Piggy Banks to Paychecks: Helping Kids Understand the Value of a Dollar [Paperback]

What a great book! Most parents struggle with trying to help kids learn money smarts and this book is the best resource I've read for helping. I am so glad I got this book and will be reading bits and pieces again and again for inspiration and help as I try to help my kids make good choices. Definitely recommend this one!

Teaching children about finances and budgeting is an important part of being a parent. But reading this book I found many things that I didn't know as well. Whether you have children to teach or simply want to make sure that you are handling your own finances wisely Piggy Banks to Paychecks will be a valuable read.

Mohr makes it a point to explain financial terms in clear "layperson" language avoiding the dry, boring read you may expect from an accountant! Personable, informative, helpful and most of all very thorough this book is a must have! I've even recommended it to a few friends without children who are struggling with budgets and saving.

Piggy Banks to Paychecks is written to parents about how to teach their children about money. At the same time, parents are getting a crash course in financial matters. While I have no children of my own, I thought my high school and college courses in math and economics had provided me a solid foundation. Reading through this book, I realize I still have an awful lot to learn. Many parents who read this book will probably feel the same way. In order to teach, you must first have an understanding of the concept yourself. When that teaching is effective, you are demonstrating some mastery of it for yourself. In fact, Angie challenges you to take a hard look at your own financial habits prior to diving in with your children.

Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of being financially savvy with your children. Learn how to effectively teach about earning, spending, saving and the differences between using cash and credit. Each concept is demonstrated through clear definitions and anecdotes from Angie and other parents. She even relates money situations to others that seem to be unrelated. For example, a child wants to buy two different luxury items, but can only afford one. How he makes his decision in that situation is related to making the decision between getting tutored to avoid failing math and fulfilling his dream of being a musician with his current garage band. Analogies such as these speak to those who do not necessarily think of themselves as "money-minded."

Parents should not worry about burdening their children with money matters. Angie explains how much information is developmentally appropriate and how to share it. She also provides many activities that can be done in the home or in the classroom to help teach children about money. As a Montessorian, I appreciate the concreteness of her activities, such as using Monopoly money and cookies to demonstrate the problems with simply printing more money. I also appreciate how the lessons are implemented right in daily life, such as starting at the grocery store.

Common questions from children about banking practices has answers for both American and Canadian banking systems. Parents can bring their children to this book to look up the answers and read them together as a part of a joint learning process. You can also go through the section on creating your own small business for kids together.

The end of the book also has links to more resources in both the United States and in Canada, as well as a glossary of terms. Find more information and more activities on Angie's website for Piggy Banks to Paychecks. Share your feedback with her, as well!

While I did receive a free uncorrected proof of Piggy Banks to Paychecks for the purpose of reviewing, all opinions in this review are my own and unbiased. This truly is a book that I would recommend all parents and educators to read. It provides beneficial lessons to both adults and children.