Staying Broke – Impulse Shopping and Kids
Money Talk – What keeps us broke and in debt? Our ACTIONS. Thanks to Money Monk, I discovered a great post by Broke Girl “10 Tips That Will Make Sure You Stay Broke.” As I read down through the comments – I realized that I’m not the only one that spends money without thinking things all the way through.
I did it yesterday when my boys wanted these cars near the checkout (kiss of death for me… anything even remotely close to the checkout line!) and although I said NO first, I quickly shifted to…”Well, they are only 3.98 each. Okay with tax – I dished out $8.50 then reminded the boys to be careful with them because they cost more than 800 pennies.
With wide eyes, they agreed and greedily headed for the car only…. before I could get all the groceries away – one had smashed the other’s car into bits. Okay – lesson learned.
#1) I let the boys talk me into an impulse purchase.
#2) I hoped they would treat the cars with care BUT deep down inside I KNEW that they are not responsible enough to take care of anything for any length of time.
#3) I incidently reinforced that they could nag mom to get her to spend money on something that didn’t last a couple hours. NO good life lessons here 
Since I’m to be watching every penny – I have now resolved to teach the boys the same thing.
Teaching Children About Money
They’ve had enough lectures on taking care of things and being careful, that things cost money. Money comes only with work. You know the drill
Now, it’s time for them to “work” for any purchase that is a WANT and not a NEED. How long will that lesson take? Tam
Tags: broke, debt, kids, life lesson, money, teaching children about money, work
