According to an article on Forbes Magazine, in teaching our kids how to handle money, leading by example is still the best way to do it.

For instance, parents may not have the heart to say no to their kids thinking that buying and spending everything for them is equal to the kids’ happiness. But if they’re spending so much, while forgetting to pay their bills and are $50,000 in debt, then it is teaching them the wrong idea. Once in a while, it is best to say no to the child when she or he would ask for something. This mindset of consumerism with many adults must be avoided so that kids will not equate happiness with spending.

• Lead by example. Families can have fun without having to spend a lot and your child will appreciate you more for this.
• Resist the urge to using the credit card a lot, especially when the children are present and can see you paying. This way, they won’t let it in their heads that a credit card can save everything.
• Teach your children to save at an early age. These may be pennies, but you’re teaching a great value to your kids.
• Give the children a chance to be involved with money matters. Parents often refuse to discuss this in front of the children and would say that this is only for adults to decide. But if you discuss money matters early, you are slowly teaching your child to value money.

It’s also great to explain to kids, for as long as they are able to understand, how the money system works and why people work hard for it.

There’s not a parent out there that needs to be reminded that times are pretty tough right now.  More and more families are struggling financially, trying to either get on their feet or stay there.  People miss a payment here or there and credit scores tank, which hits the entire economy.  After all, if your credit is bad, you can’t get a car or a home equity loan or buy a new house or get a credit card to fund your vacation.  And the more money you’re not spending in the marketplace, the less money all those people out there are making in their turn, as well.

There are some sites that can help with that.  One of the best new sites that I’ve come across is CashSubsidy.com, The Cash and Finance Blog.    This site has several things to offer a parent who’s trying to keep finances on track. 

First of all, there are articles about everyday family things, such as wise management of finances and the pros and cons of using a debt consolidation service.  It also covers the general state of business and the economy–in a general overview sort of way, giving us enough information to keep un knowledgeable, but not so much that we can’t get through it. 

It defines terms for its readers, as well as offering resources such as books, links, and information about conferences and other financial helps. 

Keep in mind this is a new site, and its resources are still growing.  Still, with the way it’s begun, parents will find this a helpful place to start looking for the guidance they need to stay on their feet financially.