Encouraging kids to save money is an important thing parents should consider in their parenting plan. Although, it is not easy to make your kids learn all the money saving techniques, you can at least teach them few basic things that can make them disciplined money savers. The earlier you start, the better off they will be in saving and managing their finances.
Money management from young age is very important
Unfortunately, money management is not taught in schools and colleges. As a parent, it is your responsibility to teach your kids about how to manage money, how to save it and how to spend it. Start teaching money management skills when your child reaches 5 or 6 years.
Majority of kids grow up without having knowledge on money management, saving and investing. Hence, these kids when they become adults start buying unnecessary stuff and become financially unstable- they are more like to get into debt. So, it is necessary that your child's upbringing is done in the right manner, giving right knowledge about money.
Let your kid start saving in piggy bank
Start teaching your kid to save money in piggy bank when he is 3-4 years old. This is one of the easiest ways to teach kids about saving money. Give small amount of money regularly to your kid and make him save regularly. This inculcates the habit of saving money. Also, kids enjoy saving money in their own piggy banks.
Set goals
Teach your child to set goals for saving. For instance, if your child wants to buy a video game, toy or a bicycle, you ask him to save money that he gets from you/your spouse or any other family member and buy it on his own.
Reward kids with non-monetary things
Consider rewarding your kid for saving money. Much like shopping stores that offer coupons and prizes, you can offer prizes to your child. For instance, if your child doesn't spend his saved amount for certain amount of time, offer him a small reward or treat. Praise him so that he is motivated to save money in future too.
Teach the importance
As your kids are growing into teenagers, teach them about the value of money. It is necessary for them to know the importance of saving and spending money wisely. Later, tell them the reason behind parents going to work. They have to understand that you have to pay money for food, school fees, monthly bills, etc. Take your child with you while you are going to shop for groceries, pay for monthly bills, etc. Let them know that you have prepared budget for expenses and you will spend within that limit.
Saving money needs discipline and motivation. Being able to save money is an important life skill, which the parents should compulsorily teach their kids. Money management cannot be learned in a day or two. It is a lifelong process. You need to guide your kids on money matters till they are mature enough to take their own decisions.