Money for Nothing

Managing money is something that comes naturally to me. I don't have a specific memory of learning about money growing up but I also don't remember any fights or stress about money in my childhood home. I have subtle memories of Mom sitting at the dining room table paying bills but this never seemed like a stressful time for her. It was just part of the regular duties of running a home.

I also have the type of personality that keeps up with money issues easily. I suppose that is why I became an accountant. I usually know exactly how much money I have available, how I can spend it, and how I should save without spending too much time on the matter.

Rizzo, on the other hand, was never good with money. She has told me that, especially in her 20s, that she would simply spend and buy whatever she wanted without acknowledgement of how much money she was making or spending. She came out on the other side relatively unscathed. However, she is making a conscious effort to improve her money management by developing a budget and keeping track of all of her spending. I'm very proud of her.

I think it is important to teach our kids that money isn't everything. Sure, we all have jobs so we can earn money so we can keep up with our daily lives. What is important to teach is that money is a tool, just like so many other tools, to having a happy and healthy life. The pursuit of wealth should not be the ultimate goal in life. Wealth should be used to make life easier for yourself, your family, and the world around you.

With that in mind, I present to you a Ted Talk about the surprising way to teach your kids how to be smart with money. I hope you will take a look at the video as Ellen Rogin is far more articulate in these matters than I am. Bottom line, act with your money as you would like your kids to act with their money. Give to causes you find worthy. Be grateful for what you have instead of being disappointed by what you don't. Teach kids that money isn't everything.