I spent the other night looking through my mom’s and grandmother’s recipes. I was looking for a few specific ones that I hope to make with the girls – now grown women – this holiday season. Each recipe is written on an index card in my mother’s and my grandmother’s handwriting.  As I look at these recipes it brings back such clear memories of the women they were and the times we spent together.

As you think about gifts this holiday season, remember that many of the best gifts are not bought – but rather created.

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Often money is seen as the “be-all, end-all” solution to our problems. But here’s the thing – you need to speak the language of money basics to have the freedom to make choices. And money well-managed is at your service and ready to be at least some of the solution to the challenges and opportunities life throws your way. So how do you learn to speak the language of money?

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I am often asked by parents what they need to do to teach their kids about money. Before I answer I usually ask the parent to tell me about their money behavior, their money values. Inevitably, it leads us to another conversation – how money was handled in their lives. How they remember the lessons from their parents. That conversation is the critical first step that parents need to take before they begin to teach their kids about money. I call it a “look in the mirror” moment. Why? Because we all carry money baggage around with us. Understanding what that baggage is – both good and bad – is important as it will come through in the lessons you teach your kids about money.

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Parents have long understood the power of going shopping without their kids in tow. Why? We spend more and on things we never ever intended when they are with us. Why again? It’s because of “influence” spending – when kids ask (beg) their parents or guardians to spend their money for something the child tells us they really, really want. Kids are groomed to spend by what they are seeing in ads on TV, social media and in game apps.

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