How Americans Rank When It Comes to Discussing Money With Kids

A recent survey shows that parents in the U.S. spend less time talking with their children about financial issues than parents in other countries do.

Live Chat With Janet Bodnar: Teaching Kids About Money

I'll be online Tuesday, April 24 from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET to answer your questions.

Games, Books and Web Sites That Teach Kids Money Skills

These resources will help kids of all ages learn about personal finance.

How to Teach Kids to Handle Credit Cards

This four-step plan will help prepare your children to control their spending, pay bills on time and avoid fees.

Getting Kids to Start Saving Money

Tips for turning your good intentions into money in the piggy bank (or a real one) for preschool through high school.

4 Ways to Teach Kids the Joy of Holiday Giving

Get your family into the holiday spirit with traditions that encourage generosity year-round.

5 Ways to Put Santa on a Budget

Holiday spending can easily get out of control. These tricks will help.

A Reality Check for Young Adults

Yes, times are tough, as illustrated by the struggles of many Occupy Wall Street protestors. We're here to help with practical steps that young adults should take to maintain financial security.

How to Limit Student-Loan Debt

Follow these six steps to keep borrowing for college under control.

Lighten the Burden of Student Loans

Find out if you qualify for a loan forgiveness program or a more-lenient repayment plan.

What College Students Need to Know About Money

Before heading off to school, brush up on some personal finance basics.

Does Financial Education Work?

Studies show that money lessons have to be relevant to kids' immediate experiences.

Money Lessons That Dads Teach Kids

Fathers deserve some credit on their special day (and all year) for the examples they set for their children.

Pay Kids for Good Grades?

Consider rewards other than cash compensation to encourage your children to do well in school.

Is the Tiger Mom Teaching Her Kids Financial Independence?

Janet Bodnar questions whether the author of Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother is arming her kids with necessary skills to make good money decisions.

Money Lessons for Kids Should Be Entertaining

For financial education to be successful, it has to capture children's attention. Here's an example of one program that works.

7 Tricky Kids-and-Money Challenges to Anticipate

To mark National Financial Literacy Month, here are more frequently asked questions on the subject of kids and money.

6 Key Questions Before You Teach Kids About Money

To mark National Financial Literacy Month, here are the most frequently asked questions on the subject of kids and money.

Outrageous Kid Parties

The new show about over-the-top birthdays for children demonstrates that some parents' spending on their kids has gone too far.

Should You Pay Kids to Shovel Snow?

Whether (and how much) you compensate neighborhood kids for their help depends on the circumstances.

Why I Don't Like Prepaid Cards for Kids

The Kardashian Kard aimed at teens was quickly pulled off the market because of its high fees. Other prepaid cards aren't a good idea, either.

Putting Santa on a Budget

Here are five ways to keep holiday spending on your kids under control.

Sensible Tactics to Reduce Student Debt

7 Strategies to Avoid the Student-Debt Trap

There are ways to pay for college without relying too heavily on loans.

Advice for Parents as Their Kids Head Back to School

Now is a great time to teach your children lessons about managing money. Here's how.

5 Financial Lessons for College Students

Follow these tips so your kids will score well when it comes to managing money while away at school.

Job-Hunting Tips for New Grads

Parents should share this advice with their children so they can land in good places with bright prospects.

How to Get Kids Motivated About Money Management

Parents can learn a few lessons about teaching their children financial literacy from these school programs.

How to Teach Money Management to Kids

You can follow this teacher's example to help boost your child's financial IQ.

Don't Fall for the Kwedit Trap

This site claims to offer kids a safe environment to build money skills -- but it really just makes it easy for them to spend money.

Debit Versus Credit Cards for Kids

Teens usually don't have the maturity to handle credit wisely.

Think Like a Kid

The best way to teach children financial literacy is to figure out what they want (and need) to know. Here's help.

A Bailout From the Bank of Mom and Dad

The parents of a 33-year-old woman have to help their daughter change her overspending ways on SOAPnet's new reality show. Will they succeed?

