Financial Hacks

GrowingJars No one on Team OppJar was a trust fund baby – our financial knowledge is from many sources and experiences (including a misstep or two along the way).

What we believe: No-one is born knowing this stuff. People's situations and priorities differ. Small steps can lead to big wins. Examples and experiences are powerful. Saving can be fun!

We are here to help you and your village succeed financially, including passing along information we found useful. Please check back as we add more! We welcome any articles or tips at education@oppjar.com . Follow us on social media for more.

Tell your child about something you saved up for when you were a child.
How did you earn the money? How long did it take? How did you feel when you finally got what you wanted?

Three young children wearing glasses and playing with piles of money.
Three board games that can teach kids about personal finance

"Board games aren't only about entertainment -- they can teach some important money lessons too." Teaching your kids about money is easy (and necessary!) to incorporate into your day-to-day activities, and using games can make it fun for the whole family.

https://www.fool.com/personal-finance/2020/12/03/3-board-games-that-can-teach-kids-about-personal-f/

Sharing family stories with your kids has multiple benefits

“Children whose families collaboratively discuss everyday events and family history more often have higher self-esteem and stronger self-concepts” Sharing these stories on your child's OppJar account ensures they will be saved forever.
https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2013/12/what-kids-learn-from-hearing-family-stories/282075/

6 Financial Planning Tips for New Parents
Six financial planning tips for new parents

“For most new parents, focusing on the big picture isn’t easy. You’re sleep-deprived, juggling naps and feeding schedules, and excited about the new little person in your life. But milestones are on the horizon, and you’ll want to prepare for them while keeping your own finances on track"
https://www.schwab.com/resource-center/insights/content/baby-makes-three-financial-planning-new-parents

Does this sound familiar?

According to one study “Nearly one in three parents admit to “borrowing” from their kids’ piggy bank” A different study noted “Half also said they never paid back the ‘loan’.”

https://time.com/37949/why-parents-routinely-raid-their-kids-piggy-banks/

You don’t have to be an expert to talk to your kids about money

“Financial experts say you can start the conversation about money and careers as early as three years old.” Follow OppJar on Twitter for tips!
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/the-most-successful-people-have-parents-who-do-this-182121075.html

Protect your child’s identity

“Don’t share your child’s Social Security number unless you know and trust the other party. Ask why it’s necessary and how it will be protected. Ask if you can use a different identifier or use only the last four digits of your child’s Social Security number.” Read more for other credit tips, including how to freeze your child’s credit.
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0040-child-identity-theft

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