As parents, we need to teach our children many life lessons. One of which is how to handle money. Teaching your kids how to budget and save for their future will make a huge difference in their lives. They are far less likely to end up burdening themselves with debt. There are lots of ways to teach your children to be good savers, but these are some of my favourites.
Open a junior ISA for them
Opening a junior ISA from Wealthify, or a similar provider is a good idea for most families. The cash in these accounts is not available to your child until they are 18. Although from the age of 16 they can play a role in managing their ISA accounts.
Eighteen is a good age for a child to be given a lump sum. At that age, they are likely to be preparing to learn to drive, go on to further education or thinking about moving out of your home. Having some cash saved up for them in an ISA will enable them to do all of this without having to get into debt.
Get them an old-fashioned piggy bank
Old school piggy banks are still popular because kids love them. Giving them physical pocket money and encouraging them to put some of it into one is a great way for them to get the saving bug at a really young age. Even a toddler can understand that the bigger the pile of coins is the more of what they really want they can buy. So, as soon as it is safe to do so, get each of your children a piggy bank.
Open a full bank account for them
The next step is to open a proper bank account for each of them. At first, you will have to help them to manage it. But, gradually, they will be able to take over the reins. Handling money on a daily basis and getting used to budgeting so that their allowance gets them through the week is all good practice. They can use that bank account to save up for short-term financial goals. For example, holidays or buying something like a new phone or games consul.
Play games that help them to learn about managing money
Kids learn best through play. This YT video provides you with some ideas of how to do that.
Get them to help with the family budget
As soon as they are old enough to do so, get the kids involved with helping you to manage the family budget. Now, I am not suggesting that you burden your children with the full ins and outs of your finances.
But, you can, for example, get them to help you to shop around for the best power deals. Or, to find coupons for the products your family likes to eat. Giving them little tasks like this will really help them to better appreciate the value of money and learn how to save for their future.
