Don’t Break the Piggy Bank TEACH YOUR GRANDCHILDREN ABOUT SAVING
The money habits we learn when we’re young can heavily influence our financial futures, so every adult is responsible for setting a good example for the children in their lives. April 22 is National Teach Children to Save Day, and grandparents can play a more prominent role in their grandchildren’s financial education than they realize. While the temptation to spoil the kids is strong, every grandparent also has the opportunity to be a role model. There’s nothing wrong with occasionally splurging on your grandchildren. But you don’t want to interfere with their parents’ rules about money, and it’s ideal if the treats you provide come with a lesson. Ensure you talk to your grandchildren about how adults earn money and why you have the resources to buy things they want. Kids should never view grandma or grandpa as a bottomless bank account. You don’t have to sit down for a big discussion to get your point across, in many cases, it’s better if you don’t. It’s easy to teach lessons through everyday activities, and they’ll be more memorable than a dry lecture. For example, take your grandkids grocery shopping, where you can teach them to compare prices and understand why you use coupons. You can also demonstrate the value of money by giving your grandchild a small amount, like $5, and helping them spend it at a garage sale. Many grandparents save for their grandchildren’s futures. Whether you open a 529 college savings plan or some other type of account for them, talk about why you’re doing it and how regular contributions will add up over time. When it’s finally time to withdraw that money, they’ll better understand where it came from and how they can build their own futures. As grandchildren get older, their grandparents can also serve as a voice of experience on debt. Many teens and young adults don’t understand how expensive using credit cards can be. You don’t need a perfect financial history to make an impact. A story about your youthful missteps can help your grandchildren understand the real-world implications of their actions. The patience and understanding built into many grandparent- grandchild relationships gives you an advantage in teaching crucial life lessons. Your gentle wisdom can complement their parents’ firmer tactics in money management and help create an adult ready for financial success.
TAKE A BREAK
Cod and Asparagus Bake Inspired by TasteOfHome.com This recipe is quick to make and perfect for busy weeknights when eating healthy seems impossible. The buttery cod is low-fat and a great way to include healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in your diet.
INGREDIENTS
• Oil for baking pan • 4 4-oz cod fillets
• 1 lb thin asparagus, trimmed • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved • 2 tbsp lemon juice • 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest • 1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
1. Preheat oven to 375 F. In a 15x10x1-inch baking pan brushed with oil, place cod, asparagus, and tomatoes. 2. Brush cod with lemon juice, then sprinkle with lemon zest. Sprinkle cod and vegetables with Romano cheese. Bake until fish flakes easily with a fork, about 12 minutes. 3. Remove pan from oven; preheat broiler. Broil cod mixture 3-4 inches from the heat source until vegetables are lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes. DIRECTIONS
PATRIOT WEALTH | 919.322.4113 | P3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator