03/04/2021
My 3 boys are in elementary school. Being their Dad, but also as someone who has dedicated my entire professional career to helping others make smart choices with their wealth, I feel an obligation to teach them at an early age about the responsibility that comes along with having, and not having, money.
As I was driving them to school today my oldest son asked me out of the blue “Dad, do you have to pay to retire?” What a great teachable moment first thing in the AM. And it dawned on me how many adults may not know how to answer this question, considering the percentage of folks in our country who are not on track to financially retire when they wish, and/or have the lifestyle they hope to have when the time comes.
I have tried to do my part in and outside of my house to educate young people on money related topics. It also continues to amaze me that a class on money is not mandatory for high school students, particularly at the junior/senior levels. These are lessons that should be required alongside math, science, history, etc., and learned at a young age to set up good financial behaviors for a lifetime.
If you feel it is important for you to begin talking to your children or grandchildren about money, please reach out to me and I can direct you to some great resources.