I spent a decade working at J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank primarily as an investment specialist and relationship advisor. Every day I would work with the ultra-high net-worth families of this country devising financial plans, investing their wealth, and discussing strategies around transferring wealth to the next generation.
During my time at J.P. Morgan, we would hold many events centered around investments, philanthropy, and the economy. Some events were well attended while others had to be cancelled due to lack of interest. I will never forget the one event that was vastly oversubscribed, and after the fact, was described to me by many clients as “the best event they ever attended.”
What event would garner so much attention and positive feedback? The topic was simple, yet the content was filling:
How to Talk to Your Kids about Money
The relevance of this topic is not generational. It’s something everyone will have to do, or consciously avoid, at some point in their life.
Studies show that current generations have very different approaches to this topic. Generally, the Baby Boomer generation avoids talking about money, even with loved ones, while Gen Z is the most transparent generation of our time, having no problem discussing salary, savings, and net worth.
Below are three ideas on how to talk with your kids about money:
- Talk!:
- It might sound funny, but money cannot be a taboo subject if you want your kids to learn. If you don’t teach them about money, then they will learn from YouTube and TikTok.
- Give Them Opportunities:
- Whether it’s through an allowance or helping them manage income from their first job, give them the opportunity to earn, save, and spend. Don’t prevent them from making small mistakes or wasting their money on frivolous things. Use it as a teaching opportunity. Let them make the mistakes with small amounts now so they will be better when it really counts.
- Teach Them Values:
- Money is as much a mindset as it is a physical or digital object. Teach them good principles and values. Most kids don’t want to hear the phrase, “When I was your age…”, but perhaps will respond better to, “Here’s an idea…”.
Baby Boomers are set to pass $68 trillion worth of wealth to their kids in the next 20 years. Many people will receive inheritances greater than their current net worth. Whether you are a Baby Boomer with substantial net worth, or a Gen Z-er just starting, the principles and values of money transcend generations.
As a wealth advisor, my goal is to help you make better decisions and continuously improve your financial situation, which includes helping you talk to your kids about money!