Talking To Your Kids … About Credit Cards

Nothing sounds better to kids (of all ages!) than a plastic card you can wave in department stores that lets you magically walk away with your choice of merchandise. Sure, you’ll have to pay for it later. But, at least for now, you have what you want without having to pay … Right?

Spend a little time discussing credit cards with your children, no matter how old they are. Even a preschooler can understand that when Mom uses a credit card when they’re out shopping together, she’ll soon get a letter from the company telling her to send the money for everything they’ve bought.

Older kids will benefit from sitting with you when you pay the bills. As they examine the charges, the connection between using a credit card and paying for purchases really hits home.