TV Shows That Foster Good Money Skills

Your local PBS station offers some good specials that address kids and money.

More Things Kids Want to Know About Money

In part two of this series, Janet Bodnar answers children's questions about jobs, saving and investing.

What Kids Want to Know About Money

In part one of this two-part series, Janet Bodnar answers children's questions about allowances, cell phones and more.

Is Your Child Ready for a Credit Card?

Don't rush your kids into credit too soon. They need to have the maturity, experience and income to handle it.

Five Lessons From Boomerang Parents

What to expect when your adult children move back in.

The Princess Brides

Don't assume your daughter will marry a prince to pay the bills. Teach your girls the importance of smart money management now.

Co-Sign for a Credit Card?

A new law will limit access to credit until kids turn 21 -- unless a parent co-signs. Here's why you shouldn't give in.

Best Age for a Cell Phone

Kids shouldn't have a cell phone until they're old enough to help pay part of the bill.

Financial Literacy for the Whole Family

Advice to help parents and children learn to save, invest wisely, use credit sparingly and live within your means.

Keep It Simple When Talking to Kids About Money

If your children are worried about the economy, reassure them and keep your discussion age-appropriate.

Sites That Foster Good Money Skills

Kids can learn about personal finance with these three great online sources.

What You Said About Debit Cards for Kids

Many readers disagreed with Janet Bodnar when she warned against giving teens prepaid or reloadable cards.

Say 'No' to Debit Cards for Teens

If you want to teach your kids about managing money, stick with cash.

Should You Buy Your Kids the Finer Things?

Don't kid yourself. Parents who shower their children with pricey duds and designer labels are doing it for their own benefit, not the kids'.

Confession: I liked 'Shopaholic'

This chick flick may not be entirely practical, but it's surprisingly fun. Plus, read the true confessions of a young adult adjusting to life on a budget in the real world.

Dear Sasha and Malia

With all due respect, I'd like to suggest that the Obama kids need a fiscal stimulus.

Turning the Page

As I enter a new phase of my career, I urge parents to remember how much influence they have to help their kids grow into financially healthy adults.

What Santa is Bringing to My House

To cut back on my spending this year, I asked my kids to trim their wish lists -- and you can too.

Yes, You Can Say No to Your Kids

Even during the holidays, you don't have to give your children everything they ask for.

Open a Low-Risk College Fund

Nervous about the stock market? Consider starting with a conservative investment or spreading out your contributions over time.

Misconceptions About Investing

Surprise! Even your young adults don't know everything, and they could use guidance on when and where to invest -- especially in these tough times.

Cash Advantages

Kids and credit cards don't mix. They need to learn how to handle cold, hard cash first.

Putting Santa on a Budget

If money's tight this year, these four tips will help you get your kids to cut back their wish lists and expectations.

The New Realities of Paying for College

Shrinking investment values and loan availability are forcing families to pay attention to the economics of attending college. And that's a good thing.

Money Missteps in Parenting

It's up to you to stand up to your kids and pass along good financial principles. Here are three common mistakes to avoid.

Talking to Teens About the Financial Crisis

Take this chance to teach older kids the principles of financial responsibility. But keep your conversation positive and reassuring.

Your 529-Plan Questions Answered

How does a 529 account affect financial aid? Is a Roth IRA a good alternative? We've got the lowdown on these popular college-savings accounts.

How to Safeguard College Savings Now

Is your shrinking 529-plan balance making you nervous? You're allowed to switch investments in the account once a year.

Talking to Young Kids About the Financial Crisis

The current economic situation can provide a teaching moment. But it's important to keep your discussion reassuring -- and age-appropriate.

Keeping College Debt Under Control

Don't take on more loans than you can handle. Students should consider their future income when borrowing money for school.

Where to Stash Cash for College

From 529s to Coverdells to traditional investment accounts, here's a rundown of the best options for education savings.

Saving for College Vs. Retirement

Which is more important? And how much should you save for each?

Does it Pay to Go to a Big-Name School?

