts.
4.
You're an Adult Now Webquest
- This webquest encourages kids to begin thinking about how they
will use money once they enter the "real world."
All-Ages
1.
Give Your Child an Education in Finance
- Whether your child is two or on their way to college, you'll find
tips to help them be financially savvy.
2.
Teaching Children Money Habits for Life
- This article, from the University of Minnesota, can be purchased
for $1.50 (plus $2.50 for shipping). I bought it and think it's
fantastic, but there's a
free preview
you can check out to decide for yourself.
3.
Kids and money
- This is an amazing, amazing list of links to resources and tools
for kids of all ages.
4.
Money Savvy Pig
- This unique piggy bank is divided into four sections - spend,
save, donate, and invest.
5.
Charity
Navigator
- In my opinion, generosity is a crucial part of being financially
successfully. This website allows you and your children to evaluate
different charities.
The intent of this article is to help expand your financial
education. Although the information included may be relevant to
your particular situation, it is not meant to be personalized
advice. When it comes to investing, insurance and financial
planning, it is important to speak to a professional and get advice
that is tailored to your unique, individual situation. All
investments involve risk including possible loss of principal.
Investment objectives, risks and other information are contained in
the Snider Investment Method Owner's Manual; read and consider them
carefully before investing. More information can be found on our
website or by calling 1-888-6SNIDER. Past performance is not
indicative of future results.