Are You Trading Time for Money with Your Kids? Read This!
Hey, it’s your boy Mark Evans DM here, and today we’re talking about something that hits close to home—teaching our kids about money. Now, I’ll be honest… trying to teach my kids about money feels like I’m climbing a mountain some days. 🧗♂️ But you know what? It’s one of the most important things we can do as parents.
Why Teaching Money Matters
Let’s be real—most kids today have no clue what money really means. They think it’s just something that comes out of an ATM or gets swiped with a card. But here’s the thing: if we don’t teach our kids about money now, they’re gonna grow up thinking it’s all about getting the latest gadgets or fancy shoes. They won’t understand the real value of a dollar or how to make that dollar work for them.
Money Isn't Just for Spending
Here’s the deal—money isn’t just for spending. It’s a tool. It can buy you freedom, opportunities, and a better future if you know how to use it right. I’ve seen too many people chase after stuff, thinking it’ll make them happy, only to find out they’re still stuck in the same spot. More stuff doesn’t equal more happiness.
The truth is, it’s not about how much money you make but how well you keep it and make it grow. 💰 That’s why I’m teaching my kids to think like stewards, not just spenders. And trust me, it’s not easy. Sometimes they roll their eyes at me, but I know it’s sinking in.
Start Small, Think Big
So, what’s my game plan? It’s all about starting small. Each week, we have a little “money meeting.” It doesn’t have to be anything fancy. We just sit down, talk about what money means, and share our wins and losses. I tell them about times I’ve made mistakes or took risks that paid off.
And I teach them about saving, investing, and giving back. We even set small goals, like saving for something they want or deciding where to donate a few bucks. It’s about showing them that money isn’t just for buying things—it’s a tool for making things happen. 🚀
Bring in the Coaches
Here’s another tip: Don’t be afraid to bring in the experts. I hire coaches to teach both me and my kids about financial stewardship—how to manage, grow, and give back. I don’t pretend to know it all, and having someone else step in sometimes makes it more fun and less “dad lecture.”
Having a coach shows them that learning about money isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a journey. And it’s one that never really ends. 🌱
Make It a Game
Kids learn best when they’re having fun, right? So, turn money lessons into a game. We play “Money Match” where I challenge them to match every dollar they save with one of their own, or “Investopoly,” where they make decisions on where to put their pretend dollars and see what happens.
Games make it real without feeling like schoolwork. And believe me, they’re learning a lot more than they think!
Flex Those Giving Muscles
Teaching kids about money also means teaching them the joy of giving. I ask my kids to choose one way to give back each month. Whether it’s donating a toy, giving some cash, or volunteering time, they learn that money can create good in the world.
It’s not just about building wealth for themselves; it’s about making an impact, too. 💪
Keep the Conversation Going
The key to teaching kids about money is to keep the conversation going. Don’t just have one talk and think it’s done. Make it a regular part of your family life. Ask questions, share stories, and encourage them to think about what they want their money to do for them.
Wrapping It Up
Teaching your kids about money is one of the greatest gifts you can give them. It’s not just about the dollars and cents; it’s about teaching them how to think, how to plan, and how to make choices that will lead them to a brighter future. Start small, keep it fun, and remember, you’re planting seeds that will grow for a lifetime. 🌳
Let’s raise some money-smart kids, Dealmaker!
- Mark Evans DM