Attending an elite college may not translate to higher pay. It's best to focus on schools that are a good fit for your student and your finances.

Back-To-School Shopping Lessons

Take this golden opportunity to give kids hands-on experience in managing money.

A College Checklist for Parents

You've taught your kid how to do his own laundry. Now it's time to sit down and talk money.

Ten Rules for Parents to Live By

These simple tips will teach your kids the value of a buck, and help them grow into financially independent adults.

Managing My Mailbag

Janet Bodnar shares how she handles readers' questions and comments and thanks readers for their feedback.

Saving Matters

How can you get a spouse excited about saving? Where should you stash emergency cash? And when is it okay to tap your reserve?

Getting a Jump on Summer-Job Searches

The earlier kids start looking, the better their odds of landing work. But they might need a little nudge from their parents.

Six Essential Money Skills

What all kids should know before they leave home -- and how parents can teach them.

Financially Literate Teens

Not all kids are clueless when it comes to money matters, particularly those who learn from their parents.

Parenting With a Financial Focus

Readers weigh in on teaching kids to save, paying for grades and more.

Tips on Finding a Summer Job

Where young job-seekers should look for work and how to land a job.

Creative Summer Jobs

Help your kids battle boredom this summer by encouraging their entrepreneurial spirit.

Let Children Get Down to Business

It's never too soon to encourage kids to develop and follow through on their own ideas.

Getting Teens to Save (Without Nagging)

With these tips, parents can help teens develop good spending habits -- and even trick them into saving money.

How to Teach Young Kids to Save

Whether your child is in preschool or middle school, we have age-appropriate tips to make saving money simple, fun and rewarding.

Listen to Your Mother

Readers share the best financial advice they got from their moms.

More Golden Rules for Grads

Most young adults look their parents for financial guidance. Learn what you can do to point your kids in the right direction.

Golden Rules for Grads

How parents can lend a hand to adult children -- without giving them a handout.

The Magic of Compounding

With this neat trick, small contributions to a retirement account can grow into a big nest egg over time.

Ten Sneaky Saving Strategies

How to trick yourself into spending less and saving more -- even if you lack the discipline.

Borrow Smart for College

Some lenders have stopped making student loans, but don't worry, there is plenty of money available. Here's a simple guide to understanding your options.

What We Learned From My Mother

Mom was a great example for my children and me, and she taught us many valuable financial -- and life -- lessons.

Tax Matters for Kids

Working children may not have to file a tax return, but they should do it to reclaim money withheld from their paychecks. Plus, can you use a 529 plan to repay student loans?

Strategic Spending

College students may go into debt, but they should do it with a clear understanding of the return on their investment.

Build Credit Without a Credit Card

There are alternative ways you can establish credit and learn financial responsibility before getting your first card.

Spend Your Way to Success?

College students are piling on debt to create the illusion of success. But they'll find themselves financial failures unless they wise up and get real.

Roth IRAs for College Savings?

Yes, you can use these accounts to pay for college. Learn the rules and find out if this savings strategy makes sense for you.

Student Loan Forgiveness

A new law lends a helping hand to teachers and other public servants. Find out what it takes to qualify and how to apply.

Should You Punish For Bad Grades?

Our series continues with a look at the flip-side of paying for grades.

Financial Milestones for Kids

What children should know about money at different ages from preschool to college.

Kid IRA Q&A

Find out if your child must file a tax return to open an IRA, what the best investments are for the account and whether an IRA affects college financial aid.

Can Your Child Open a Roth IRA?

Find out if your kid qualifies for this tax-sheltered savings plan. Plus, how much to contribute and which companies will open an account for a minor.

Beware of Overdraft Fees

College students can easily fall victim to these costly bank charges. Learn how to avoid or minimize the damage.

In Praise of Mean Parenting

Don't be afraid to say no to your kids, even if it makes you unpopular.

Finding a Great School Close to Home

Many state colleges offer a first-rate education for a low price.

Rewards Greater Than Money

Pay kids for grades? A teacher makes the case that rewards of trust, responsibility and opportunity are more productive -- and realistic.

