Set a good example for your children with just a few simple changes
As a parent, you try to ensure your children have the skills to make smart financial decisions. But did you know that you could be sending them negative money messages without meaning to?
Here are some useful ways you could teach your children healthy money habits.
Revealing the magic behind digital money
Your children have likely seen you pay for hundreds of transactions without glimpsing cash changing hands. For small children, it can seem like money problems are solved with magic – just wave or tap a plastic card. This makes it important to discuss the value of money with them. A good way to start is to explain how your earnings get deposited into your bank account and how you use this account to pay bills. For older children, consider showing them how taxes are deducted from your salary.
Spending wisely
Frequently buying things on impulse could send the message that it’s fine to spend without planning. Sticking to a budget is key to avoiding impulse buying. To set an effective budget, consider working with a professional financial adviser. Your adviser may help develop a budget that factors in your income, expenses and financial obligations.
Teaching them independence
It’s convenient to do everything for your children. But by giving them a chance to have their own money and decide how and where to spend it, they could learn powerful lessons about budgeting. For adult children, always offering them financial help can create a cycle of dependency. Letting them make their own money decisions could help them develop financial responsibility.
Including them in budgeting
Many parents keep household financial planning and budgeting to themselves. While you don’t have to fully involve your children in managing your family’s finances, giving them a role to play, such as getting them to do grocery shopping using a set budget, can teach them lessons about money. If your children are old enough to earn some income, why not get them to pitch in to help achieve a family goal?
Using your influence positively
You can strongly influence your children in relation to money, so it’s important to pass on smart money management skills. If you don’t know where to start, consider reaching out to your financial adviser to help you stay on top of your finances through proper planning and budgeting.
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Mark O’Connell, Robin Bell, Martin Cimino, Angelo Adam and Allan Hall Financial Planning Pty Ltd are Authorised Representatives of Consultum Financial Advisers Pty Ltd ABN 65 006 373 995 AFSL 230323.