We understand. Talking to your kids about money is hard. Maybe your own parents thought it was a taboo topic growing up, or maybe you don’t feel comfortable enough in your own financial knowledge to know where to start. We’re here to help! Knowing how to talk to your kids about money can give them the advantage they need to make wise financial decisions in the future. For Money Smart Week, we’ve compiled a list of books you can check out that will help make that conversation a little easier.
Also, be sure to stop by the Children’s Services Desk to pick up a Take-It Make-IT DIY Piggy Bank, while supplies last, and watch our Learn Unique Money Lessons for Young Kids and their Parents program on our YouTube channel starting Tuesday, April 13.
Smart Money Smart Kids by Dave Ramsey & Rachel Cruze
In Smart Money Smart Kids, financial expert Dave Ramsey and his daughter Rachel Cruze equip parents to teach their children how to win with money. Starting with the basics like working, spending, saving and giving, and moving into more challenging issues like avoiding debt for life, paying cash for college and battling discontentment, Dave and Rachel present a no-nonsense, common-sense approach for changing your family tree.
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Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Robert T. Kiyosaki
You’re never too young to learn the language of money. Like it or not, money is a part of our everyday lives and the more we understand it, the better the chance we can learn to have our money work for us—instead of working hard for money all our lives. That starts with learning the language of money. Packed with straight talk, sidebars and quizzes, this book will jumpstart a child’s personal and financial success by teaching: how to speak the language of money, ways to make money work for you, tips for success and why games can help you understand money, investing and ways to choose your best path to financial freedom.
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The MoneySmart Family System by Steve & Annette Economides
Is it possible to raise financially responsible kids of any age in a society filled with consumerism and entitlement? New York Times best-selling authors Steve and Annette Economides raised their five kids while spending 77 percent less than the USDA predicted. And the money they did spend was also used to train their children to become financially independent. The MoneySmart Family System will show you how to teach your children to manage money and have a good attitude while they’re learning to earn, budget and spend wisely.
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The Opposite of Spoiled by Ron Leiber
We may not realize it, but children are hyperaware of money. They have scores of questions about its nuances that parents often don’t answer, or know how to answer well. When parents avoid these conversations, they lose a tremendous opportunity—not just to model important financial behaviors, but also to imprint lessons about what their family cares about most. The Opposite of Spoiled is a practical guidebook for parents that is rooted in timeless values. Lieber covers all the basics: the best ways to handle allowance, chores, charity, savings, cell phones, clothing, cars, part-time jobs and college tuition. But he also identifies a set of traits and virtues—like modesty, patience, generosity and perspective—that parents hope their young adults will carry with them out into the world.