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    • word consciousness
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    • informative writing
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  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
    • family life
      • family fun
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      • lunchbox love notes
      • school
    • indoor activities
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spend, save, and give jars: managing money with kids

home / family life / spend, save, and give jars: managing money with kids
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Money, money, money, mooooonnneyyy . . .

Money saving, money planning, money managing–I have to admit that I am only really good at money spending, but in these tough economic times–and with three young children–I’m trying to improve.

spend save and give jars | money matters | teachmama.com

I am also now equipped with the determination to raise money-smart children, and this reminds me think before I buy, especially when I’m shopping with my little ones. However, when your children are the first grandchildren–and nieces and nephew–on both sides of the family, understanding money can be difficult.

A few years ago, I stumbled upon an article in one of my parenting magazines, and it was worth remembering. That’s where this Quick Trick originates.

Spend, Save, Give Jars: We picked up three jars each for Maddy and Owen–and then Cora after she was born–from Ikea, and they’ve been a part of their little lives ever since.

One jar is labeled give. . .
spend save and give jars | money matters | teachmama.com

. . . one is labeled spend, and one is labeled save.

spend save and give jars | money matters | teachmama.com

 

And that’s where the money in each jar goes–money for spending, money for saving, and money for giving to others. The article recommended to save 60%, spend 30%, and to give 10%, but our breakdown is loose at this point until they are older, can count money, and appreciate its worth.

What they do understand now is how good it feels to dump their “give” money into a bag and hand it to the Salvation Army volunteer at holiday time, put it in the donation box at church, or bring it to our relay team at Relay for Life.

They also have watched as I put their “save” money in the bank after birthdays or visits from Nanny and Pap or Grandma and Grandpa, and they love to grab a dollar or two from their “spend” jars and go for ice-cream a trip to the toy store.

It’s not perfect, and I’m sure there’s more we could–and should–be doing, but it’s a start. And it’s pretty cool to hear Maddy or Owen yell, Hey! A penny (even if it’s a quarter or a nickel)!! I have to put it in my save jar!!

Check out a few other posts that may help you develop strong and healthy habits for your family:

  • wait time
  • my day, your day
  • frozen peas
  • kids who rock the kitchen
  • kids who rock the laundry
  • rest time
  • gem jars
  • arm circles
  • noticing kids
  • homework routine

 

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About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro · http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

Previous Post: « follow-the-path game
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. drak

    April 18, 2009 at 12:29 am

    hello, thats a great idea, I do with my son, thank you for sharing this, chao

    Reply
  2. BananaBlueberry

    April 21, 2009 at 12:50 am

    Nice one! I like it! So simple and powerful 🙂

    Reply
  3. Katherine Marie!

    July 18, 2009 at 12:42 pm

    Great concept!

    "Millionaire Babies or Bankrupt Brats? Love and Logic Solutions to Teaching Kids About Money" has a ton of sensational tips and advice too. 🙂

    Reply

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