How do we teach our kids to handle their money, when so many of us are struggling ourselves? Many homeschool families like to take on this challenge as part of their learning lifestyle. After all, you're never too old to learn how to save, invest, and spend wisely!
Recently, the San Jose Mercury News ran an article entitled, "Websites teach kids how to manage their money." The article included a list of websites aimed at kids, teens, and families for learning about and discussing finances. Here are some of my favorites from that list.
The Mint: This website has tabs for kids, teens, parents, and teachers. From savings and investing to decoding paychecks and tracking spending, The Mint covers many of the areas other websites, and certainly traditional financial education, neglect.
Kidnexions: This commercial site does sell books and software, but it also offers many free financial videos. Your kids (and you) can learn about the Rule of 72 (not even all bankers know this!), how compound interest works, and how to set financial goals.
U.S. Mint Kids: Is your child fascinated with all things "money"? The U.S. Mint's site for kids is filled with games, cartoons, and information about how money is designed and created. Learn about what the Mint does, how to collect coins, even facts about the U.S. Presidents and branches of government.
If your child is also in Cub Scouts, these websites can help with the Collecting, Mathematics, and Video Games belt loops and pins.
A strong financial education is one of the best gifts you can give to your child and yourself. Learn how your money works and how to make it work for you.
Article by Sarah J. Wilson
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Showing posts with label money. Show all posts
Sunday, September 25, 2011
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Places We'd Like to Visit: The Museum of American Finance
The Museum of American Finance (MOAF) is "the nation's only independent public museum dedicated to celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and the democratic free market tradition which has made New York City the financial capital of the world." Nowadays, many people may believe the free market system is broken, but regardless, understanding the foundation and history of our nation's financial markets can only lead to a better informed consumer and citizen.
MOAF boasts an interactive monetary exhibit, a gold Monoploy set, a historical display of piggy banks, interviews with 16 modern-day entrepreneurs, the Alexander Hamilton Room dedicated to our first Secretary of the Treasury, information on the current credit crisis, and information on past financial scandals.
The museum also offers classes at the Center for Financial Education. Classes range from "Real Fake" with Inspector Collector, aimed at grades K-6, to The Secret Life of Money: Currency Exploration for Adults, designed for college students and adults.
Hours, admission rates, and directions are available at http://www.moaf.org/contact/index.
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For
more field trip ideas,
check out GHF's Virtual Field Trips
page. |
Unfortunately, at a time when our need for financial education is stronger than ever, the MOAF, which offers just the information we need, isn't doing well. Perhaps, people are intimidated by the name "American Finance." Or, maybe, people believe money is boring. Or, perhaps, folks believe they know all they need to about how money works. Regardless of the reason, one of the more important aspects of our modern lives is completely neglected in traditional teaching, so people must make the effort to seek out the information to teaching both themselves and their children. Only with knowledge will we avoid the mistakes of the past.
So, whether you're an argentum-phile (money lover) or argentum-phobe (money fearer), MOAF sounds like wonderful place to learn more about and experience the fascinating world of finance.
With a little luck, and money, maybe we'll see you there!
Article by Sarah J. Wilson
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