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Home / Bay of Plenty Times

Martine Rolls: To teach kids a lesson

Bay of Plenty Times
30 Oct, 2012 07:52 PM4 mins to read

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I'm counting on a lot of sunny weekends, much like the last one, as the kids and I have some great projects planned.

I've been focussing on fun things to do that keep us away from the computer and other technology at weekends.



In Saturday's Bay of Plenty Times
Weekend, I read that gaming devices are the most popular toys on kids' most wanted lists for Christmas, as well as other high-tech toys like the LeapPad, an iPad for kids.

That's not news to me.

Christmas is not too far away, and both my boys matter-of-factly told me that they would love Santa to bring them each an MGP scooter.

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I looked at the price, and even saw them on GrabOne earlier this week offering 36 per cent off the RRP, but decided against buying them.

They'll expect a whole bunch more in their stockings come December, so I won't be spending my dollars on scooters.

But deciding against something doesn't necessarily mean it's not going to happen. I have told the children that if it's the scooters they want, they can save up for one themselves.

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They were a little worried they'd have to do all kinds of boring chores for mum to make a few bucks but I have promised to make it fun.

One of the things we are keen to organiseis a garage sale.

Even though I took most of my own surplus stuff to the charity shop a few weeks ago, I'm sure I can dig up more. It's the perfect way to get rid of the clutter and to teach the kids some entrepreneurial skills.

They are in the process of gathering toys, books, clothes and shoes that they are too big for now and will tidy them up where needed to get them ready to be sold.

The little one is still quite attached to some of his old toys, he's a bit of a hoarder.

He'd rather sell his big brother's stuff but with that shiny new scooter in mind he's keen to give it a go.

We will pick a date, put prices on things, place a notice in the paper and make signs to fore each end of the street. They can then have their own table to present their toys on garage-sale day.

We're thinking about having a sausage sizzle at the same time and the profits of that will go to their scooter fund, too.

When the day is over, I hope they will have learned a thing or two about working hard, being clever about selling, and the value of money.



One of my favourite parenting websites, kiwifamilies, has an interesting page on teaching kids about money. It includes a bunch of links to other sites with even more information on the subject, which lead me to Sorted, yet another great site.

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The budgeting site Sorted is managed by the Commission for Financial Literacy and Retirement Income.

It's a small Government-funded but independent organisation, dedicated to helping New Zealanders manage their personal finances.

I've rarely seen a website that deals with complex matters - as that's what finances are to me - explain things so clearly. It's the easiest place to start for anyone who wants or needs to make some sense out of their finances.

Think of Sorted as your financial personal trainer. It helped me immensely a few years ago when I had debt coming out of my ears.

At that time, I sold practically everything I owned that was worth anything on online auction sites just to make a few extra dollars to go towards the bills. I worked very hard to clear my debt.

Budgeting is not something I've ever been good at but I have learned to get by with very little simply because I have had to. I think it's essential that my children know how to, too. I just hope for them they don't have to learn it the hard way.

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