SEATTLE–New research suggests that while the evidence shows teaching financial education at an early age helps people develop stronger money management habits as adults, most parents simply aren’t to talking with their children about money, according to BECU’s Finance and Parents Survey.
BECU, which said it is the largest community credit union in the country, said it commissioned a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults to uncover the relationship between parents, children and finances.
The Findings
Among the findings:
- While parents said they would rather talk about finances than sex with their kids, only 28% are doing so
- 82% of parents cite fear as a barrier to talking about finances with kids, but only 42% of parents admit they themselves are afraid of having the conversation
- Even though respondents agreed that parents should lead the “money talk” with teens, nearly three in four parents believe that a financial professional is the best resource for teaching their kids
- Despite parents avoiding the conversation, the next generation understands the importance of financial health: 44% of Gen Z respondents noted “good spending habits” as the most important money lesson young people should know, followed by “how to create a budget” and “saving for emergencies”
“Parents often talk with their children about many of life’s challenges. Yet, our survey shows they seem to be neglecting one very important topic: money,” said Stacey Black, BECU financial educator, in a statement. “Whether parents are feeling afraid or unprepared, our goal is to help build their confidence with the right resources and advice to start the conversation and help prepare their kids for the financial realities of becoming an adult.”
Initiating the Next Big Talk
Saying it is seeking to empower parents to begin the money talk, BECU created the Next Big Talk conversation guide (available in English and Spanish on BECU.org), which focuses on the four areas of financial health: spend, save, borrow and plan.
The guide includes:
- Prompter questions to help spark a two-way discussion between parents and teens on managing money responsibly
- Activities that parents and teens can do together to reinforce smart money management
- Tips for managing cash flow, building up savings, managing debt responsibly and setting goals