Parents can prepare kids for financial success

When was the last time you thought about money? Chances are, it was probably today, since most adults deal with money — in one way or another — on a daily basis. We pay bills and buy groceries. We consider money when weighing job opportunities, determining where we’ll live, and when — or for some, if — we might be able to retire.

Adults are constantly faced with financial decisions. Yet the vital skills of money management, budgeting and saving are often missing from the curriculums at our children’s schools. It’s one of the reasons why National Financial Literacy Month, observed each April, and the American Bankers Association’s “Teach Children to Save Day” (April 24), are so important.

Although these dates are past, bringing attention to them is still worthwhile.

Few states require financial education courses for high school students, which often leaves our young people woefully unprepared when it comes to understanding finances.

When 2,459 students aged 15-18 participated in a test of financial literacy standards last year, more than half scored at or below 69.9 percent, the equivalent of a D+. And yet, a Harris Poll Financial Literacy Survey found that, of all money discussions had by families, more than half were initiated by the children.

This tells us two things: Our kids need to know more about money, and thankfully, our kids actually want to learn more about money.

So what should you do to help prepare your kids for a successful, healthy, lifelong relationship with money? Here are four things you can talk with them about now:

Help your child establish a savings account. The sooner your child makes saving a habit, the better, and the more likely it will become a habit that lasts through adulthood.

Help your child create a budget. Budgeting is one of the key components for financial success. Whether you’re helping a 10-year-old create a budget for his $10 allowance or a 17-year-old create a budget for the weekly paycheck from her part-time job, budgeting is important. If your child understands — and lives by — the concept of budgeting, it’s a significant step in preparing him or her for the larger budgets they will need to manage later in life.

Help your child understand the difference between needs and wants. It’s OK for your child to spend money on “wants.” But they must be aware of the balance between the two, so that spending on the “wants” isn’t excessive. This lesson can be particularly important to help your child understand, since it is one that many adults often struggle with as well.

Help your child set financial goals. Whether it’s having enough money to buy a new gadget, the latest pair of sneakers, or even a car, helping your child establish a plan to reach that goal — and celebrating the moment they achieve it — can be one of the greatest moments of financial teaching.

On “Teach Children to Save Day,” volunteers from Wells Fargo and other banks across the country visited classrooms to work with young people. The day is an important first step toward encouraging financial education, and Financial Literacy Month is an ideal time for parents to continue the conversation at home, but you can talk about it any time. Look for books on the topic of kids and money, or talk with your local banker for suggestions.

You can also check out Wells Fargo’s fun, interactive and free hands-on banking program at handsonbanking.org. The online curriculum is easy to use and lessons are specifically tailored to individual age groups (there are lessons for adults as well). The Wells Fargo children’s financial success resource center — available at wellsfargo.com/goals-childs-future — also offers important information.

These are just a few of the ways you can get started. Whichever methods you choose, start now. Your child’s financial future is at stake. Getting them on the road to financial success now can increase the likelihood that the ride has as few bumps as possible.