Parent Profile: Laking & Cameron Harris
Hometown:
– Laking: Fontana, CA
– Cameron: Texarkana, TX
Family:
– Ender Robinson, 14
– Tristan Tittle, 9
– Jairo Harris, 6
– Lane Tittle, 5
– Kehlani Harris, 2
When did financial literacy become important to you?
Financial literacy became important to me through my mom, Louise Harris. As a single mom, she did her best to take care of us with the help of my sister, Ruthie Harris, and my aunt, Clarice Turner. These three women raised five kids in Los Angeles, CA. I remember listening to my mom balance her checkbook and find ways to save money, which made me curious. She would give me small “tests” to see if I could save the family money while shopping. My time in the Marine Corps further solidified the importance of financial literacy, especially with a son on the way. To better understand money, I also worked part-time as an insurance agent.
At what age do you start teaching financial literacy to your children?
We start teaching financial literacy to our children as early as possible. We incorporate budgeting, cost, debt, tax, and investing into everyday situations. Instead of formal lessons, we use practical examples, similar to learning a new language. For instance:
1. After a birthday party, when they bring home candy, I ask if they’d prefer to eat it all at once or save it over several days.
2. When my son broke a glass, he had to pay me $5 to replace it, teaching him the value of saving.
3. One favorite method is when they ask me to buy them something, I take a small part as my “fee” or “tax” for the service.
These simple techniques at home can help make financial literacy a natural part of a child’s life.
What would you say is a great first lesson for teaching financial literacy to kids?
The most important lesson is to avoid impulsive buying. Impulse purchases often lead to financial trouble for adults, as we feel the need to have the latest or shiniest items. Encouring children to think before they buy is a valuable skill that will benefit them for life.
What do you recommend to other parents on how to get their kids excited about saving money?
Start with candy. During holidays, kids receive lots of candy, which can be used as currency. Giving them money or fake money often doesn’t resonate with them. Using candy allows them to “buy” or
barter for things, teaching them value and
decision-making. They’ll learn that two lollipops might not be worth trading, but one Airhead is. Use everyday items like candy to make saving and
spending fun for your kids.
What do you want your kids to learn from your lessons on financial literacy?
I want my kids to understand the importance of currency now and in the future, and to develop a mindset geared towards financial independence.
We hope that all parents will help foster a future
generation that values financial independence
and security.
What resources do you recommend for other parents who may not know where to turn when teaching their kids?
Start with us & this article! With our big blended family, we’ve lived and worked through it all. The FDIC offers many resources, and social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram provide fun games to play with your kids that teach financial literacy. Explore these resources and start your financial literacy journey with your children today.
