Teaching your kids about money
Money and finances are the hardest topics for parents to teach their children, according to a recent Harris Interactive poll.
No wonder! Many parents are struggling themselves, and may not have been properly taught the value of a dollar. In addition, many adults do not like to talk to their children about their family finances.
“American parents feel more prepared to talk to their children about drugs and alcohol or sex and dating than money and finances,” said Kendall Roy of
ING DIRECT, the nation’s largest direct bank and largest thrift.

Inspiring Americans to become a nation of savers is the primary purpose of ING DIRECT. They have developed a new virtual website called
Planet Orange to help teach children the value of a dollar.
“While on Planet Orange, children in grades one through six go through space missions to four different continents that teach the fundamentals of earning, saving, spending and investing,” according to the website.
My eight year old nephew really enjoyed this website, which is full of lively music and interesting educational games that incorporate learning.
The children pick their own astronaut gear and apparel, decorate their spaceship, and choose which job they want to have on board the rocket.
This would especially be a valuable homeschooling tool, and the teachers’ section includes free lesson plans.
For more information, see: