Podcasts > Good Inside with Dr. Becky > Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

By Dr. Becky

In this episode of Good Inside with Dr. Becky, Dr. Kennedy and personal finance expert Alexa von Tobel delve into the importance of teaching kids money management skills from an early age. They explore how to instill healthy money mindsets in children, advising parents to reframe money as an empowering tool, not a source of stress.

Von Tobel and Kennedy also share practical tips for using allowances to teach goal-setting and delayed gratification. Beyond that, they emphasize the value of modeling open financial behaviors, involving kids in money discussions, and providing age-appropriate explanations of costs and spending. Their guidance aims to help parents embed financial consciousness in their children's formative years.

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

1-Page Summary

Importance of Early Financial Education

As per Alexa von Tobel, teaching money management skills from an early age is crucial, yet largely absent from school curriculums. A study shows kids can absorb financial attitudes as young as age five, emphasizing the need for positive parental guidance. Von Tobel wrote a book to help children understand finances, aiming to enact change through early education.

Fostering Healthy Money Mindsets

Becky Kennedy and Von Tobel advocate for positive household attitudes, viewing money as an empowering tool, not a source of stress. They suggest using mantras like "Money is something I can manage" and "Money helps me live my life." This reframes money in children's minds as a functional aspect of life to be controlled thoughtfully.

Using Allowance for Goal-Setting

Rather than paying for chores, which can breed entitlement, Kennedy and Von Tobel recommend allowances to teach delayed gratification. Setting savings goals, tracking progress visually, and celebrating milestones reinforces patience and smart spending habits. Their allowance guide helps families implement tailored practices.

Modeling Open Financial Behaviors

Kennedy emphasizes openness in money talks and trusting parental intuition. Von Tobel advises involving kids in financial decisions and teaching costs tactically, like explaining a toy's price in tangible terms. Leading by example, engaging kids in exercises, and facilitating constructive conversations embeds financial consciousness.

1-Page Summary

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Alexa von Tobel is an entrepreneur, author, and financial expert known for founding LearnVest.com, a personal finance website, and for her books on financial literacy. She advocates for early financial education and empowerment, emphasizing the importance of teaching money management skills to children. Von Tobel's work focuses on fostering healthy money mindsets, using allowances for goal-setting, and modeling open financial behaviors to instill financial consciousness in families.
  • Becky Kennedy is an American clinical psychologist known for her work in parenting advice and mental health. She is the founder of the Good Inside company, which offers online parenting guidance. Kennedy is recognized for her expertise in helping millennial parents navigate challenges and improve family dynamics.
  • Using allowances for goal-setting involves giving children a set amount of money on a regular basis to teach them financial responsibility. Instead of tying the allowance to chores, it focuses on helping children learn how to manage money by setting savings goals, tracking progress, and celebrating achievements. This method aims to instill the value of delayed gratification, patience, and wise spending habits in children from a young age. By using allowances as a tool for goal-setting, children can learn practical money management skills that can benefit them in the long term.
  • Delayed gratification is the ability to resist immediate rewards for the sake of more significant benefits in the future. It involves choosing long-term gains over short-term pleasures, often leading to improved outcomes in various aspects of life. This skill is linked to traits like patience, self-control, and willpower, all crucial for self-regulation and success. Factors influencing delayed gratification include cognitive strategies, such as distraction techniques, and neurological aspects like brain pathways involved in decision-making.
  • Explaining costs in tangible terms means breaking down the price of an item into relatable, concrete examples that children can easily understand. For instance, instead of saying a toy costs $20, you might explain that it's equivalent to the cost of two family meals at a favorite restaurant. This approach helps children grasp the value of money and make more informed decisions about spending.
  • Financial consciousness refers to being aware and knowledgeable about financial matters, such as budgeting, saving, investing, and spending wisely. It involves understanding the implications of financial decisions and having a proactive approach towards managing money effectively. Developing financial consciousness helps individuals make informed choices, set financial goals, and cultivate healthy money habits for long-term financial well-being. It encompasses being mindful of one's financial situation, being able to plan for the future, and having a sense of control and responsibility over one's financial life.

