Odds are you’ve never thought of your teen as “rich”.   In fact, you are probably wondering, as I did, if my child even understands the “value of a dollar”.  Oh how I wish I had a nickel for each time my mom said that to me. 

Does any of this sound familiar?  If so, rest assured it is a conversation going on all over the country for parents of teens. 

Note: at the bottom of this article you will see 3 steps to helping your child move the needle in this huge learning category.   

But more to the point, let’s get to that word “rich”.  Whether rich is having a cool million in the bank, or having enough to keep yourself clothed and fed, it’s all wrapped up in the same mindset:  controlling your money. 

Financial Follies

If I could wave my magic wand and get what I want for you out of this article, it would be to not only educate and convince you of the importance to starting your...

First:  Full transparency here.  After you ask this question, you might not like the answer, but then again, you might love it.  After asking you will learn so much that you will be glad you asked.

Second: You can modify this question to cover an unlimited supply of topics.  You can re-purpose it at nearly any time you’d like.

Third: Few parents have probably ever asked this type of question before.  It’s rather simple in concept.

Fourth: Our teens (though this question can work at any age) are already “conditioned” to respond.

The question? 

“Honey, what grade would you give me on ___________?”

Our teens receive/earn grades every week day, and probably several times per day. They understand the concept of grades. They probably don’t like getting them, but it shows them where they are with respect their mastery of the topic involved.

Wouldn’t we parents like to know how we are doing on a...

Well, it is here.  Lists. Gifts. Shipping. Traffic.  Returns.  Receipts.  That busy shopping season.  The evergreen dilemma of "what do I get them".  We all look for meaningful gifts for our "nearly-flown" kids.  They are almost "gone" and you have so much you still want to teach them.  But hold on.  

Here's a fun .  . . and dare we say it . . . slightly sneaky way to slip in a bit of knowledge AND give them something they will enjoy.  We certainly don't want to break the bank either. 

What about giving something worth 2x or 3x or priceless?   Amazing gift ideas are below that won't cost you that arm and a leg - but will deliver a powerful parent punch.  (Note: JellyGeneration is not affiliated nor compensated for any website, company, or product we list below. These are suggestions on where to start your gift process – not specific recommendations)

 #1. Why not give $ and for part-time...

JellyGeneration knows parents & students have more “need to know” than time. Join them on their journey as they break down financial and legal issues into practical and usable information.

Never Let a Good Crisis Go To Waste

Even a political phrase can be used in our daily lives. In fact, the upcoming holiday season offers high school and college-aged students just such an opportunity. We all crave control over our own financial destiny and the last two months of the year present not only a large need to get that control, but unparalleled possibilities in how to achieve it. Everyone faces how to avoid a cash crunch during the holidays. Time Inc., reminded us of why millennials see even more enticing advertising than other buying groups: The 4 Most Sought After Shoppers

The millennial generation gets a lot of attention from retailers. Americans in the mid-teens to late 20s represent the country’s largest demographic, so it’s understandable that...

After working with countless high school students on potential career research, here is what I can report to we parents:

• Our kids do have amazing career dreams
• They have no idea what that potential career really requires
• They are often shocked when they find out

 What happens then?

• Are they heading in the wrong career direction?
• Can they afford the career they are aiming for? (from the salary to the yrs of school ahead)?
• Do they waste 2-4 years at the wrong college?

 What’s a parent to do?

Getting your child to research potential careers pays huge dividendswhen you place it on your “to-do” list for your...

Show Notes/Links Mentioned:

2. FYI:  If you want help on what to teach your "nearly flown"?  Here's an 8-STEP Parent Guide downloadable .pdf (free by the way) chock full of 8 teaching points with links and tips - created by and for parents previously in your shoes.  Just tell us where to send it.

See you next time!

Pam

• What to do
• What to say
• A Bonus payoff when your "nearly flown" uses it.

Have a great week, and enjoy those parent moments as you encounter them.  Remember, they'll need to last we parents a lifetime!

You CAN Have Success in the Middle of it ALL.

I was in a local deli recently. 

What did I have with me?  On my tray was a book covering financial concepts and savings to read as I ate.

As I paid for my lunch, the cashier (in his early 20’s) noticed the book and asked “why are you reading that?”

It's an easy answer for me, “the more I learn, the more I can share, and hopefully help other parents with less time that have “almost flown” kids along the way.”

My new-found cashier-friend replied “can I tell you my story?”  By now I am thinking, gosh, I’ll never get to eat my lunch and read my book but I am the friendly type and said “I’d love to hear.” 

(Remember, he is behind the cash register and in his early...

Welcome to HS and College Homecoming.       

But what else is Homecoming? 

It's like hiding veggies in the spaghetti-o’s.  (fyi, I tried that, it that doesn’t work !)

Homecoming provides teachable moment all wrapped up in scoreboards, yard lines, and cheering.  One of the huge items on my list to teach my kids was money management.  Do you have a teaching list yet?   Doing so helps you reduce worrying and sleepless nights.  

Remember those $400 jeans?  This amount was spent by a parent for...

This conversation, with slight modifications, can be heard in households with teens everywhere.

And "this, that, and the other thing expenses" are coming. . .

How can you use this to your advantage? (be sure to read all the way to the bottom for a mock-agreement you can adapt)

Do The Parent Mental Money Flip and Take The Challenge

Actually, spending can bring opportunity.  Perhaps they have a job. Perhaps they have an allowance for doing things around the house. Perhaps none of these applies and you have them do things around the house but choose to give them...