Financial Responsibility Infographic

General tips

Save the Money You Earn (monthly, yearly):

• Save 50 cents a day in loose change: $15, $180
• Drink one less soft drink a day: $22, $264
• Bring lunch to school: $40, $480
• Eat out two few times a month: $30, $360
• Buy store brands: $10, $120
• Use fewer cell phone features: $10, $120
• Conserve gas (share rides with friends): $20, $240

Pres-school through 2nd grade

• Ask relatives to contribute to a college fund instead of giving toys.
• Start saving early by opening a college savings account or exploring 529 college savings plan options, available in every state.

3rd through 5th grade

• Take your kids to the bank to gain an understanding of depositing money and making basic transactions.
• Use allowance to teach kids about saving and spending money early on.
• Create a saving jar, spending jar, sharing jar, and investing jar to show the different ways that money can be organized and used.

6th through 8th grade

• Help your kids find simple jobs, such as babysitting or car washing, to start earning and saving money.
• Include your children when planning finances that involve them so they can learn how to make sound financial decisions.
• Take your kids to the grocery story. Have them help make decisions about what to buy based on your budget.

9th and 10th grade

• When starting a first job, help your child create a savings and spending plan so they learn smart strategies for using their money in the future.
• Research scholarships and other college funding resources now to cover the rising cost.
• There are a lot of expenses when your child goes off to school. Set a goal and start saving together for housing, travel and other costs.

11th and 12th grade

• Talk to your teen about credit and avoiding identify theft. They should understand the implications of accumulating debt and aim to pay off their monthly balance in full.
• Help your teen learn about scholarships, investments and funding plans now so they're better prepared to make decisions on what college, trade school or university to attend.
• Ask relatives and friends to contribute to a savings fund as a graduation gift.