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Everything Counts | Ep 5: How to save and invest for your kids' future
In this Savings Month-focused episode of Everything Counts, Motheo Khoaripe hosts parenting expert Nikki Bush and Investec Wealth Management specialist Kate Stannard, to delve into the world of money, investing, savings, and raising financially savvy children.
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Actions, after all, do speak louder than words. Here are some key concepts and tips to help you set your children up for a brighter financial future:
1. Start early:
The sooner you start teaching your kids about money, the better. In a world of tap to pay and swiping cards, younger children are seldom exposed to physical cash – and their concept of money is becoming more abstract with each generation. It’s easier for kids to grasp concrete principles before mastering abstract ones (for example, you show children how to count using an abacus, before expecting them to be able to do sums in their heads). Teach them the concrete principles first – using actual cash.
2. Keep things practical:
The envelope and piggy bank system are great concrete ways to teach children about money, budgeting and saving.
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The envelope system
With the envelope system, you would divide your monthly budget among different envelopes labelled as Groceries, Entertainment or Clothes – choose whichever categories are practical. By allocating a set amount to each envelope, you give your children a visual representation of your spending limits.
When the funds in the clothing envelope, for example, are exhausted, you’ll be able to say that they can buy more clothes next month. Of course, if there is money left in any envelope, it can be reallocated or carried over.
You can also do this on a spreadsheet or with an online budgeting tool with older children.
The piggy bank system
The piggy bank system is focused on teaching children different savings goals based on short, medium and long-term savings goals. Instead of physical piggy banks, you could use a savings account, but opt for a system where you can separate savings into three parts or pockets.
One piggy bank or account can be designated for short-term goals, like buying a toy or going to a theme park. Another can be used for medium-term goals, like saving for a bike or a game console. The third can be for long-term goals - a future dream or a first car.
This system helps kids develop the habit of setting goals and saving money specifically for each goal, promoting financial responsibility and planning from a young age. It allows equally for instant gratification and the deep satisfaction that will come from continued, diligent saving.
3. Role model good money habits:
Kids learn by observing. Show them how you save, budget and make financial decisions yourself. Demonstrate how you pay yourself (by saving and investing each month) before allocating funds to your monthly expenses. Role-play how you delay a purchase until you have the money for it saved up. Or explain how much more a gaming console would cost in the long run if they bought it on credit, so that they have an understanding of the true cost and pitfalls of high-interest debts. This will teach them more than any lecture or book.
4. Teach them about compounding:
It's not just about saving, but also about growing money. When you save or invest money, compound interest allows you to earn interest not only on the initial amount you put in but also on the interest you've already earned. It's like a snowball effect, where your money keeps growing as time goes on. The more time you give your money to compound, the more it can grow.
5. Don't jeopardise your own financial security:
While it's important to save for your children's future, don't neglect your own financial security as a result. Remember, you don't want to become a financial burden to your children in years to come. Down the line, you don’t want to support your adult children to the extent that you are forced to dip into your own retirement savings or pension fund to finance their dreams, if they have not learned the value of saving and managing their own finances responsibly.
Remember, teaching your kids about money is not a one-time conversation but a continuous process. So keep the conversation going and make it a part of your everyday life. This way, you'll not only be raising financially savvy kids but also securing your own financial future.
Introduce your child to the world of banking
Investec Private Bank Account clients can open an Investec Youth Account for children (under the age of 25) for no additional monthly fee.
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