We use Star charts to reward the kind of behaviour we value at home and usually the kids choose a small treat when they complete a chart of 35 stars.

TIP – the star chart itself is simply an old calendar page. They usually have a grid with 5 rows and 7 columns. #reuse #recycle #repurpose

A treat is a small something in the region of R30, very occasionally R40. In the past, Kendra has chosen a pair of earrings, Connor has chosen stationery, but they have mostly settled on getting taken on a date with a parent for a milkshake, muffin and tea, or a breakfast.

It’s very important to me to train the kids to be responsible financially.

They already tithe on any Money they receive, and saving was the next step so this year I had a good idea to encourage them to save. I told them they could either have a treat, or they could have R50 in their savings account (which we had yet to open).

Both kids decided to bank 3 star charts’ worth of treats that I owed them.

TIP – keep track of when they start and complete a start chart, and when/ how it was redeemed. You might not have this situation but I have a boy who negotiates so hard that I’m left wondering if he is actually correct and I still owe him more treats!

So off we went to my bank and I opened the accounts. That very afternoon, I transferred the R150 each plus whatever they had in their wallets. Let me just say, I think I have a natural saver/ hoarder of money and a spender

Hopefully this is the start of really good financial habits for my kids.

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In other news, I’m about 15% into Smart Money, Smart Kids, a book Dave Ramsey (The Total Money Makeover) wrote with his daughter, Rachel Cruze.

Who knows? I might abandon my star charts in favour of his commission system soon

How are you teaching your kids about money?

Share your tips!