FINANCIAL LITERACY IS IMPORTANT FOR YOUR TEENS

 

I saw these words on the internet a couple of years ago and I thought it was so funny... at first. But the more I think about the words, the more I realize the truth behind it -- and it scares me!

Why?

When I was in elementary, I remember vividly, when my mother said, "the only dream that I have is to live longer so I can be sure that you finish college. Because if I die before that dream is realized, I don't know if you will have the means to finish your education."

Why?  Because all that she has are her savings (for my education and emergency).  She is a stay-at-home mom with no insurance, no investments, no educational plan.  All she ever wanted was to personally put her savings into my education.

Fast forward to the present -- I can hear myself saying the same words.  If you will ask me now what is my goal in life -- it is to continue working to be able to send my children to school  (two college students in 1-2 years).  I have a few investments, I am a freelancer -- so I wake up every single day worried if I can attain my goal.

In short -- I have become my mother's daughter. 

The only difference, I am more courageous and let's say more informed when it comes to investments and taking risks:

My eldest will be celebrating her 18th birthday in August. What's the normal thing to plan -- a birthday party.  But I don't think this is a WISE choice. I asked my daughter if she wants a party, thankfully -- she said no.  She just wants to treat a few friends to pizza and chika. Which made me think, what can I give her that is so important at the same time, I can impart some important lesson in life?

18th birthday -- officially marks the end of childhood. The passage to adulthood. This is very important.  So why not learn from my mother? 

So I decided, I am giving her an early lesson in investment. 

1.  I  am giving her the Sun Life Prosperity Fund. Unlike her lola who was hooked on bank deposits, I would like to teach her that there are other choices in investments. The Prosperity Fund has a higher yield than deposits.  Since I want her to start slow, I want something that will earn at the same time relatively stable. My choice -- the BOND FUND.  

2.  I don't want to worry too much about the future just as my mother did. So I am also giving myself a "gift". Hey, it's been 18 years -- I deserve a gift because I have raised a wonderful daughter.  But my gift choice is still connected to her, and my son.  I am also getting a Sunlife insurance plan. I am considering the one coupled with a "critical illness" coverage. I have to face life's reality -- am not getting any younger.

TEACHING YOUR TEENS TO BE FINANCIAL SAVVY IS VERY IMPORTANT.

You enroll your children to the best schools, because you want them to have the  best education. You teach them to be street smart, to be emotionally stable, because you want them to be READY for the real world. Complete the learning, teach them to become financially educated.

YOU CANNOT AFFORD TO BUY IT IN CASH... DON'T BUY!  

This is one lesson that I constantly teach my teens. In this day and age that you buy anything using your credit card or debit card -- there is the imminent danger to buy things that you actually cannot afford.

My rules:  if you want to buy something, buy it with cash.  If you don't have enough cash... SAVE.  You want that sneakers but you don't have enough money, wait until you have enough. This will also give you ample time to think if you really want to buy that sneakers. This also saves them from becoming impulsive shoppers.

In my family, DEBT is only allowed to purchase investments or acquire assets. DEBT is not for shopping, travel, gadgets, etc.

Speaking of Debt -- congratulate me because somehow, I just reached a milestone!  We just finished our mortgage this July!  So now I can concentrate on paying for my Sun Life Insurance.   I am that kind of person -- I don't bite more than I can chew.  I invest, one at a time  :)

I think that is the best gift you can give yourselves mommies and daddies -- investments that in the long run, will lessen financial anxieties and stress.