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Creating Fiscally Responsible Children – With Debit Cards

Creating Fiscally Responsible Children – With Debit Cards

We are the parents that want our children to grow up knowing how to manage money. We’re also the parents that just signed our *almost* nine year old daughter up for a debit card that we can control. She’s over the moon happy about the new detail in her life, and I’m both a mix of entertained at her wanting to be so grown up and mortified that it’s THAT TIME IN MY LIFE! Essentially, we’ll be loading her allowance and any birthday money, etc, onto her Greenlight debit card. Greenlight, the smart debit card for kids, is a GREAT way for us to help her keep track of her spending, and teach her those lessons that some of us may not have learned until college. Raising fiscally responsible children is one of those things we are adamant about. This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Greenlight, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #GreenPMG http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV.

Greenlight, the smart debit card for kids

The ladybug is VERY serious about saving her money. More often than not, she’s the loan officer of our house, and we – okay, *I* – have gone to her for a quick loan, and you better believe that she is ON IT when asking for her money back. I want her to keep that ability to keep track of her money, and what she spends it on, but I also want to teach her the value of it in a way that will translate to adulthood. 

Greenlight, the Smart Debit Card for Kids. 

I was able to order her Greenlight card through the app that I downloaded onto my phone and tablet. Greenlight is perfect for children who have a bit of grasp on money. I find that they are right on the money (HA!) with their 8-18 demographic, and the best part about the card is Mr. Houseful and I get to control where spending can take place. I can put ALL four children in our houseful on the account, and still pay the $4.99/mo with zero-fee loading for each card. This ability is important for several reasons. If I were to send the ladybug out with someone for the day or weekend, I can allot money for her trip, AND put restrictions on where she CANNOT spend her money. This way, Mr. Houseful and I can make sure that she’s not just blowing her allowance each and every time it’s loaded. 

 

Nathaniel actually has two debit cards, but his money flies out of his account faster than I can swivel my head when I see Bruno Mars. With the ability to turn restrictions on and off, and set spending limits, we can kind of forcibly make him save his money and realize that we are the best parents on Earth. And let’s not even get started on giving him actual paper money. That seems to stay in his wallet longer, but he STILL doesn’t keep great track when it comes to WHERE he spends the paper goods. When he or the ladybug do complete a purchase, all of us will receive real time alerts as to what they spent and where.

Greenlight, the Smart Debit Card for Kids  

Benefits of Greenlight

  • I can use the convenient automated allowance to “set it and forget it” so the ladybug and Nathaniel can receive their allowances on time. No fees for me either! 
  • Both the ladybug and Nathaniel have the freedom to spend their own money, while Mr. Houseful and I still retain control over where they spend, and how much they have. I think of it as the old way. The “You ONLY have $5 to spend here. Remember to think about tax!” talk that my parents used to give to me when we would go to a store that I loved. 
  • Take advantage of the completely special 30-day trial to see if it is a good fit for your family and get a $20 deposit bonus when you sign up after the trial. Sign up for Greenlight before 10/30 and they’ll deposit a $20 bonus into your account after the 30-day free trial ends. *deposit bonus made approximately two weeks after free trial ends. It’s available on both iOS and Android, so no having to worry about having one type of phone! 

Kids can also message you when they need extra money! They can send photos of what they are trying to buy, and THAT my friends will open the door to really talk about need vs. want, and how much work goes into buying things in general. Download the app today to start this important path for your children! 

How are you teaching YOUR children to be financially literate? Share below! 

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Lia World Traveler

Monday 16th of October 2017

This is a great lesson for all kids. Still on the fence about what age is best to get started. Maybe we should start with them earning more money for chores first.

Aisha

Wednesday 27th of September 2017

Our teenager has a debit card and it has made huge difference in how he manages money.

Tiffany

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

This is such a great idea. I'm struggling with how to introduce good money/spending habits to my 6yo.

Holly

Tuesday 26th of September 2017

This is pretty awesome. Ha she is on you..where is my money mom. That is cute. I don't think it is ever too early to start.

Tiffany Haywood

Monday 25th of September 2017

This is amazing! Can I just tell you I think I have covered the spectrum of the different kids of savers and spenders with my kids. I have a Cheapo, a Spend It All and a Spend Yours Only. So this is the perfect solution to teaching them to find a balance in their spending and still get the things they want and maybe sometimes need. Thanks for sharing - heading over to find out more right now!

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