Counterarguments

  • While early financial education is important, it should not overshadow other fundamental aspects of childhood development such as creativity, social skills, and emotional intelligence.
  • Some argue that financial attitudes are not only shaped by parental guidance but also by broader societal factors, including socioeconomic status and cultural norms, which may not be easily addressed through individual education.
  • Critics of using mantras might suggest that oversimplifying complex financial concepts into catchphrases could lead to a superficial understanding of money management.
  • The idea of not paying for chores could be debated; some believe that linking chores to financial rewards can teach children the value of work and the direct correlation between labor and income.
  • There is a perspective that allowances without a direct tie to chores or responsibilities might not effectively teach children about the real-world work-reward dynamic.
  • The emphasis on openness in financial discussions with children might not be suitable for all families, particularly those experiencing financial hardship, as it could lead to unnecessary stress or worry for the child.
  • Involving children in financial decisions could be seen as burdening them with adult concerns prematurely, potentially leading to anxiety or a distorted sense of responsibility.
  • Some educators and parents might argue that financial education should be tailored to a child's age and maturity level, and that certain concepts might be too complex for younger children to grasp meaningfully.

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

Importance of teaching kids about money from an early age

Introducing financial literacy and money management skills to children at a young age is essential for closing the knowledge gaps that are not currently met in schools.

Necessity to educate children on financial skills and concepts early on

Alexa von Tobel emphasizes the critical role of financial literacy in empowering children's futures and is surprised by the absence of direct money education in schools. To address this need, she has taken the initiative to write a book that helps children understand finances. Von Tobel advocates for teaching basic financial concepts as early as the first grade to enact positive change in children's lives.

A study from the University of Michigan underlines that children can absorb attitudes toward money as young as age five, reinforcing von Tobel's point that the earlier the financial education begins, the better. She believes that a positive and non-stressful attitude towards money from parents can foster a healthy financial mindset in kids.

Lack of direct money education in schools creates knowledge gaps

Despite the importance of financial education, von Tobel notes that money management still isn't included in many school curriculums, often leading adults to correct financial blunders that stem from a lack of early financial education. She asserts that mastering finances from a young age can lead to a significantly better life.

Empowering kids with money management skills from a young age can significantly impact their lives

Von Tobel points out the importance of children learning to save, understanding compounding interest, and seeing their bank account grow. She practices this with her own children by preferring contributions to their savings accounts over gifts like toys, and making sure money is visible and t ...

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Importance of teaching kids about money from an early age

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Alexa von Tobel is an entrepreneur, author, and financial expert known for her work in personal finance education through platforms like LearnVest.com. She has authored books on financial literacy and has been recognized for her contributions to entrepreneurship. Von Tobel's background includes a degree in Psychology from Harvard College and a successful career in the finance industry.
  • Compounding interest is when the interest you earn on an investment or savings account is added to the principal amount, and then future interest is calculated on the new total. This means you earn interest on your interest, leading to exponential growth of your money over time. Understanding compounding interest is crucial for making informed financial decisions and maximizing the growth of your savings or investments. It's a powerful concept that highlights the benefits of starting to save or invest early to take advantage of the compounding effect over time.
  • Trade-offs in economics refer t ...

Counterarguments

  • While early financial education is beneficial, it's important to ensure that it is age-appropriate and does not induce undue stress or anxiety about money in young children.
  • Some argue that the primary responsibility for teaching children about money should rest with parents and guardians, who can tailor the education to their child's unique needs and family values.
  • There is a concern that too much focus on financial literacy at a young age might overshadow other important aspects of childhood education, such as creativity, social skills, and critical thinking.
  • Critics may point out that formal financial education might not be as effective as practical, hands-on learning experiences with money, such as allowances or family budgeting activities.
  • It's possible that emphasizing savings and compounding interest too early could inadvertently lead to materialistic values or an overemphasis on accumulating wealth.
  • Some educators and psychologists might argue that children's cognitive development varies, and not all children may be ready to grasp complex financial concepts like compounding interest at the same age.
  • There is a risk that financial education in schools could become too standardized, failing to address the diverse economic backgrounds and needs of all students.
  • The effectivenes ...

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

Positive money mindsets and mantras for kids

Becky Kennedy and Alexa Von Tobel share insights on how fostering a healthy mindset about money from an early age is crucial for children’s development.

Establishing healthy associations and attitudes around money from an early age

Becky Kennedy and Von Tobel emphasize the importance of holding conversations that shape children’s nuanced understanding of money, highlighting that financial responsibilities are things that children can learn to manage effectively.

Emphasizing money as a tool, not a source of stress or shame

Kennedy and Von Tobel both advocate for a positive household attitude toward money, suggesting that it should be seen not as a source of stress or a taboo topic, but as an empowering tool. Von Tobel stresses that money is simply a mechanism for trade and not the goal of life. She recounts how money was invented for bartering, a more convenient method than trading items like pelts.

