Kids and Money

Personal Finance 101 for College Kids

Personal Finance 101 for College Kids

As millions of parents prepare to send their kids off to college, it is critical that they communicate about safety, hygiene and of course study habits. But it is also important that they discuss money and communicate to their kids that they are responsible for their finances and should act accordingly. Here are the introductory topics to cover: Money Management 101: Each family will create a different system for managing money, but in my experience, the most successful plans start with the creation of a realistic budget. You will then need to discuss what the parental contribution (if any) will be. From that point, parents may choose to provide the student with a lump sum for the semester, though I recommend a monthly allotment, which should help young adults get used to managing finances in the same that they will do so after college.

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#316 March Madness and Your Money

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Before we throw you a curve ball and talk some March Madness action, we fielded some of your questions in the first hour.  We started with Ed in California, who is overseeing millions of dollars for himself and his family members.  Even though he has done an amazing job on his own up until now, Ed wants to find a wealth advisor and is having a hard time finding somebody he trusts. After Ed we went to Aaron in Kentucky.  Unlike Ed, things are a bit tighter for Aaron.  A recently divorced father he's concerned about his future and wants to know what financial steps he should be taking right now to ensure a fruitful retirement.

March 25 JOM Hour One

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Okay, here's our latest curveball for you guys.  Every once in a while we like to mix it up and what better time to do that than March Madness?  As you're sitting on the couch this weekend watching the action, you may see our guest on your television patrolling the sidelines of the basketball court.  We're talking about none other than Dana Jacobson of CBS Sports!  

Dana's world of sports sometimes collides with finance, especially when it comes money and college athletics.  Should the athletes be paid?  Or is the opportunity to earn a college degree enough?

March 25 JOM Hour Two

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It's always fun to do something new and different.  To hear the story behind the face you're seeing on TV.  To hear how a person wanted to work in news but wound up in sports only to end up working in both news and sports.  Talk about having the best of both worlds.  Enjoy!

P.S. Check out our podcast!  It's called Better Off and it's sponsored by Betterment.  It's similar to the radio show yet a bit different.  We'd love hear your feedback!  You can download it via iTunes, Spotify or Google Play.  If possible, please leave a rating and/or review in iTunes.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#315 Kids and Financial Literacy

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Before getting a lesson in financial literacy with Beth Kobliner we first took a call from Steve in Connecticut.  Steve, who is still working, has a 401(k) from an old employer and is looking for a way to minimize the tax hit.  Should he pay now or wait until retirement? March 18 JOM Hour One

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Now on to our guest in hour two this week...

You will often hear me say that before you worry about the financial future of your kids, you need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself first. But that doesn’t take you off the hook for discussing money with your kids.

Think of it as another one of the talks...so now in addition to the sex talk, the drug and alcohol talk, we can add the money talk. All of these conversations must occur at every stage of your child’s development, with age-appropriate messaging that the kids can absorb.

That's why we’re talking to Beth Kobliner, author of Make Your Kid A Money Genius (Even If You're Not): A Parents’ Guide for Kids 3 to 23. 

March 18 JOM Hour Two

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I know there are a lot of you out there listening with kids or thinking about starting a family, wondering how to have such conversations:

  • How much debt should we take on for college?
  • Should I give my teen a debit or credit card?
  • Should I give my child an allowance?
  • My kid wants to move back home...should I charge rent?

Those are just some examples and there’s plenty more in the book. Whether you’re a rookie in the parenting game or a veteran, this book will help. As Beth says, “Think of it as a guide for parents that offers the financial facts of life for kids 3 to 23.”

Whether you have kids, are planning on it or know someone with kids, I encourage you to check it out.  It’s never too soon to start the money talk with your children.  

P.S. We have a new podcast!  It's called Better Off and it's sponsored by Betterment.  It's similar to the radio show yet a bit different.  We'd love hear your feedback!  You can download it via iTunes, Spotify or Google Play.  If possible, please leave a rating and/or review in iTunes.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#266 Kids and Money: How to Have the Talk

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Kids and money can be a thorny topic for parents. Luckily, personal finance expert, author and architect of the great MoneyAsYouGrow web site, Beth Kobliner joins us to celebrate Financial Literacy Month. According to research, money habits start to form by age 7, so we need to start talking to kids between the ages of 3 and 5.

  • Download the podcast on iTunes
  • Download the podcast on feedburner
  • Download this week's show (MP3)

Start by identifying coins and their value and discuss the difference between something that is free, like playing with a friend, and an item that costs money, like an ice cream cone. You should also introduce the concept of work and the idea that you may have to wait for something you want.

You can start paying your child an allowance as early as age 6. Most experts agree that an allowance should not be based on household chores, rather it’s better to choose an amount based on what you already spend on small discretionary items your child likes but doesn’t need — like a toy. Make it clear that the amount you’re giving replaces what you would have been spending on her. You should encourage kids to save 10 percent of their allowance by opening a savings account and explain the concept of earning interest. To reinforce the savings habit, consider a "matching plan" for your child's savings: You put in 25 cents for every dollar she saves.

When it comes to teenagers and young adults, you should have the first of many conversations about debt. Explain why it’s important to avoid using credit card cards to buy things you can't afford to pay for with cash. As kids get to high school, you can start talking about the cost of college and about whether or how much the family plans to contribute towards education.

Thanks to everyone who participated this week, especially Mark, the Best Producer/Music Curator in the World. Mark is back in the US and makes another appearance on the show. Here's how to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE 
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#182 Labor Day Show: Kids and Money

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  Labor Day means barbecues, picnics and of course, back to school! That makes it a perfect time to talk to Judith Ward, CFP, senior financial planner and vice president of T. Rowe Price, who joined us to discuss the sixth annual Parents, Kids & Money Survey. The results revealed that parents are freaked out about saving for college and boys and girls are not equally prepared when it comes to learning about money matters.

  • Download the podcast on iTunes
  • Download the podcast on feedburner
  • Download this week's show (MP3)

In addition to the spirited conversation with Judith, we also discussed life insurance with Jane, and helped Paul and JR get on the right financial path.

Thanks to everyone who participated and to Mark, the BEST producer in the world. Check out Mark's first-producing credit for this CBS Evening News segment that aired recently. If you have a financial question, there are lots of ways to contact us:

  • Call 855-411-JILL and we'll schedule time to get you on the show LIVE