Getting your family involved or even semi-interested in your frugal ways, or in saving money, can be a huge challenge. Most of the time, significant others don’t tend to see things the same way we do. And children usually have no concept of the value of money or what saving money can mean. This can really put a kink in your plan to save money, but there are some things you can do.
Put it on paper
Put it down in writing. Try keeping track of your savings for a couple of weeks. Write down the money you saved by using coupons, or shopping at a particular store. Then add it together, and get an estimate. Take that estimate, and show it to your husband with a calculator handy. Take your estimated amount saved per week or month and multiply it by months in a year. Show him, that just by using coupons or shopping at a particular store, can save hundreds, even thousands a year. Often, seeing it in writing, will help. This method doesn’t usually work for younger children, but can make an impact on a teen.
Use a coin jar
Having a visual reminder works well for children. If they can see the money growing in a jar or piggy bank, often they are more excited and apt to help it grow. Keep it where the whole family can see it, and be sure that everyone is there when you count it or take it to coinstar or the bank so they can see exactly how much was saved.
Point out prices
Try pointing out price differences at stores. Explain that if you buy the generic sour cream at $.99, opposed to purchasing the name-brand at $1.49, that you save $.50. Often seeing the product, the price and realizing the savings, is all it takes to get kids involved. You could also turn it into a game, encouraging your children to look for the lowest price. If you do not purchase a product in a generic version, because of lack of taste, you should express that to your children too. They might understand more than you realize.
Talk it out
Sitting down as a family, to discuss the various benefits and methods of saving money, can go a long way to getting everyone involved. You could even review family budgets, and operate a separate savings account for saving money. Children can watch it grow and will understand money concepts much better than you just doing it and expecting them to understand. Talk, talk, talk. Communication is key.
Are there any methods your family uses to get everyone involved?
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Steps to Teaching Your Children to Save Money