Romans 8:16
The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.
With much of the country not requiring the education of students on financial literacy (29 of 50 states)[1], majority of the instruction expectations fall onto the parents. However, 75% of all teens believe they are lacking in financial literacy. They learn from various avenues including family, school, and social media environment, but there is an overall deficiency in kids’ prowess to become financially independent as young adults. As of 2024, 56% of young adults aged 25-29 are not completely financially independent.[2]
Learning finances at a young age can truly help kids of today grow into who they are meant to be tomorrow. Some simple ideas to help educate children is to have them understand that working produces income. The possibility to receive payment for chores completed and deciding what do with that money is, in my opinion, a successful approach to understanding the value of money. They can spend their money on candy, save for the future: maybe a new pair of shoes, or even invest in a business. There is a desire for teens to invest, but many young people feel they are not confident enough to do so. [3] One can also discuss what not to do with funds with their children.
Building blocks are essential for confidence in larger, more complex areas of finance. Simplifying how stocks work could help a child grow in their understanding of the stock market as a whole. Something as largely discussed and measured as the S&P 500 is still unfamiliar for some teens. Introducing kids to budgets and showing them some of your own bills can help shape an idea of what it means to be financially independent. Educating kids now will help them have a better understanding to make financial decisions that may impact them for the rest of their lives.
We are all children in some aspect of the word: all learning and growing together to become the best versions of ourselves. In this verse, we are even called children of God. In the learning, we become wiser, but we look to the one who is above it all for our protection and nurturing.
Citations
[1] 2020-Survey-of-the-States.Pdf, www.councilforeconed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/2020-Survey-of-the-States.pdf. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
[2] “Celebrate Financial Literacy Month with Your Kids and Teens.” Greenlight, greenlight.com/blog/celebrate-financial-literacy-month-with-your-kids-and-teens. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
[3] Rachel Minkin, Kim Parker. “2. Financial Help and Independence in Young Adulthood.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 25 Jan. 2024, www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2024/01/25/financial-help-and-independence-in-young-adulthood/#:~:text=45%25%20of%20young%20adults%20say,parents%20in%20the%20past%20year.
“How to Talk with Your Children about Money and Investing.” YouTube, YouTube, 20 Apr. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7DB4J5zBrQ.
AE Wealth Management LLC provides services without regard to religious affiliation and the views of individual advisors are not necessarily the views of AE Wealth Management. Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Adviser. 2377542 – 05/24