SUMMARY:

How do you introduce money management tracking with them?

• Start before they hit high school if possible.  If you haven't started it yet, start now.

Why will they benefit while in high school?

• They will experience guilt-free spending.  Priceless.
• They will be able to say "no" to something because they are saving for something bigger.

How should they actually start?

• With so much coming at them, starting simply is crucial.
• Start with pen and paper.
• Avoid the fancy money software. . . at least until later.
• Paper helps them more clearly see the movement of their money from category to category.

What are 6 things to remember as you pick money management software for your young adult:

Again, we strongly suggest starting with pen and paper before moving to this level.  Many will be happy with just a simple, direct pen and paper system.  But if you have a teen or young adult that is ready to level-up to something more, you will find these 6 items...

 SUMMARY

We’ve talked so much in the past about how to instill in our kids the values and motivations to be successful.  As parents we want our kids to be achievers, take responsibility, and own the world around them.  You’ve worked hard to instill in them a reliable set of practices, habits and commitments that will help carry them through to life, marriage, and maybe grandkids! 

Now comes an important task that you can't do until they are near aged 18.  

Do you remember when they first voted at their high school for class officers?  Or helped a friend run for office?  Hopefully your kids school did that.  I have to tell you that I never had the courage to run for a school office.  I was camera shy in  high school – and here I sit in front of a camera.  Who knew!  I had my finger in many pies, but just not the running for office one.  But my kids did. 

Little did I realize, but after they won...

College Applications Wearing You Down?  

Make it Easier to Track

 

Now that you have time left - - here's how to organize those applications.  

If you are a high school junior or senior – or have one living in your home, you've probably spent large amounts of time working on college applications. It is definitely a “labor” of love because many high schoolers apply to seven or more colleges these days. College counselors have been haranguing your juniors all last year to get those applications in as soon as possible. The mantra is that the earlier it is submitted, the better chance for acceptance. The process can be overwhelming, since each application has lots of moving parts. Most applications must be accompanied by a...

MYTH:  High School and College are all it takes to be a success. (We wish!)

FACT:  They need to learn these 3 “You, Inc.” rules that might not show up on the school academic course list.

As parents, we know from the day our little cherubs are born that they are our #1 gift and that we are investing in them.  From soccer on Saturday at seemingly 4am games, to that parent school night every Fall and Spring, you love, live, and survive thru each stage of their growth.  We taught them to not touch that hot stove, quit running with scissors, and of course the obvious. . . quit arguing with their siblings!  You tried to teach them thank you and please, and to write thank you notes. 

So what’s missing? 

Those intangibles.  The ability to communicate and represent themselves to others.  Consider these stats:

• 44% of college graduates are in jobs that don’t require a college degree.
  • Research Link: Pew Research Student...

Who doesn't want to save money at a very practical level.  But how? 

Is cooking your thing?  Many, including me, don't relish it.  If it can be catered, or arranged to "eat out", then I'm good with it.  

One of my friends is the opposite.  Ask anyone that knows her, really.  If she can create a concoction in the kitchen, 50 dirty pots and all, she is good with it.

I drive her crazy.

BUT, what do we both have in common?  More importantly, what might you have in common?  We are both frugal.  Some would describe us as CHEAP.  How about you?  I taught my kids long ago that whenever and however you can design a system or habit to save money, you are ahead.    

Parents ask us all the time for practical ways to teach the rewards of savings.  This is about as practical as it gets.  If fact, if you want even more practical teaching ideas, you can find them here:  (free) 8 - Step Parent Teaching Guide...

College Applications Wearing You Down?  

Make it Easier to Track

 

Now that you have time left - - here's how to organize those applications.  

If you are a high school junior or senior – or have one living in your home, you've probably spent large amounts of time working on college applications. It is definitely a “labor” of love because many high schoolers apply to seven or more colleges these days. College counselors have been haranguing your juniors all last year to get those applications in as soon as possible. The mantra is that the earlier it is submitted, the better chance for acceptance. The process can be overwhelming, since each application has lots of moving parts. Most applications must be accompanied by a...

 SUMMARY

We parents are time-challenged in nearly every way possible.  Just keeping our head above water is demanding.  After working with many students, we want to share 3 simple questions that can help parents learn more about their nearly-flown kids and how to use it for this last full-time parent-season you may have.  

How much time is left before your nearly grown kids are truly out the door - and gone?  Answer?  Not much.  The fact is that as they get older, outside influences become stronger on them.  

Those outside influences are on an ever increasing scale in influencing them with dreams, goals, habits, and money management.  

We, as parents, can learn from those outside influences - especially the positive ones.  

Why do our young adults pay attention to them?  What positive communication tools do those people have that we can adopt?  

With those precious days we have left with our nearly-flown kids, we want to...

Spending Plans don’t have to get torpedoed for apartment or dorm move-in day. There ARE inexpensive ways to purchase furniture perfect for dorms/apts/houses.

Avoid Furniture Sticker Shock

You’ve figured out how to pay for your child’s college, you’ve enrolled them, they have a roommate, and have even bought the sports ticket package. You are done, right? We all wish. Perhaps they (or you) are moving into an apartment after graduation.  Many students move directly to an apartment, or a house, or have a college that provides minimal furniture. Here are 4 ideas that just might save the financial day!

#1 Know Thy College Seniors

Rumor has it that kids do eventually graduate from college. At least that’s what I’m counting on! Guess what? There are college grads moving out in December, May, and August. Odds are pretty high that they don’t need nor want their current furniture. And what’s more? They don’t have an easy way to get...

“I will prove to you that almost anything is price negotiable”. Mack Powers, of MackPowers.com, said those words to his date/girlfriend.

To prove his point, he declared the entire day of shopping to be his test/proof. JellyGeneration interviewed Mack recently and you will find his experience fascinating. (It should be noted that Mack wanted to impress this particular date with his mastery of all things finance.)

There is more to negotiation success than save by using cash

This is not an article on “buying with cash helps save you money.” Paying cash often does help, of course, but teaching our kids (and reminding ourselves) that there are other solid principles involved in the buy-sell relationship is crucial.

Have you ever been to the Grapevine Mills Outlet Mall in yes, …Grapevine, Texas? If not, (ok, probably not!) the mall name is truly as advertised - a discount mall. Hence, the “I can negotiate everything challenge” was perhaps even...

This could be the year you not only get your Christmas and holiday shopping done early, but you can actually buy those gifts with less money, and less stress.

Per The National Retail Federation (NRF.org) we spent an average of $730+ in past Holiday seasons:

After all was said and done, NRF found that holiday sales increased 3.8 percent to $602 billion. More than 90 percent of Americans celebrated Christmas, Kwanza or Hanukah last winter, the most-celebrated season of the year.

Here are concrete suggestions on how to get a handle on this expense:

#1 List whom/what you are buying for...by this weekend.

Many of us can name the obvious family members, but go ahead and think thru those smaller gifts you buy at the last minute for those people that you always forget to buy for. Think thru your daily life and list those that might slip our minds: the piano teacher, your parents care giver, the mail man, the school teachers, friends, the boss, co-workers, the small hostess gifts for any...