As parents we are to be the main teachers for our kids and pass on a variety of wisdom and knowledge. One key arena of wisdom we ought to pass on is about money, finances and stewardship according to what the Scriptures say. This tends to be a seldom discussed topic in families because many parents do not have a plan, and are more often than not are, “flying by the seat of their pants” when it comes to their personal finances. Many times, parents that are living this way feel like hypocrites, and it becomes difficult to teach their children about this. Therefore, this topic gets ignored, and that should not be the case. In this episode, we want to encourage our audience to have those conversations and teaching moments with their young adult kids. We are thinking more about those just out of high school and beyond, even into their 40’s. If you are an adult, these lessons are for you too.
What is the goal of training the next generation?
- Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6, NIV84)
- My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, (Proverbs 3:1, NIV84)
What is at risk if we are not proactive?
- In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. (Proverbs 21:20, NIV84)
- The house of the righteous contains great treasure, but the income of the wicked brings them trouble. (Proverbs 15:6, NIV84)
- After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. (Luke 15:14, NIV84)
What is the benefit of being proactive?
- I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth. (3 John 4, NIV84)
- She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. (Proverbs 31:16, NIV84)
- In the house of the wise are stores of choice food and oil, but a foolish man devours all he has. (Proverbs 21:20, NIV84)
Lay a foundation – Stat young! Train up a child in the way he should go. But. it is never too late to start! Here are some resources to help you lay a foundation of Biblical Stewardship:
Young Adult – In College/At Home
- If they are not in school, they should be working and paying some form of rent.
- Allowance ends at 18 or after High School. But you may still offer to support them with some basic needs if in college (e.g. clothing, food, insurance…) Give them responsibility with it! Don’t let it become an entitlement.
- Keep a budget (money in/out).
- Discourage/prohibit cosigning (vehicles, higher education, etc…).
- Discuss weddings, college, buying first house.
- Teach them about financially planning for the future.
- Need a Power of Attorney (POA)
- Start saving for retirement now.
- Capitalize on teaching opportunities.
- Don’t just do it for them. Have them involved!
- While under your roof, set certain requirements.
- Allow mistakes during these days (within limits). Great teaching moments!
Young Adult 20-39
- Talk about money, especially budgeting!
- Specifically talk about generosity to the local church and saving for the future.
- Allow them to learn lessons through your mistakes in the past (and even current).
- Talk to them about retirement planning
- Bless their retirement planning!
- If they do Roth contribution, match it!
- If they do a 529 contribution, match it!
- Encourage them to get legal docs, especially if they have titled assets!
- Speak openly about debt (good/bad debt)
- Teach them about Life Insurance.
- What is needed? why, and how much?
Adult Children 40+
- Consider giving part of their inheritance now and see how they use it.
- Give money to give away, not to spend. How do they use it?
- Discuss your estate. Encourage them to update legal docs to include their children in key roles.
- Talk to your children about any charitable giving in your estate plan.
- Do you want your children to continue your legacy of generosity?
- What do you look for prior to giving the charitable gift?
- How do you choose who to give money to?
- Why would you choose not to give to an organization?
- How to use a Donor Advised Fund (DAF).
- Speak to your children about how you would like your physical assets distributed amongst themselves and any grandchildren.
- Impart WISDOM into their lives and their decision process.
Conclusion
- Live Biblical Stewardship.
- Stewardship can be “more caught than taught!” (but it is both).
- Teach, find, and seek out opportunities to speak into your children about money, finances and stewardship.
- Bless wise choices and investments while you are still around!
- PRAY FOR THEM!
- Be available for them if they want any future guidance on money and finances.
Next Steps
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