The Value of a Dollar

This year we put into practice valuable money lessons with the kids. A lesson that was deep routed in my brother and I early on in our childhood~ a lesson I am so grateful for today. Even though some like to make fun that I'm on the extreme end of a penny pincher (by my own husband, no less). I have even been using the money envelope method way before Dave Ramsey wrote a book on it:)

Growing up, our parents placed a strong emphasis on the importance of a dollar. My brother and I heard on many occasions that "money does not grow on trees", and were taught if we wanted something we had to work and save for it~ I can still remember saving for my first 10 speed bike... I felt such a wonderful since of achievement at such a young age. It's those lessons we now get to pass on to our children. I feel this moment with our kids is so exciting, and yet so crucial and valuable to their future.

The kids share many chores from dusting, feed and water Bella, keeping a clean room and basement, emptying the dish washer, picking up sticks in the yard, etc. Luckily they love helping us around the house and don't see their chores as work, yet~ We'll see how long that last:) Each week we give them a set amount of money and they split it up into 3 different containers~ Tithing, Savings and Spending.

Tithing is a special one, one that took Mommy and Daddy a long time to do faithfully. There have been many times we didn't feel we had the funds to give, but gave anyway. God has always suprised us in so many ways to make up the difference. Now, we are trying to instill in the kids the importance of giving back... Teaching them God is blessing us with everything we have (and don't have). How important it is for us to remember it is not ours to keep for ourselves, and that HE can take it all away at any moment. Their hearts are already so big and willing!

Finally, after many months of saving, the kids were able to spend the money they worked so diligently to earn. We rarely ever go out splurging for toys during the year, so you can imagine what a special treat this was for the two of them:) I wish I had the camera when they were checking out. It was like watching them drive for the first time:) I know, another dorkish Mommy moment.