Did you know the vacation you're taking this summer could be one of the best opportunities to teach your kids about money?

Starting around age 10, we gave our kids a set amount of spending money before each trip.

That was their money for souvenirs, treats, and extras.

If they spent it all on Day 1...that was their choice.

If they carefully made it last...great.

If they came home with money left over...they got to keep it.

What I loved most wasn't what they bought.

It was watching them start to think differently.

Instead of me constantly being the "Yes” or “No" person, they became the decision-maker.

Suddenly they were asking themselves:

• Is this worth it?

• If I buy this now, will I have enough later?

• Do I want this today or something else tomorrow?

• What matters most to me?

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The other benefit?

I could decide before the trip how much I wanted to spend on souvenirs and extras. It helped me budget, and it eliminated a lot of the negotiating along the way.

Did they make mistakes?

Absolutely.

·         Sometimes they spent too much too quickly.

·         Sometimes they regretted a purchase.

·         Sometimes they wished they had waited.

Those lessons were worth far more than any souvenir.

Financial confidence isn't built by always making the right decision.

It's built by making decisions, learning from them, and realizing, "I can handle this."

Vacation just happened to be a great place to practice. 💚

What money lessons have you taught your kids during summer vacation?