For Families: Modeling Money Values
A short prompt inspired by The Art of Spending Money
Kids learn most from what they see. This page gives you a simple way to model values without worksheets or long talks.
The parent prompt
What do we want our kids to see in how we spend, save, and give?
Keep this question in view. Use it in real moments.
Try one tiny idea this week
Narrate a choice: “We could buy X. We are saving for Y because it matters more to us.”
Name a win: “This expense still makes our life better a year later.”
Give together: Pick a small cause and give a small amount as a family.
In-the-moment scripts
- “We are choosing time together today.”
- “That took patience. I am proud of that.”
- “Let’s wait 24 hours. If we still want it, we will talk again.”
- “We keep our promises to future us. That is why we save first.”
Simple family habits
1-1-1 each month:
One small save. One small spend that creates a shared memory. One small give that reflects your values.
Age-friendly ideas
Ages 3–6:
Clear jar for save, spend, give. Praise effort. Keep it playful.
Ages 7–12:
Let them manage a small budget for a shared goal. Review choices together.
Teens:
Invite them to plan a part of a trip. Show the tradeoffs. Share how you think.
Talk about “enough”
Enough is personal. Ask: What does enough look like for our family this year
What would we keep paying for without regret
Keep it light
This is not an assignment. Pick one idea. Try it once. That is enough.
If this resonates, bring one observation to your next review. We can fold it into your plan in a practical way.
The Charter Group
