Kids And Money

Kids and credit cards: How soon is too soon?

Guest Author — Thu, 02 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

It’s a simple fact: Parents do not like talking to their kids about money. In fact, over 60 percent of parents surveyed said they would rather talk to their kids about sex than about money. This could be why so many of those children turned into adults that don’t know how to handle a credit card, which is why this country is $793 billion in credit card debt.

How much green should you give your tween?

Lisa Steinke — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Lately, you’re starting to feel more like your tween’s ATM than her M-O-M. So how much money should you be giving her? Or should she get a J-O-B?

The kiddie tax: Does your child have to file?

Kelly Phillips Erb — Wed, 06 Mar 2013 11:00:00 -0800

When April 15 rolls around, most of us understand that we need to file a federal income tax return. But what about when our kids earn money? What then?

Online savings accounts for kids

Guest Author — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0800

Two of the biggest difficulties for parents are saving enough money for their child’s college education and teaching their kids about saving money. In fact, 69 percent of parents say that they are less prepared to talk to their kids about money than they are to talk to them about sex.

Creating accounts for kids: Practical and tax consequences

Kelly Phillips Erb — Mon, 18 Feb 2013 14:00:00 -0800

It’s never too early to start saving. Opening a bank or other investment account for your child can be a great way to help her save for the future while teaching the importance of being financially responsible.

Financial accounts every child should have

Sarah Brooks — Fri, 16 Nov 2012 04:00:00 -0800

When it comes to your children and their future, you can never be too prepared. Start thinking now about what it is you want to provide for them financially as they get older.

Teaching kids to be smart shoppers

Kori Ellis — Thu, 11 Oct 2012 06:19:00 -0700

Saving money is an important lesson that you need to teach your kids. However, you also need to teach them about spending money. Responsible shopping is an essential life skill.

When your child should have their first bank account

Maggie Marton — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:41:00 -0700

Once children start earning their own money, it’s time to teach them how to save. One useful way to teach about saving versus spending is by opening a savings account. But how do you know if your child is ready for one?

Piggy bank or bank account: Tips for helping your child save

Kori Ellis — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:36:00 -0700

Teaching your children about saving money while they are young is a valuable lesson that can help lay the foundation for a solid financial future.

Teaching teens to safely use money online

Kori Ellis — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:35:00 -0700

Thieves and hackers can drain your bank accounts, use your personal information and steal your identity. Though there is no foolproof way to avoid being a victim, there are many precautions that you and your teens can take to reduce the risk. One of them is to be safe and smart when using money online. Teach your teens about phishing scams and other ways that their finances can be in danger on the internet.

Kids' allowances: What's a reasonable amount and at what age?

Kori Ellis — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:23:00 -0700

According to a national survey recently by the American Institute of CPAs, the average allowance for kids in the country totals $65 a month -- $780 a year. For some families, that number might seem low, while for others, it's astronomical. A variety of factors come into play when setting your child's allowance.

Talking to your kids about family finances

Kori Ellis — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 01:18:00 -0700

Though your children don't need to be privy to every detail about your family finances, they need to have a general overview as you teach them about money. Talking to your kids about finances is key to helping them develop good money habits that will last a lifetime.

How to teach your college student to earn free money

Kimberly Horn — Wed, 08 Aug 2012 08:00:00 -0700

When some young adults get to college, the temptation to spend grows somewhat exponentially. There’s no one looking over their shoulder, credit card offers are endless, and student loans feel like lottery winnings. If we don’t begin with healthy financial habits at a young age, it can be very difficult to break bad habits later in life.

The new and improved lemonade stand

Lisa Steinke — Tue, 10 Jul 2012 14:00:00 -0700

This summer, when your kids complain of boredom, why not challenge them to make some money. From the new trends in lemonade stands to starting your own mini-business, read on for creative ways your child can make some cash while school's out.

Help your kids start a lemonade stand

Molly Cerreta Smith — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 07:00:00 -0700

Is there anything that screams “Summer’s here!” louder than a lemonade stand? We think not. This quintessential summer pastime is a great way for your kids to spend an afternoon — and earn a little coin, too. Check out these easy tips to help your kids start a lemonade stand.

Parenting Guru: What are your money priorities?

Julie Weingarden Dubin — Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 -0700

Laura Vanderkam, a mother of three kids under the age of 5, and author of All the Money in the World: What the Happiest People Know about Getting and Spending, helps you think about the role money plays in your family. Vanderkam shares her insight about finances, parenting and priorities below.

Mom vs. Dad: The allowance debate

Lisa Steinke — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:00:00 -0700

You grew up in a home where you earned a weekly allowance. Your husband on the other hand? When he was growing up, being paid for chores was a foreign concept. He was told that he was earning his keep. And now you can't agree on how to teach your kids the value of a dollar. So what to do? Read on for a list of the things your spouse should consider when debating if allowance is right for your child.

Teaching your teens to shop responsibly

Kori Ellis — Tue, 01 May 2012 07:00:00 -0700

Teens love to shop -- whether it's for the latest fashions or the newest video games. Whether they are spending their own cash, your money or a combination of the two, it's important to teach your teens to shop responsibly.

Talking to kids about financial struggles

Kori Ellis — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 12:00:00 -0700

In today's economy, many families are experiencing financial struggles. If your family's finances have taken a hit, talk to your kids in an honest manner about what is happening, and reassure them you have a plan to tackle your problems.

Teaching your teens good money habits

Kori Ellis — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:00:00 -0700

Teaching your teens good money habits now will lay the groundwork for their financial future. Let your teenagers be involved in the family budget, encourage them to open a bank account and expect them to take on some financial responsibilities.

4 Fun activities to teach preschoolers about money

Kori Ellis — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 -0700

Instill good money habits in your children by teaching counting, saving and spending money from a young age. Preschoolers can learn about the value of money through fun activities you can do together.