What happens to our kids every year - that we parents DON"T get to experience?

A clean slate, new teachers, friends, classes and more.  Wow.  Don't we parents all wish we had this chance?  

But if our kids don't know how to capitalize on this HUGE opportunity . . . it passes QUICKLY.  

Today's episode covers "How To Build Their Future - Right Now" with 3 techniques sure to get them up and running from an entirely new and exciting perspective.

Don't you wish you could help your child start better, and lay a foundation for their future from habits to mindset?  If so, this episode is for you,  

[1:25] #1 Re-Set Their Expectations Framework

• Learn how to capitalize on "different"
• Learn parent dialogue to encourage growth

[3:38] #2 Build Teacher Relationships

• Capitalize on one of the biggest assets your "nearly grown" child has

[5:42] #3 Build Positive Circles

• Your child needs to be strategically looking for these

[7:18] Help Your Child...

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...

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...

Budget.  That’s right . . . budget.    Things have changed. 

Have you used that word 6-letter word “budget” lately?  Go ahead and be honest with yourself.  You probably have.  But let me make a case on why you need to stop.   Times have changed.   Consider the following:

"Budgets" are Constricting

“Mom, I need $20.”   (funny how it used to be they only asked for $10!) 

“Honey, I just gave you $20 like…yesterday.  Can’t you budget your money?”

And there it is.  That word, that horrible sinking feeling word. The implied connotation to our kids and our “almost growns” is . . .  you can’t buy the things you want, you will never have enough money, and you are a one emoji away from busted.  Life is one trick multiple question with “none of the above” always included. 

Need stats to support this? 

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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...