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 Spending Articles
Turning Gifts Into Financial Literacy
Posted on December 26th, 2011 by BobTurn An Old Smart Phone into a Free Gaming Device for Kids
Posted on December 21st, 2011 by JeffI’m giving my 6 year old a cell phone for Christmas. Whoa! Hold on. Let me explain. My daughter is really 6, and it’s a real cell phone, but it’s not going to have any cell phone service. I’m “repurposing” a gently used Android cell phone to provide a FREE and pretty darn sweet handheld gaming device for her for Christmas.
Pay Cash, Eat Healthy
Posted on December 6th, 2011 by JeffWant your kids to make healthier food choices when they are out? Have them pay cash.
This is a somewhat surprising finding in a study by the USDA. In the study, college students that paid with cash made healthier food choices than those paying with an unrestricted debit card. And not only did they make healthier choices…
Knowing How to Write a Check Is… Still Important!
Posted on November 22nd, 2011 by JeffToday’s kids will be tomorrow’s adults and we keep on hearing that so many young adults don’t have a clue how to write a check. We’re here to help!
For the next goal your child achieves in FamilyMint, rather than whipping out the debit or credit card at the store, take your checkbook with you and make it a learning opportunity.
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.
Story of Goldilocks and the 3 Imitation Bear Skin Rugs
Posted on August 18th, 2011 by BobFollow the story of Goldilocks in her search for an imitation bear skin rug and how she decides which one is just right for her and that buying something because it’s cheap will often make you weep, and to purchase to impress never works out for the best.
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.
You Can be Frugal and Green
Posted on June 27th, 2011 by BobEating local is another way to be green, according to simple-green-frugal.blogspot.com. Not only is your food more nutritious because it’s picked at the right time, it also hasn’t been trucked hundreds of miles, using up gas and emitting greenhouse gases. Local farmers markets are a great way to open up your menu to whatever is in season and try something new.