Sarah Coles, a personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown, joins the discussion to uncover the importance of children's financial literacy. They delve into Child Trust Funds, highlighting that many young people have yet to claim theirs, potentially worth up to £2,200. The conversation touches on Junior ISAs, parental strategies for fostering money management skills, and creative methods like toy jobs for teaching responsibility. Real-life anecdotes of young entrepreneurs also bring to light the significance of hands-on experience in shaping future financial habits.
Engaging children in financial education early fosters their understanding of money management and prepares them for future independence.
Providing pocket money teaches children financial responsibility and decision-making, allowing them to learn from their spending and saving habits.
Deep dives
Understanding Children's Financial Awareness
Children may have a more acute awareness of finances than many parents realize. Surveys show that many youngsters, particularly those aged 11 to 14, engage with complex concepts such as investments and savings, often picking up insights from everyday conversations and news. They express a desire to learn about managing money effectively, particularly as they prepare for independence. This eagerness highlights the importance of introducing financial education early, fostering their understanding of money management in a supportive environment.
The Value of Pocket Money
Providing pocket money is essential in teaching children about financial responsibility and decision-making. Children can learn valuable lessons from managing their spending and saving habits through their allowances. From the experiences shared in the podcast, some children indicated they save for specific items, while others spent impulsively, showing varying levels of financial discipline. This practice allows them to make mistakes in a safe setting and understand the consequences, which is vital for developing sound financial habits.
Savings Options for Young Children
Parents can explore various savings options for their children that set the foundation for a solid financial future. Junior ISAs and child savings accounts offer child-friendly interest rates and can help instill a sense of financial responsibility as youngsters learn to manage their money. These accounts not only provide a nest egg for significant life events, like starting university, but they also introduce children to concepts of long-term saving and investment. By having them involved and encouraging contributions from family members, parents can nurture positive saving behaviors from a young age.
Navigating Online Financial Influences
With the rise of online gaming and influencers, children are frequently exposed to opportunities for spending digital currency, leading to important discussions about financial management. Parents are encouraged to guide children through understanding the implications of their purchases, particularly with in-game purchases and loot boxes. This creates a chance to discuss needs versus wants, offering lessons in valuation and decision-making. Decoding these experiences can help children develop a healthy relationship with money and make informed spending choices as they grow.
More than half a million young people are yet to claim their Child Trust Fund which could be worth up to £2,200 according to the government, but how do you know if your child has one or even how to get it?
Plus with the Chancellor's budget on the way, we know parents are topping up Junior ISAs and giving away monetary gifts ahead of any changes she might make.
So, today we're looking at how to build a solid financial future for the children in your life and how to help get them get engaged when it comes to their finances.
Felicity Hannah is joined by Stephanie Fitzgerald, Head of Young People at the Money Charity and Sarah Coles, personal finance analyst at Hargreaves Lansdown.
Presenter: Felicity Hannah
Producers: Sarah Rogers and Craig Henderson
Editor: Jess Quayle
(This programme was first broadcast at 3pm on Wednesday the 23rd of October 2024)
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