How do you decide when your child is old enough to discuss certain financial topics? What discussions have you already tackled with your child--and which are you planning to discuss in the future?
I started when my child was 3 y/o to begin to bring up the concept of money. Now that he's 7 I have him save and count his money and then see online what things he can afford at the store. Then he goes to the register to pay and he gets excited when there is change!!
Ever since my first was born we set up a college fund. Now when he gets checks or cash for events (birthdays, Christmas etc.) we say College money!! and show him how we are excited, so he now (at 2 years old) sees money and cheers "college"! He even does this when he puts change into his piggy bank. It's really cute but we also feel like we are laying the foundation of saving now and that he will go to college, even if he doesn't grasp what that really means yet.
This is a great question. It seems that it really depends on the parent, but starting young is a great way for your child to have a thorough understanding of finances and everything that goes along with it (budgeting, saving, spending, etc.). I think starting with a college fund and piggy bank are definitely great ways to start! For children ages 7 and older, there is a new children’s fiction book called Enchanted Collar that also teaches financial literacy. It has gotten rave reviews from both children, parents, and the media alike. Check it out!
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