I spoke to parents about teaching little kids about money
School’s starting, and even though financial reform has made lots of people buzz about financial literacy and the importance of teaching kids about money, most schools haven’t yet incorporated money lessons into their curriculum. Until personal finance is part of every school’s curriculum—as common as drivers ed or sex education—it’s vital for parents to start talking to their kids about money.
But how can parents bring up the topic without completely confusing or boring their kids? To guide parents, I was asked to fly to Portland, Oregon, to appear on a live show about kids and money called “Financial Futures,” hosted by national radio’s Marketplace Money, where I interviewed two families and their adorable children. For the parents, what money issues come up that frustrate them? For the kids, what do they know about money and what are they dying to spend it on?
Let’s just say there were lots of “kids say the darndest things” moments! See for yourself.