7 Ways to Teach Your Children About Money

By Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

By Mike Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

My wife Krista told me a great story from her trip to Costco yesterday with our two sons, Ford (age 3 ½ ) and Teddy (age 2). Krista bought yogurt for each of the boys. Our younger son Teddy quickly finished his yogurt and immediately began to cry for more. Ford responded by feeding his own yogurt to Teddy, spoonful by spoonful. He did that without any prompting from Mom.

What an amazing picture of generosity. Rather than focus on his own desires, Ford thought it would be better to meet his younger brother’s desires. He must have received this gift of generosity from his mom’s genes, not mine. My wife is quick to give, and she doesn’t cling to money or possessions tightly. 

I recently finished reading a book called The Opposite of Spoiled: Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money. I do recommend this book, if only because this is a topic that few of us study or give much consideration. The book was not perfect, but it spurred me on toward thinking (and doing) more on the subject of teaching our children about money. 

In the spirit of sharing tips and tricks for teaching children about money, I’ll share some tips and tricks our team has picked up and created over the years:

1) Enable your children to experience the power of compounding first-hand. 

TWG team member Adam Colby helps his three children gain investment experience by allowing them to share in the upside of the U.S. stock market. Here are the logistics:

  • When the children earn money from work (either around the house or out on a job), they can invest a portion of their earnings in an “account” with Adam. This is not an actual account at a bank, but rather a spreadsheet-based account that Adam maintains for each child. 
  • Each child can pick an actual mutual fund or ETF in which to invest over 3-month or 6-month periods.
  • If the chosen fund is up over a given time period, Adam credits that growth to their account. If they want to cash out part of that growth, they can do so. Of course, Adam encourages them to always reinvest!
  • If a fund is down over a given time period, Adam gives them a 0% return for that period (i.e. he doesn’t force them to take losses).

2) Tangibly show your children what generosity looks like by handing out gift cards to strangers.

Austin recently took his two oldest sons (Luke and Jake, ages 12 and 11) to the Chanhassen Chick-fil-A. He bought a stack of Chick-fil-A gift cards and told his sons to hand them out to people walking into the restaurant. 

People typically assumed his boys were trying to sell them something or advertise something, so they were really taken aback to realize it was simply a gesture of kindness.

3) Engage your children in giving their own money away.

My 4-year-old daughter Evie has a glass mason jar piggy bank in her room. The glass jar enables her to see the money she collects. She earns money through basic work around the house (although really, most of her money comes from my dad giving her 20-dollar bills when he comes over…which only slightly subverts our goal of teaching her that money is earned through hard work). 

Every Sunday morning (well, some Sunday mornings), we have Evie take a bit of change or a dollar bill out of her piggy bank to bring to church. She puts her own money in the offering plate at church, where the money goes toward the Benevolence Fund – for people in need within our congregation of about 200 people.

4) Speak openly to your children about money.

When a child asks you to buy him something, instead of saying “we can’t afford that”, take the opportunity to say something like, “we choose to be careful about how we spend our money.” Or, “we have a plan for how we spend our money each month, so sometimes we choose not to buy things like that – so that we can save more to prepare for our family’s future.” 

I’ve already started to explain to our children (the oldest is age 4) that we buy used vehicles in order to save a lot of money. I show them how our minivan looks similar to the other minivans in various parking lots, but we spent much less money on it than other folks.

When a child asks you to buy him something, instead of saying “we can’t afford that”, take the opportunity to say something like, “we choose to be careful about how we spend our money.”

5) Save receipts from impulse purchases.

If your child uses her own money to buy an item at Target, save that receipt for her. Pull that receipt out two weeks later, and have a discussion with her about whether she is still finding joy in that item. Was it a worthwhile purchase? The goal is simply to increase mindfulness around spending decisions.

6) Encourage your children toward entrepreneurship.

About a month before my 14th birthday, I rode my bicycle over to McDonald’s in Chanhassen to apply for my first real job. I ended up working there for two years, making $5.50 – $5.60 per hour. In hindsight, I should have started my own business.

Thanks to technology, young people today have more opportunities for entrepreneurship than ever. In the “gig economy”, you can be an entrepreneur without actually starting a business from scratch. You can use infrastructures that are already built.

Just a handful of simple business ideas:

  • Dog boarding/walking through a site like rover.com.
  • Window washing.
  • Landscaping/lawn care/yard work.
  • Snow removal.
  • Academic tutor.
  • Child care.
  • Handmade shop owner (sell at sites like Etsy).
  • Car washing service (you can make it a mobile car wash).
  • Photographer.

7) Discuss large purchases with your children.

If your family is contemplating a home remodel, a vehicle purchase, or a vacation, involve the children in the conversation around that decision. Explain how long you are saving up for it, discuss the pros and cons of the decision, talk about alternative options.

The prospect of teaching our children about money can be daunting, since it seems like a monumental task. But remember that perfect is the enemy of good, and that implementing a few small ideas is far better than not implementing a single grand idea. You’re seeking progress in parenting, not perfection.

