Do you know why a lot of adults are having financial troubles? It’s because they were not educated when they were still young. You can’t fully blame the parents. After all, they are busy with their deadlines so they can provide food on their tables. Perhaps, teachers should open up this topic. It would be great if they will include this in their lesson plans. But before any formal syllabus comes up, I have some ideas which you can consider.
Teach them to save part of their allowance. I notice that young people spend all their money. They are aware that they can ask for more once they ran out of it. But that’s not a good practice. We should tell them to save at least 5% of their total allowance. It teaches them discipline and control.
Educate them the importance of having emergency money. Of course, you need tell them why they have to save money. Give them real life situations. I’m sure that most of them are saving for petty goals like a new Xbox or a vacation get-a-way. But you should educate them about emergency money. That’s very helpful given the bad economic condition.
Don’t be afraid to tell them that their parents are having a hard time with their monthly expenses. Encourage them to help by buying part of their groceries or paying their own phone bills. It gives them the sense of responsibility which they can use when they become adults.
Instruct them to maximize coupons. If you are also a mom, I’m sure that you are a fan of cheap promos and discounts. I bet that you are always looking for vouchers just so you can save on items. That can be a good habit which you can impart to your students. There are a lot of coupons to choose from. There are grocery, movie and even theme park vouchers. Students should learn where to get those as well.
Train them to live within their means. This is what most adults are not doing. They buy items which are beyond their means. They think that they can manage to pay for those because of credit cards. But that’s not a good thing. Show them that credit cards are there for emergency purposes. Tell them that the latest fashion sale isn’t one of those emergencies.
Theories and technical lessons are good. But you have to remember that your students will eventually leave the academe. They will step into the real world where finances play a major role. If they will not be taught how to manage it, they will learn how to do it in Debt Management Rehab. Would you want your students to spend their times in such?
Toni Okeson is a mother of two and always checks for discount Theme Park Coupons before heading out with the kids. This site offers specials for just about every theme park in the U.S., including Walt Disney Coupons for all 9 of their U.S. parks.
