My parents never taught me the one skill I use every day, multiple times a day. You may be guessing: teeth brushing, car driving, or basic etiquette, but fortunately those skills they did pass on. Phew! The one piece of wisdom they never passed on, however, was money management. Sure, there was the occasional "don't spend it all in one place," or "if you bounce your debit account one more time, I'm taking your card away," but as far as saving plans, investment opportunities, and budgeting goes, I wandered that route alone as many people do.
Craig Kaley, parent of three and local Colorado author of the new Moneyletics MAP Series, understands that financial capability requires preparation and practice. In his book Money Athletics: Your Game Plan to a Financially Fit Tween, he teaches parents of tweens (ages 11-14) how to become financially competent by using simple sports analogies and the idea that long-term practice and dedication to the art of money management will best prepare you for adulthood.
Though my children are far from the tween years, the book was an enlightening read, and it will be a great reference when we're ready to tackle debit cards, allowance, and more. Kaley offers practical tips and tricks for getting your family set on the path to financial freedom, and even provides downloadable spreadsheets and templates to put your newfound knowledge into practice.
How does the Money Athletics Program work? I don't want to spoil all the fun, but I will say that I love Kaley's idea of introducing his family's financial game plan through a formal offer letter to his children that breaks down pay days and real-life deductions in ways that tweens can understand. I look forward to the progression of books to follow, and teaching my kids how to feel confident in their spending, saving, and investing skills.
by Craig Kaley
moneyletics.com
Purchase a copy of the book.
Disclosure: I was given a copy of the book Money Athletics: Your Game Plan to a Financially Fit Tween for a personal review. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.
