7 Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Develop Good Money Habits
A few weeks ago, I wrote about how low interest rates have made it difficult to convince any of my kids -- especially my 9-year-old daughter -- to open a savings account. While many of you agreed there's a problem, some of you believe I'm misrepresenting what savings accounts are for.
"S" Is for Savings ...
"You are right about [saving] being a good habit," wrote reader demosphnes, "however the point of placing money in a bank saving account is to build up a pile of cash to meet your needs. Investing is an entirely different manner and for that nobody should use a saving account at the bank."
Fair enough. I am more concerned about teaching my kids the act of saving than I am about finding the best rates, especially now that safety nets are under threat. Chances are, they're going to have to fund not only their own retirements, but also a large portion of their health care, insurance benefits, and more. They won't be able to do that if they don't know how to save.
... and "I" Is for Incentives
On the other hand, is it fair to tell a 9-year-old to save just because it's good for her? Isn't that just a little like telling her to eat her veggies? Incentives matter, and in saving and investing there's no better incentive than the prospect of a great return. Here are seven ideas for helping your kids earn more from putting their money to work:
1. Open a custodial brokerage account. History shows that investing in stocks beats investing in cash, especially over the long term. Small-scale broker ShareBuilder has an automated program that allows customers to invest weekly or monthly for just $4 per transaction. Custodial accounts are also available.
2. Create an eBay business. Entrepreneurs such as Microsoft's (MSFT) Bill Gates, Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A)(BRK.B) Warren Buffett, and Google's (GOOG) Larry Page and Sergey Brin are responsible for some of the world's largest fortunes. Why not have your child invest a small portion of her funds to create a small-scale eBay store or something similar? Whether it's selling off old dolls or toys or finding a market for homemade arts and crafts, she'll collect profits with each sale, and in the process learn business lessons that aren't easily taught in a classroom.
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3. Become a bank. Banking basics are just as important as business basics. How about allowing your kids to lend to you at an attractive rate? They'll get a little extra cash and an important lesson on the compounding power of interest.
4. Start a matching program. If your kids aren't yet ready to dive into percentages and interest rates, try a matching program. Open a savings account for them and promise to match their contributions up to a certain level, just as the best 401(k) retirement savings programs do.
5. Sponsor a goal. You can also use goals to boost savings. Say your child wants a new bike. Agree to pay a portion of the cost if she'll earn and save the rest. SmartyPig takes a similar approach in encouraging adults to save, but with a social twist: Publicly commit to a savings goal and earn an above-average rate on your balance as peers watch and cheer you on.
6. Embrace the outlandish. Our 12-year-old son would go to Australia on his own if he could. He's too young for that -- obviously -- but what about solo flying lessons? We'd consider it if he saved most of the money needed. Tease the idea of access to the previously unattainable as a reason to sock away cash.
7. Use the Internet. Finally, consider creative alternatives. Kickstarter allows anyone to sponsor creative projects -- in subjects such as art, fashion, and technology -- some of which come with neat rewards. Agree to be your child's proxy for pledging support, but only if they first save the funds to make good.
Savings is a lifetime habit worth cultivating in our children. As parents, we've all got to do our part. What strategies are you using? What's worked? What hasn't? Please use the comments box below to weigh in.
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Motley Fool contributor Tim Beyers owned shares of Berkshire Hathaway and Google at the time of publication. Check out Tim's portfolio holdings and past columns. The Motley Fool owns shares of Microsoft, Google, and Berkshire Hathaway. Motley Fool newsletter services have recommended buying shares of Google, Berkshire Hathaway, and eBay, and have recommended creating a bull call spread position in Microsoft.
