The Reality Reports

Start With Everyday Conversations: A child does not become financially smart by memorizing complicated terms. Good money habits begin with simple, honest conversations. Explain that money is earned, choices have costs, and spending on one thing can mean giving up something else. Talk about money during normal activities. At the grocery store, compare prices and sizes. Before ordering food, discuss the budget. When paying a bill, explain what service the bill covers. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends using age-appropriate conversations and activities to develop children’s financial skills and attitudes. CFPB

A Tough Moment: This photo shows a young child sitting on the ground with a bowl of food in their lap. The child is wearing an old sweater with brown and white stripes, along with baggy pants covered in dust.  Their shoes are dirty and worn out. Everything in the photo shows that life has not been easy for this child.