Teaching kids mantras like "Money is something I can manage" and "Money is a tool that helps me live my life"

Von Tobel offers mantras in the first chapter of her book, which Kennedy believes are helpful for children to understand and define their relationship with money positively. Kennedy und ...

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Positive money mindsets and mantras for kids

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • A nuanced understanding of money involves a detailed and subtle comprehension of financial concepts beyond basic knowledge. It includes grasping the complexities of how money works, its value, and the various ways it can be managed and utilized effectively. This understanding goes beyond simple transactions and savings to encompass a deeper awareness of financial systems, decision-making, and the impact of money on individuals and society. It involves recognizing the psychological, social, and practical aspects of money management, fostering a holistic view that goes beyond surface-level perceptions.
  • Financial responsibilities manageable by children typically involve tasks like saving a portion of their allowance, budgeting for small purchases, or contributing to charity. These responsibilities are age-appropriate and help children learn the value of money, develop financial literacy, and cultivate good money habits early on. Parents can guide children in understanding these responsibilities by setting clear expectations and providing opportunities for them to practice money management in a safe and controlled environment. By gradually introducing financial tasks and responsibilities, children can gain confidence in handling money and making informed decisions.
  • Money as a mechanism for trade means that money serves as a medium of exchange, allowing people to trade goods and services more efficiently than through bartering. Instead of directly swapping one good for another, money simplifies transactions by providing a universally accepted unit of value. This system enables individuals to buy what they need with money earned from selling goods or services, facilitating economic activities on a broader scale. Money's primary function is to facilitate trade by acting as a common medium of exchange, making transactions smoother and more convenient.
  • Bartering is a system of exchange where goods or services are directly traded for other goods or services without using money. In bartering, individuals negotiate the terms of the trade based on the perceived value of the items being exchanged. This method was commonly used before the widespread adoption of currency and facilitated transactions between parties with different needs and resources. Bartering allowed people to acquire goods they needed by offering something they had in surplus.
  • A positive household attitude toward money involves fostering an environment where money is vi ...

Counterarguments

  • While establishing healthy attitudes towards money is important, it's also crucial to recognize that not all financial stress can be eliminated with a positive mindset; systemic issues and socioeconomic factors can significantly impact one's financial situation.
  • Conversations about money are important, but they must be age-appropriate and consider a child's capacity to understand complex financial concepts.
  • Viewing money solely as a tool might oversimplify its role in society and ignore the emotional and psychological impact it can have on individuals and relationships.
  • Mantras can be helpful, but they are not a substitute for practical financial education and may not address the underlying behaviors or systemic issues that lead to financial problems.
  • Listening to children's thoughts about money is important, but parents and educators should also provide guidance and correction when ...

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

Using allowance and goal-setting to build money management skills

As parents navigate the waters of allowances and financial education, experts Becky Kennedy and Alexa von Tobel offer advice on how to use this tool to teach kids about money management.

Leveraging allowance to teach kids practical money skills

Becky Kennedy and Alexa von Tobel discuss the constructive use of an allowance to instill financial literacy in children by associating it with larger goals rather than immediate gratification.

Separating allowance from chores to avoid entitlement

Kennedy emphasizes the importance of keeping the allowance and chores separate. She mentions that integrating both can lead to a scenario where children expect payment for every small task. This can foster a sense of entitlement rather than gratitude and good habits. Likewise, von Tobel reiterates this sentiment by sharing that in her home, basic tasks are not paid chores because they are part of being a family member. Extra money is earned for tasks that go above and beyond everyday responsibilities.

Helping kids set savings goals and understand the value of delayed gratification

The approach to allowance is one that both Kennedy and von Tobel believe should involve teaching children the value of savings and delayed gratification. Von Tobel talks about setting money goals with children and teaching them the difference between needs and wants. She suggests starting with clear jars for younger kids to see their money grow and using charts for older children to track progress toward their financial goals.

Von Tobel connects allowance and savings with the bigger value of patience. She reframes saving for retirement as "retirement spending" to help children understand the idea of waiting for more exciting things in the future. Furthermore, she advises taking a portion of the money children earn and putting it away for later, thereby ...

