As the momentous day approaches when your child embarks on their college journey, chances are you’re feeling a whirlwind of emotions. Pride and excitement meld with a tinge of melancholy, marking the transition from their formative years under your roof to a new phase of life. Your role as a parent evolves, but your guidance and support remain crucial. As your kids set foot on their college campus, they not only step into a world of academics and independence but also into the realm of managing their own finances. Here are four insights on how to nurture and cultivate a financial skillset in your college-bound kids.
Establish a comprehensive understanding of financial responsibilities.
Sending your child off to college involves a myriad of changes, both emotional and financial. It’s essential to establish a clear understanding of financial responsibilities before they embark on this journey. Open communication is key. Discuss and agree upon who will cover which expenses. While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, clarity will ease the transition and help your child focus on their studies rather than financial worries. Note that encouraging your college student to contribute financially, even in a small way, can foster a sense of responsibility and ownership.
Teach them to budget.
College life comes with a range of expenses beyond just tuition – textbooks, meals, supplies, and more. Ingraining the skill of budgeting in your child’s financial arsenal is invaluable. Parents play a pivotal role in imparting this skill, which will serve them well throughout their lives. Help them understand how to track income, and allocate funds for essentials, savings, and emergencies. Consider providing them with a lump sum at the beginning of the semester, encouraging them to manage it wisely. This hands-on experience will empower them to make informed financial decisions.
Educate them about debt.
Debt is a double-edged sword – it can either be a useful tool for investments or a slippery slope leading to financial woes. As your child enters college, educate them about the nuances of debt. Distinguish between good debt, like student loans that invest in their education, and bad debt, which arises from impulsive spending. Instilling this understanding early on will help them make prudent financial choices, ensuring they don’t fall into the trap of unnecessary and crippling debt.
Facilitate a conversation with a financial advisor.
As your child embarks on their college journey, consider introducing them to a financial advisor. A conversation with a financial professional can be a transformative experience, offering insights and guidance tailored to their specific situation. This interaction can lay the foundation for a lifetime of financial literacy and prudent decision-making.
Final Thoughts
At 83rd Street, we understand the importance of college as a pivotal transition and are committed to empowering young adults with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate their financial landscape successfully. Our comprehensive financial plans encompass not only education funding but also the cultivation of financial literacy. As you send your child off to college, remember that you’re not merely letting them go; you’re equipping them with the skills and confidence to thrive in a world where financial responsibility is a cornerstone of success.
This information is not intended to be relied upon as forecast, research or investment advice, and is not a recommendation, offer or solicitation to buy or sell any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. The opinions expressed are as of the date noted and may change as subsequent conditions vary. The information and opinions are derived from proprietary and nonproprietary sources deemed by 83rd St. Wealth Management, LLC to be reliable. Please consult with 83rd St. Wealth Management, LLC financial advisor to ensure that any contemplated transaction in any securities or investment strategy, if mentioned, align with your overall investment goals, objectives, and tolerance for risk. Additional information about 83rd St. Wealth Management, LLC is available in its current disclosure documents, Form ADV and Form ADV Part 2A Brochure, which are accessible online via the SEC’s investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD) database at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov, using CRD # 172115. 83rd St. Wealth Management, LLC is neither an attorney nor an accountant, and no portion of this content should be interpreted as legal, accounting or tax advice.
