Five ways to recession-proof your kids
In a troubled economy, it's more important than ever to talk to your kids about finances. Concrete steps now can help them become money-savvy adults.
Lead by example. Instead of letting your kid roam the cereal and candy aisles, use a trip to the grocery store as an opportunity to teach money management. If rising costs during a recession prompt you to clip coupons and make creative use of cheaper ingredients, show your child the ways in which you save. "[My kids and I] look at produce and look at the price per pound and try to buy stuff that's on sale," says Karen Hoxmeier, founder of mybargainbuddy.com and a mother of three. "They look at it like a scavenger hunt, they compete with each other and say, 'I caught this one, it's this much cheaper than that thing they picked out.'"