Friday, September 23, 2011

Teach children that credit is a powerful tool and that it needs to be used wisely

Only 10 percent of kids 12-17 say they have a credit card, but 60 percent say people should get one after high school. Watch this clip from CNN/HLN’s “Top Tips” where JA USA’s President and CEO Jack Kosakowski shared tips for teaching kids the value of credit.

Only 10 percent of kids 12-17 say they have a credit card, but 60 percent say people should get one after high school.

Don’t let your kids fall into the credit card trap when they go to college. There are several tips for parents that will help them ensure their kids are prepared. The key is to start young. If parents have built a strong foundation with their kids from a young age, in teaching them how to practice smart money management, and have modeled that behavior themselves, young people will have a better understanding around the cost of credit. Parents can begin teaching their child about how to manage money even before the child starts kindergarten, using simple teaching tools such as giving their children an allowance, and showing them how to save up for an item or an activity the child wants.

If you are nervous about discussing money with your children, or assume your kids will pick up the information themselves, then there are several resources on our website for support.

Watch this clip from CNN/HLN’s “Top Tips” where JA USA’s President and CEO Jack Kosakowski shared tips for teaching kids the value of credit.

http://www.ja.org/video/HDLN_08-30-2011_13-19-44.wmv