Have fun being frugal

September 29, 2009

Now that lemonade stand season is winding down, a savings party may be a good way to teach the kids how to manage their hard-earned fortunes.

Before the party, ask each child to bring their favorite catalogs. Supply them with stickers to help them rank which toys or kits they want the most. Make sure they take note of the price of each item.

Once each child has decided which five things they desire the most, have them make ornate wish lists. Supply scissors and glue so they can cut out the pictures and decorate the list using glitter pens and colorful markers. You might even supply frames to each guest so they can hang their work as a permanent reminder to save.

Hold a treasure hunt to reward your saving superstars for their creative efforts. Hide equal amounts of small sacks filled with chocolate coins or loose change around the house for the kids to find.

Kids may be more inclined to save if they know where their money is going, so supply the party with tools to make individual piggy banks. Use home pottery kits and paint and encourage everyone to be creative, as making a pig shape may prove difficult for your aspiring investors.