Get a Head Start on Scholarships

Use your time wisely to scope out opportunities, polish your applications and try to increase your odds of landing college aid.

Paying for College a Team Effort

Parents and children should share education costs. The key is to find the right balance for each party.

The Ins and Outs of 529 Plans

What's the best 529 plan? How does the money affect financial aid? We've got the answers you seek about these popular college-savings accounts.

Three Keys to Handling Credit Wisely

Why so many teens and young adults get into credit-card trouble, and how to buck the trend.

Can You Put a Price on Education?

Attending college is an economic decision as well as an educational one. Find the right balance to get the best schooling without breaking the bank.

A Smart Way to Spoil Grandkids

Instead of lavishing grandchildren with meaningless gifts, contribute to a 529 college-savings plan. Parents and kids save money on tuition, and you get attractive tax benefits.

Pay for College Without Breaking the Bank

Real-world advice on how to hold down student loan expenses.

Tackling Private Student Loans

Private loans can be tougher to pay off than federal loans. Here's what you need to know to reduce the pain.

Readers Defend Paying for Grades

Many of you argue that school is a child's job, so good work deserves financial compensation. Here's why I still, respectfully, disagree.

What Teens Need to Know About Credit

Don't bog kids down with details. You'll make a more lasting impression if you start by teaching these six essentials.

Best Time for First Credit Card

Credit cards can be a good financial tool. But kids can get into trouble if they rush to get one before they're ready for the responsibility.

Getting -- and Staying -- Out of Debt

Sticking to a plan to pay off your debt can be tougher than it looks. Increase your odds of success by focusing on one goal at a time.

Pay Kids for Good Grades? Bad Idea

Once you start down this slippery slope, you have to keep raising the stakes. Here's why it's better to pay a compliment than cash.

Do Student Loans Affect a Mortgage Application?

Lenders don't necessarily view education debt as a bad thing. Your ability to buy a house when you owe student loans depends largely on your credit score and how much money you make.

Smart Advice From Teens in the OC

A group of kids in California share their thoughts on saving, spending and managing their money.

Grandparent Money Matters

It's natural to want to spoil your grandkids, but you don't want to impede their parents' efforts to teach financial values. Here's how to strike a balance.

Slimming Down Credit-Card Debt

An extreme debt diet could backfire into a spending binge. Here's a smart strategy to shed those weighty credit card bills.

A Student Loan Game Plan

When the kids head to college, they'll soon discover it's easier to take on debt than pay it off. Learn how one money-smart grad plans to pay off her loans and start off on the right foot.

Financial Survival Tips for Freshmen

Eight things college students wish they had known about money before they started school.

Kids Eager to Learn About Money

Most children want to learn how to handle their finances responsibly. Take time to teach them the basics before they move out on their own. Plus: How to find the best college-savings plan.

Managing My Mailbag

Your queries and feedback help me do my job. Here's the lowdown on how I come up with ideas for this column and how I handle reader mail.

Surprise! More College Costs

Tuition, room and board aren't the only bills a student will rack up at school. Here are six unexpected costs to anticipate, and tips to ease the financial pinch.

Crash Financial Course for College Frosh

There's still time to help your child learn to manage money before he or she heads to campus this fall.

Roth IRAs and College Aid

Will your child's investment affect his or her financial aid package? Plus, learn how to help kids discern between wants and needs.

Kids Can Repay Mom & Dad for College

Taking out a federal loan for parents is a great way to borrow for college. But how can you ensure your child pays you back for the money you borrow?

Babysitting and Taxes

Does your working child owe self-employment tax on his or her earnings? Plus, find out the rules for contributing to a kid's Roth IRA.

Kids and Cell Phones

They love their text messages, and they should have a stake in paying for them, too.

Sharing Your Credit History With a Child

The drawbacks of adding your child's name to your credit card outweigh the benefits.

How Much College Debt is Too Much?

You'll have to pay back your student loans some day. Here's how to make sure you don't get in over your head.