Because The Wealth Group, Austin B. Colby & Associates is independent of Raymond James, the expressed written opinions above are our own and not necessarily reflective of Raymond James’ opinions.

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Jamy Antoine

FINANCIAL ADVISOR

I’ve been a business owner, investor, and entrepreneur for over 21 years. Well over a decade ago, my wife and I had a significant net worth for our age. However, much of it was built on leverage – similar to Dave Ramsey – if you are familiar with his story.

My wife and I have been clients of The Wealth Group since 2006. Austin designed a plan that we followed for a few years, but due to my entrepreneurial nature, I eventually deviated from that plan and pursued whole life “bank on yourself” insurance, real estate, and other ventures.

While there certainly is a place for diversification, I’ll never forget the day Austin Colby – owner of The Wealth Group – sat us down and explained that although we looked pretty good on paper, mathematically, it was a house of cards. I remember walking out of that meeting feeling like someone had punched me in the gut. Hindsight and regret can be painful, but can also motivate new habits, behaviors, and attitudes toward money. The Wealth Group helped change my core beliefs about money and my family’s financial future. Remember, it is never too late to start making good decisions.

Ten years later, not only has our financial situation changed dramatically, but I’ve also joined The Wealth Group team using my business and personal finance experience to help business owners, entrepreneurs, affluent individuals, and motivated young families build and expand their financial future on solid footing, by holistically and proactively addressing all aspects of finance to include investing, tax, giving, estate and legacy planning.

I am happily married with four children. I serve on the deacon board at our church, and I have a life goal of becoming a scratch golfer!


— Jamy

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Education/Designations

  • BS – Maranatha Baptist Bible College. Pre-Med
  • DC – Doctor of Chiropractic – NWHSU  
  • FICPA – Fellowship International Chiropractic Pediatric Association
  • BCN – Board Certification Neuropathy – American College of Physical Medicine

Jaron Kissner

Financial Advisor

“In my early 20’s, I read a personal finance book for the first time. The contents of that book opened my eyes and sparked a passion in me that transformed the financial trajectory of my family. Fast forward a few years, and that passion led me to change my career path and become a financial planner.

I feel blessed to be a part of The Wealth Group and work with a very talented, high-quality team of people. I can’t think of work that is more rewarding and impactful than being able to help our clients and their families achieve their financial goals!”

— jaron

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Education/Designations

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central Universit

Personal Interests

Jaron married his lovely bride, Jennifer, in 2016. Since then, they have added three children to their family: Vivienne (2019), Graham (2021), and Cooper (2023), as well as a Golden Retriever named Penny. They settled into their first home in Jordan, MN in 2021. As a family, they enjoy spending time with family and friends, visiting relatives in AZ, hiking, and being on the lake. They are also very involved at River Valley Church in Chaska, where Jaron and Jennifer serve as deacons.

Jaron has recently become passionate about the game of golf and is striving to break 85. He also enjoys working out and watching the Vikings as they find new ways to lose NFC Championship games.

Paige Heltemes

financial advisor

“I have always had an interest in personal finance. Having a plan and setting goals for your financial life enables you to accomplish things that otherwise would never be possible. A thousand small steps in the right direction can lead to a life of stability and ability—The Wealth Group exists to help plot that course and keep our clients on track.”

— PAIGE

Even as a young adult, keeping her finances in order and planning for the future has allowed Paige to experience wealth as a blessing rather than a stressor. She wants people to know that same freedom, especially when life gets complicated. 

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Education/Designations

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and minor in Christian Studies from North Central University

Ben Thorson

financial advisor

I enjoy helping our clients make good decisions with their money. It’s rewarding to watch our clients build wealth with us at their side. When I see a young family cross the $1 million net worth mark — after starting with our team with a net worth of $200,000 — it’s an awesome feeling.

As our clients continue to focus on the things they can control, such as paying down debt and adding money to their investment portfolio year after year, I have noticed that it becomes easier to stomach the (inevitable) bear market. Over my time at The Wealth Group, I have learned that good financial behaviors never go into a recession.

When I’m not at The Wealth Group I enjoy spending time with my wife and three children. Together we like to be outdoors, play sports, and be active participants at our church.

— Ben

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Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a Bachelor of Science degree.
  • Accounting experience at CH Robinson in Eden Prairie.

 

Misty Tanner

Senior Client Services Associate

“I am passionate about my work because I think it is important to make wise, informed decisions with our finances as it permeates into all aspects of our lives. Just as people strive to maintain balance in their overall lives, financial wellness and understanding in your personal life is just as important. ”

— Misty

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Education/Designations

  • B.S. in Business Administration in Sports & Fitness, Minor in Bible & Theology
  • Certificate in Coaching

Karie Merritt

partner, Director of Client Services

“I have realized there are so many people in the world today who are unsure of how to save or plan for the future. They live paycheck to paycheck and think debt is normal. We get to help people realize that there’s a different way to live. We get to help people who feel hopeless finally find a clear path for the future while taking control of their finances for the first time. When people are proactive rather than reactive, it’s amazing what can be accomplished. 

— Karie

Karie’s main role is managing the onboarding process for new clients. She works hard to ensure a seamless transition and to make all clients feel welcome and cared for. As the Director of Client Services, she oversees the Client Services team, plans client events, processes monetary transfers, handles paperwork for clients and helps to manage the day-to-day operations of the office.

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Education/Designations

  • AA in Liberal Arts & Sciences from North Hennepin Community College
  • BA in Early Childhood Education and Teaching from Concordia University St. Paul
  • Notary Public

Dan Johnson, CFP®

PARTNER, Financial planneR

“I love being able to see and contribute to the confidence in the families we help when they know they are taking the correct steps towards financial independence. I truly enjoy building relationships with people. The work I do with The Wealth Group gives me the opportunity to do this by building a relationship that will last a lifetime.”

— Dan

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Education/Designations

  • Graduated from North Central University with a degree in Business Administration.
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

 

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Adam Colby, CIMA

PARTNER, CFO, FINANCIAL PLANNER

“I love working alongside the people at The Wealth Group. Additionally, my younger brother (and now boss) and I have wanted to work together for years. When the opportunity arose within The Wealth Group I jumped at the chance. I have always had a passion for personal finance and investing; the transition into this investment-focused role was a natural one for me.”

— ADAM

Developing and stress-testing the firm’s asset allocation models is a passion of Adam’s.  You may often find him assessing risk metrics for client portfolios and the broader global markets as well as trading and rebalancing client portfolios.

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Education/Designations

  • CIMA®
  • BA (Business Major/Math Minor) from Dakota State University

Investments & Wealth Institute TM (The Institute) is the owner of the certification mark “CIMA” and “Certified Investment Management Analyst.” Use of CIMA and/or Certified Investment Management Analyst signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for investment management professional.

Mike K. Earl, CFP®, CPWA®

PARTNER, DIRECTOR OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

From childhood, I was strongly interested in working hard, making money, and most importantly, saving money. Today, I use that passion to empower our clients to succeed with their money. A lot of people experience unnecessary stress and anxiety in their financial lives.

After college, I worked in a large bank and began investing on my own for the first time. I remember plugging numbers into a Roth IRA Calculator and realizing the power of compounding from an early age. I was amazed at how [seemingly] easy investing was…not realizing that bear markets are what make investing challenging. A few years into my career as a financial advisor, the Great Recession (2007-2009) hit, and I gained a lot of crucial experience in a short period. 

Those lessons from the Great Recession will stick with me for the rest of my life. I learned not to over-extend myself on real estate, to never sell out of stocks during a bear market, the power of being 100% debt-free (including no mortgage), and also the opportunities in stocks that arise from the ashes of a deep bear market.

Proverbs 11:14 says, “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” We aim to be those counselors that provide knowledge and safety for our clients. 

A good financial advisor should have the heart of a teacher. Through our relationship, we aim for our clients to grow in knowledge and mastery over their finances. We want them to be the driver of their financial plan, with us as their sidekick/coach to help them realize their plans and goals.

I have been quoted as a financial expert in Fox BusinessU.S. News & World ReportYahoo! NewsGOBanking RatesLifehacker, and Business Insider.

More important than my role at The Wealth Group is my position as a redeemed son of God, husband to Krista, and father to five children.

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Education/Designations

  • BS in Business/Economics from Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
  • Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA®)
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Paul M. Bennett, CFP

Sr. Financial Planner

“I want people to succeed at life and that includes guiding them to achieve sound money management. I enjoy helping individuals and businesses make beneficial decisions in regards to money and investment management. Long range planning is one of my professional passions and moving people from the thought of retirement to the reality of retirement is something I enjoy assisting our clients with.” 

— Paul

Paul has more than 25 years of experience advising business owners and affluent individuals about their finances. Paul has achieved the CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ designation. Being a CFP® professional enables him to help clients focus on what is important to them. He has also earned the Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor (CRPC®) designation, which demonstrates his expertise in the area of retirement financial planning for individuals.

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Education/Designations

  • BS in Finance from Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™
  • CRPC® (Chartered Retirement Plan Counselor)
  • CKA® (Certified Kingdom Advisor®)

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.

Austin B. Colby, MBA, CFP®

Owner / Sr. Financial Planner

“I believe every family can achieve their financial goals if the path to do so is clear. This work of building paths and guiding clients along those paths is my passion, and it brings me tremendous joy. After twenty years of doing this, I am more excited today than ever about helping families with their finances. Helping one family at a time make good choices makes a difference. I believe that wholeheartedly and am thankful for the opportunity to serve so many people in this capacity.”

— Austin

Austin is the owner and visionary behind The Wealth Group. His #1 responsibility is to lead our team in devotion to the mission: providing quality financial planning and investment management to the firm’s clients.

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Education/Designations

  • BS from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Finance with an emphasis in Financial Planning
  • MBA from Minnesota State University, Mankato – Leadership & Organizational Development
  • CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER ™, and CFP® in the U.S.