Had 'the Talk' with Your Kids Yet? Not That Talk, the Money Talk!

WalletPop doesn't usually promote specific financial companies, but today we're making an exception. American Express in conjunction with personal finance expert Jean Chatzky is sponsoring a National Money Talk Night on Thursday, September 16th 2010 to help tweens, teens and young adults get a better understanding of managing their finances independently.

As Chatzky points out in the introductory video, parents tend to have the sex talk and the drug talk with their kids, but few have the Money talk, and in these hard economic times, it's more important than ever to turn out financially literate kids.

I had a good look at the materials provided at the Money Night Talk website, and found them to be just as relevant to Canadian families as American, with just a few exceptions. At the website, parents can download and view available resources and ask as many questions as possible. Then, on September 16th, it's time to sit down with your kids and have the somewhat dreaded Money Talk.

The tip sheets are organized into three categories: middle school, high school and college, with excellent, age-appropriate advice for each group. Obviously American Express wants to get parents and their kids using their financial products, but the fact is, this is one talk parents tend to put off. And if this initiative helps some families have it, then we're happy to promote it on WalletPop Canada.

Have a look and plan to have a chat soon, even if it's not on Sept 16, which frankly is a little late for students heading off to uni this weekend.