Where Can Kids Learn to Save?

By Clifton Linton
Senior Writer, mPower

You'd think educating children about saving was even more controversial than sex education. It's not taught in the schools, it's not taught at home. Heck, you can't even learn about it in the streets.

"It's hard to learn at home if mom and dad aren't doing it," said Robert Weagley, a certified financial planner and associate professor of consumer and family economics at the University of Missouri.

Traditionally, personal budgeting was included in the old politically incorrect home economics classes. Many of those classes have been phased out by school districts.

But, there are some books written for children about saving. Lorayne Fiorillo, financial advisor and author of Financial Fitness in 45 Days, The Complete Guide to Shaping Up Your Personal Finances, recommends children's finance books written by Neale S. Godfrey.

Other books for kids include Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids, by Gail Karlitz and The Kid's Guide to Money: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It, by Steve Otfinoski.

The National Center for Financial Education has a personal finance Web site oriented to children, as does Jump$tart.

The information provided here is intended to help you understand the general issue and does not constitute any tax, investment or legal advice. Consult your financial, tax or legal advisor regarding your own unique situation and your company's benefits representative for rules specific to your plan.

Where Can Kids Learn to Save?

By Clifton Linton
Senior Writer, mPower

You'd think educating children about saving was even more controversial than sex education. It's not taught in the schools, it's not taught at home. Heck, you can't even learn about it in the streets.

"It's hard to learn at home if mom and dad aren't doing it," said Robert Weagley, a certified financial planner and associate professor of consumer and family economics at the University of Missouri.

Traditionally, personal budgeting was included in the old politically incorrect home economics classes. Many of those classes have been phased out by school districts.

But, there are some books written for children about saving. Lorayne Fiorillo, financial advisor and author of Financial Fitness in 45 Days, The Complete Guide to Shaping Up Your Personal Finances, recommends children's finance books written by Neale S. Godfrey.

Other books for kids include Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids, by Gail Karlitz and The Kid's Guide to Money: Earning It, Saving It, Spending It, Growing It, Sharing It, by Steve Otfinoski.

The National Center for Financial Education has a personal finance Web site oriented to children, as does Jump$tart.

The information provided here is intended to help you understand the general issue and does not constitute any tax, investment or legal advice. Consult your financial, tax or legal advisor regarding your own unique situation and your company's benefits representative for rules specific to your plan.