24 Aug 2023 | Blog

Foundations for Financial Prosperity: A Guide for the Next Generation

couch using laptop

Remember when you landed your first gig and enjoyed the sweet taste of financial independence? No matter what age you began your working life, chances are, you were a tad lost on what to do with that inaugural pay.

Let’s be honest; we live in a world that’s a bit behind in schooling our young ones in the ways of financial wisdom.

Did you learn how to sort out your finances in school? I didn’t. What I did learn was trigonometry (that good old SOH-CAH-TOA is forever burned into my memory), which was fab for those countless times I needed to figure out a right triangle’s angles. However, it wasn’t quite handy in handling my grown-up monetary matters.

It’s high time we pivot this story and ignite candid, genuine chit-chats about the dough, giving our youth the fiscal know-how they require to blossom.

Opening the Money Dialogue

Whispers about wealth have often been veiled in mystery, sometimes even deemed off-limits in some homes. This must shift.

Mums and Dads have a pivotal part to play in laying down their kiddos’ road to financial triumph by cultivating an atmosphere where natter about the coin is as common as chat about the weather. Open discourse unravels the financial universe and arms our young adults with the power to choose wisely.

Speak Positive, Think Positive

As we foster open banter about bucks, we must recall that our words shape the subconscious views our children will grow up with.

Negativity begets fear, whereas positivity nurtures a healthy connection with cash.

So, trade “We can’t afford this” with “How can we save up for this?” This slight change inspires a mentality of abundance over lack. It assists our youth in viewing fiscal hurdles as growth opportunities, helping them cultivate a positive and can-do attitude toward money.

Setting Financial Goals: Aim High, Start Early

Goals are our compass.

Be it saving for a car, eliminating a student debt, or buying the first piece of real estate, motivating our young adults to set and chase monetary objectives early on is brilliant for instilling discipline and a forward-thinking attitude.

Celebrating every win, big or small, is vital. It fuels a sense of triumph and eagerness, driving them forward on their fiscal expedition.

Budgeting Basics: A Must-Know

Ever come across the adage, “Failure to plan is planning to fail”?

That sums up why budgeting is a big deal. Budgeting isn’t about self-restraint; it’s about getting your cash to obey you.

The 50/30/20 rule, where half goes to necessities, a third to desires, and a fifth to stashing away, is ace for our young ones. It’s uncomplicated and fosters the saving habit early on.

Spend Wisely: Enjoy Without Regret

Managing your money doesn’t mean abandoning joy. It’s all about spending responsibly.

The age-old need vs. want argument persists, but teaching our young ones to distinguish between the two is vital.

Impulsive buying can wreak havoc on financial plans. A clever trick is to advise a 48-hour pause for non-vital expenditures. It provides a moment to ponder if the buy is budget-friendly and in line with financial aspirations.

The Bottom Line: Empowerment for a Bright Financial Tomorrow

We’re not just endowing our youth with monetary wisdom but also enabling them to craft a thriving financial destiny.

So let’s keep the money banter alive and guide our young adults in forming habits that pave the way for financial victory. The tale takes a new turn today!

The information contained on this website has been provided as general advice only. The contents have been prepared without taking account of your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. You should, before you make any decision regarding any information, strategies or products mentioned on this website, consult your own financial adviser to consider whether that is appropriate having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.

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