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Using allowance and goal-setting to build money management skills

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Reframing saving for retirement as "retirement spending" involves shifting the perspective from merely saving money for the future to understanding that retirement savings will eventually be spent during retirement. This reframing helps individuals, including children learning about money management, grasp the concept that money saved now will be used later in life to cover expenses and enjoy life after retirement. It emphasizes the purpose of saving for retirement as a form of planned spending rather than just accumulating money without a clear goal in mind. This approach aims to make the idea of saving for retirement more tangible and relatable, especially for younger individuals who may struggle to connect with a distant future concept like retirement.
  • Teaching children 'frustration tolerance' involves helping kids learn to manage their emotions and cope with delays or setbacks without becoming overly upset. It's about building resilience and the ability to handle situations where they can't have what they want immediately. This skill is important for developing patience, perseverance, and the capacity to deal with challenges in a healthy way. By teaching 'frustration tolerance,' children can learn to navigate disappointments and setbacks more effectively as they grow.
  • ...

Counterarguments

  • While separating allowance from chores can prevent a sense of entitlement, integrating chores and allowance can also teach children the value of work and that money is earned, not given.
  • Some experts argue that not tying allowance to chores can miss an opportunity to teach children about the real-world concept of working for income.
  • Delayed gratification is important, but children also need to learn how to make decisions with immediate consequences, balancing short-term needs with long-term goals.
  • The concept of "retirement spending" might be too abstract for younger children to grasp, and it may be more effective to teach them about saving through more immediate and relatable goals.
  • Putting money away for later is a good habit, but children should also be taught how to budget and spend wisely, not just save.
  • Experiencing frustration from delayed gratification is valuable, but it's also important to ensure that children feel rewarded and motivated ...

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Money Mantras Kids Need to Hear

Modeling healthy money behaviors and having open conversations with kids

Parents play a crucial role in imparting financial literacy to their children, but many feel under-equipped to tackle these conversations. It is vital for parents to be transparent, set an example, and involve their kids in financial decisions.

Importance of parents being transparent and leading by example

Discussing money matters openly, without judgment or shame

Becky Kennedy touches on the necessity of openness in money discussions, emphasizing that there is no single correct approach to allowances and chores. Instead, she encourages parents to trust their intuition, be flexible, and adjust as needed, illustrating leadership in financial matters. Von Tobel also advocates for transparency with children, suggesting that parents include them in discussions about college savings, investments, and how money can grow through financial strategies without causing stress or worry.

Involving kids in financial decisions and educating them on real-world costs

Von Tobel emphasizes the importance of educating children on financial realities, such as the cost of everyday activities and choices, in a matter-of-fact manner. Kennedy suggests being mindful at home about spending and consumption, even if parents can afford more, to prevent instilling a mindset of immediate gratification.

Kennedy also recommends using everyday scenarios, like baking cookies or comparing the costs of taking a bus versus an Uber, to educate kids about money without attaching moral judgments. By employing the book as a learning tool and going through it with children, parents and children can learn together and facilitate meaningful conversations around money.

Von Tobel shares personal experiences such as explaining to her four-year-old the cost of a toy in terms of quarters, to help her understand why they couldn't purchase it. This kind of tangible interaction wi ...

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Modeling healthy money behaviors and having open conversations with kids

Additional Materials

Clarifications

  • Becky Kennedy is an American clinical psychologist known for her work in parenting advice. She is the founder and CEO of the Good Inside company, offering online parenting guidance. Kennedy is recognized for her expertise in helping millennial parents navigate challenges and improve relationships with their children.
  • Von Tobel is a financial expert and author who emphasizes the importance of teaching children about money through practical experiences and open conversations. She advocates for transparency and involving kids in financial decisions to help them understand real-world costs and financial concepts from a young age. Von Tobel shares personal anecdotes and strategies to make financial education engaging and relatable for children and parents alike.
  • Immediate gratification is the desire for and pursuit of instant rewards or pleasures without considering long-term consequences or benefit ...

Counterarguments

  • While transparency is important, there may be financial details that are not age-appropriate or could cause unnecessary stress for children.
  • Some parents may lack financial literacy themselves, making it difficult to lead by example or educate their children on these matters.
  • Involving children in financial decisions could sometimes lead to a burden of responsibility or anxiety about family finances.
  • Open discussions about money can be beneficial, but they must be handled sensitively to avoid creating a preoccupation with financial matters in children.
  • Trusting intuition is valuable, but without proper financial knowledge, intuition alone may not always lead to the best financial decisions.
  • Using everyday scenarios to teach about money is useful, but it may not fully prepare children for more complex financial concepts they will encounter as adults.
  • The idea of preventing a mindset of immediate gratification is positive, but it's also important to teach children about balance and enjoying the fruits of their or their parents' labor.
  • Sharing money mantras and growing alongside children assumes that parents have a healthy relationship with money, which may no ...

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