Preparing for your future starts way earlier than you think. For parents of young children, it can start when you talk to your kids about what they might like to do when they get older. As soon as you have teenagers, it becomes a more serious conversation. To prepare them for adult life, parents may start sharing advice about money including how to budget, why save, and — more importantly — why credit is so crucial.

Budgeting Lesson

Teaching kids about money is important and there are many ways to do it. As long as you talk to them about it, you’re doing something right. Some children learn from doing. Let the children in your life watch as you budget for the bills for a week and show them how the money is split to pay bills and save. This will also help them appreciate all that you are doing and spending on everyday items. You can also have them create the grocery list on a budget. Tell them what you will need and see if they can find the best deals for what you are looking for. This not only creates ways for them to learn how to budget, but it also generates appreciation for the food that is regularly purchased.

Authorized Users

When it comes to credit, there are a few ways to teach about why it’s important and how to build good credit. One way to help with this could be adding a teenager to a credit card as an authorized signer. When they are on a card that is handled properly, it helps show a credit history for them prior to them getting a credit score. While credit history may not have a huge impact on a score, it’s a building block and starts them on the right foot. Talk to them about why that is important. Once they understand how credit cards work, allow them to have access to use the card with the understanding that it is best to pay the charges back in full to avoid interest, and hold them accountable for the payment.

With credit affecting so much more than loans, it is important to give kids proper exposure to and preparation for credit as they approach adulthood. Preparing them for what’s to come is essential for their future.

Managing your money is an essential step in entering adulthood. There are many financial variables to navigate, especially if you’re looking to enroll in college. Many parents end certain financial support at 18, which can be an overwhelming change during an already hectic transition into independence. 

To start, consider some of the following questions: Is your family going to pay for your tuition? What about incidentals like groceries, rent, or spending money? If you’re suddenly in a situation in the middle of pursuing your degree and your parents rescind financial support, are you equipped to deal with that? Knowing these things prior to entering college is essential to be able to plan. Let’s say you must pay your own rent when living off campus, but you don’t plan on working during the school year. You’re going to need a large amount of savings to last you through the year. But if you were not expecting the responsibility of rent and you’re suddenly faced with needing to pay it yourself, not working may not be feasible.

These conversations are going to vary based on family dynamics and existing financial responsibilities. Some people remain financially dependent on their parents well into adult life, but that’s not an option for everyone. It’s best to gain mutual understanding about monetary relations sooner rather than later. If you wait until a financial crisis, stress and emotions may affect the ability to have a clearheaded discussion. Make sure your parents are aware that you are looking to have a serious sit-down talk to ease them into the idea. Money can be a sensitive topic, and navigating the dynamics of a parent-child relationship can complicate communication. If you have older siblings, you might be able to plan your approach based on observations of prior scenarios. Writing down what you plan to say or specific concerns you have beforehand can guide the discussion. If your parents are offering monetary support, genuine gratitude is a powerful tool for easing arguments.

Offering Alternatives or Compromise

If you believe that informing your parents of your financial independence plans could jeopardize your financial situation, talk with your financial institution about opening a new solo account to manage your expenses.

A good option is to work out a payment plan where your family takes on a portion of your debt or payments temporarily. Or if your parents are looking for an incentive to invest in your education, promising academic focus and effort could be a good way to ensure their money is well spent. Ultimately, whether you’re pursuing higher education or not, financial literacy is a skill that will serve you throughout your adult life. Whether you're independent or not, awareness of your financial situation is essential to success.

Understanding the difference between saving and investing is crucial for financial success, especially for beginners. This article demystifies these two key financial concepts, guiding you on where to begin based on your financial situation and goals.

Understanding Savings

Savings accounts are typically low risk and easily accessible, ideal for short-term goals or emergency funds. The focus is on preserving your capital. If you’re looking to start saving, a great way to begin is to research savings options at your financial institution and find an option that’s best for you. You may choose a low-yield savings account or a high-yield savings account like a certificate or an Insured Money Management Account. Keep in mind it’s important to research the terms of these options and find the one that aligns best with your goals. Once you have your savings account, start by setting aside a portion of your income to go into that account.

The Basics of Investing

Investing involves purchasing assets like stocks or bonds with the expectation of generating higher returns over the long term. It can carry more risk than a savings account but typically offers greater growth potential than savings alone. Learning how and where to start investing might seem daunting but asking friends and family — or even financial advisers — is a great place to start. Before starting those conversations, identify your long-term financial goals and risk tolerance to determine if and how you should start investing. Understanding your risk tolerance — or how much you are financially able to risk when your investment selections decrease in value — is a vital part of beginning to invest. This should be an amount that you are comfortable losing while still being able to cover all your expenses. Once you’ve figured out your risk tolerance, try starting small to get a feel for what it’s like to begin investing. After you get comfortable with that, explore other avenues of investing that may aid in helping you reach your financial goals.

Striking a Balance

A healthy financial strategy often includes both saving and investing. Your allocation to each should align with your risk tolerance, timeline, and goals. Assess your financial situation to decide how much to save versus invest by reviewing your spending habits and your monthly budget. Consider speaking with a financial adviser or a trusted individual for tailored advice in order to protect your finances and ensure a prosperous financial future.

Deciding between saving and investing depends on your individual financial goals and circumstances. Understanding the nature of both allows you to make informed decisions, laying a strong foundation for financial stability and growth.

Sources:

https://www.sec.gov/about/reports-publications/investor-publications/investor-pubs-asset-allocation