Christmas and birthdays are often a time when kids get a windfall of cash and gift cards. Should you let them run right out and spend it all? Whoa. Not so fast. An incredible teaching opportunity for your kids has just presented itself. Check out Bob’s interview with Murray Feldman on Fox 2 Detroit about teaching your kids how to handle the gift of money.
All Budgeting Articles
Turning Gifts Into Financial Literacy
Posted on December 26th, 2011 by Bob5 Tips to Avoid Holiday Debt and Overspending
Posted on December 8th, 2011 by BobEver hear the expression “post holiday hang over?” That’s what it feels like when we open up our January credit card statement. With a little planning and creativeness, we all can avoid holiday debt and the post holiday blues and don’t forget to include your kids in the process. Here are our 5 tips for a truly money-smart holiday season:
“Deficit” vs. “Debt”
Posted on October 27th, 2011 by BobWith the national debt currently at $14.9 trillion, we hear a lot of talk about reducing our national deficit. My teen posed a question while watching a recent debate as to what the difference was between debt and deficit. Here’s a very simple explanation.
What Teens Really Know About Money
Posted on September 22nd, 2011 by BobWhen it comes to being savvy about money, the line between what teens think and reality is as wide as the Grand Canyon. Most teens surveyed believe they are financially savvy. But when asked about specifics such as establishing good credit, balancing a check book or what a credit score is, the majority of teens were in the dark.
5 Tips for Money-Smart Back to School Shopping
Posted on September 1st, 2011 by BobDid you realize the average parent spends $603.63 to get each of their children ready for the upcoming school year? But no worries! Here are 5 really simple ways your kids can help you cut down on back to school costs.
The Secret of Setting Goals
Posted on August 1st, 2011 by JeffThe simple act of setting a goal is the most important step in accomplishing it. It’s that tiny first baby step, but it’s absolutely required and it sets everything else in motion.
Did you know that an astounding 97% of the population does not take the time to set goals? FamilyMint provides a great way for your children to get started on the road toward developing the goal setting habit.
The Envelope System Made Easy
Posted on July 18th, 2011 by JeffThe Envelope System is a popular method of budgeting, and for good reason. The process is dead-simple.
Budget their summer earnings for the school year
Posted on July 4th, 2011 by BobIt feels great when your kids earn their first paychecks in their coveted summer jobs. Their first instinct might be to rush out and spend away. But what happens when school starts? The money is long gone. The best way to make that money last through the year is to set up a budget.
How to Start a Nest Egg
Posted on June 22nd, 2011 by BobToday’s parents can set the same example for their kids, who are bombarded with all sorts of expensive, “must have” electronic gadgets du jour. No matter how your child earns money, teach her how to save it, if only as a stepping-stone to bigger and better down the road.
5 Money-Smart Shopping Tips
Posted on June 20th, 2011 by BobWho doesn’t like to shop? Oh, I know there are guys out there that will say they hate shopping, but you catch them on the web surfing for a new Ipad or the latest and greatest gizmo. We’re a consumer society. That’s what we do…we buy stuff. But there’s smart shopping and not so smart shopping. Who wants to be a smart shopper? Well here are some tips to help you and your kids stretch that dollar: