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Inside Financial Education
Everyday Teachable Moments | Early Money Management Habits for Kids | Teaching Teens the ABC's of Using Credit Wisely | Credit Do's and Don'ts | A Few Things You Should Know About Credit | Financial Stress Test | What to Do If You Need Credit Help | Budgeting for Your Future | Budgeting Worksheet | Establish Good Saving Habits | Family Savings Goal Worksheet | Simple Steps to Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft | Take Action If You a Victim of Identity Theft

Links to Other Financial Education Resources for Kids and Adults

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PARENTS' GUIDE
Teaching Your Kids About Money

Everyday Teachable Moments

In many families money is a taboo topic. But you can help your children and grandchildren learn financial lessons that will last a lifetime by looking for teachable moments in your daily life that naturally bring up the topic of money. Here are some examples of teachable moments to help you get started:

When depositing your paycheck, talk to your kids about:
bulletBudgeting some of your paycheck to pay for things like rent, food and clothing.
bulletSaving a portion of your paycheck to build a nest egg for future expenses like college tuition and retirement.

When grocery shopping, talk to your kids about:
bulletThe difference between a need and a want — milk is a need, candy is a want.
bulletUsing coupons, buying in bulk, and other ways that you save money on groceries, etc.

When using your credit card, talk to your kids about:
bulletPaying for these purchases each month when the credit card statement comes in the mail.
bulletHow using a credit card is like taking out a small loan for each purchase.

When giving children an allowance, talk to your kids about:
bulletSetting up a budget. For example, decide how much to save, spend or share with others in need.
bulletSetting a financial goal, such as buying a new bike, and figuring out how to achieve it.

When you pay bills each month, talk to your kids about:
bulletHow a check is taking money out of your account at the bank to pay the bill.
bulletKeeping track of the checks you’ve written in the check register so that you don’t spend more than you have in your account.

When using an ATM machine, talk to your kids about:
bulletHow the money is coming from your account at the bank.
bulletRecording withdrawals in your check register so that you don’t overdraw your account.

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