Those were the three words that tumbled out of my mouth at the checkout counter of my local pharmacy. It all started when the youngish – about late 20’s – clerk asked me how I was. I answered my usual, “Good!”. But then I stopped, looked up at him and said, “How are you? Your shift almost over?”

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The first person to have said “Practice makes perfect” is an open question. John Adams? Benjamin Franklin? Cannot say for sure. But I can say that the principal of “practice makes perfect” is solid gold advice. Many have expanded this saying by enhancing “perfect” with “permanent”. Indeed. Consistent practice of any skill shapes behavior. And the way to shape money behavior is to give your child the opportunity to practice – and that starts with allowance.

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The holidays give us a chance to focus on the people in our lives – family and friends.  It’s more about gatherings than it is about deadlines – at least for some of the time.

Take this gift of a season of celebration and spend time with your loved ones. Play a game.  Bake together.  Take a walk and talk. Fix a meal together. Have a meal together. Create gifts by hand with whatever you have on hand. Talk about a family giving goal and pick a charity and not only donate money, but if it’s local, visit and help if allowed at the charity.

Your kids will be grateful for the time you spend on activities suggested above.  Gifts on a wish list are long forgotten after the season, but time spent together creates memories – and memories last forever. Continue reading

Looking for great money gift ideas for the young – and older – child in your life this holiday season?  Terry Savage, nationally recognized expert on personal finance, the economy and the market shares her top 3 holiday money gifts for kids on WGN this morning. (See clip of her recommendations below.)

See more at www.terrysavage.com

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