Each year, my son receives some cash as part of Christmas. This is always exciting for him because it means extra money on top of his regularly scheduled allowance. It’s an extra boost. And, since we don’t let him buy anything with his (November) birthday money until after Christmas, the Christmas cash means adds to an already-growing stash. He feels positively flush right after Christmas.

But is it a good idea to let him just blow his Christmas cash on whatever he wants once January rolls around? As always, the receipt of Christmas cash provides an opportunity to reinforce money lessons that we want our son to learn.

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One of the ways that many parents teach their children money management skills is by paying an allowance. An allowance, whether a true allowance or payment for chores, provides your children with their own money to manage. The idea is to provide children with a way to develop good money habits from a young age.

At some point, though, it is no longer necessary for you to pay children an allowance. You have probably increased the amount of allowance you pay as your child grows. However, as your child begins to make his or her own money, you can start paying less — or even stop paying allowance altogether.

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It’s hard to say no to our kids. We want our children to be happy, and enjoy life. At first glance, it might appear that giving your kids everything is the way to make them happy. However, while children might be briefly excited when you give them what they want, the way to encourage lasting happiness is not by constantly giving in to your child’s demands for things.

Your child is more likely to be happy in the long run when he or she learns the value of money, understands that some things are worth waiting (and saving up) for, and that we don’t always get what we want. Giving your kids everything they ask for can lead to materialism, and it can set them up as unable to deal constructively with disappointment later in life.

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Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine what to get your kids for Christmas. In some cases, the problem can be solved quite simply: Get a gift card. Gift cards can make great gifts for kids of all ages. From iTunes gift cards, to gift cards to a favorite store, to a general purpose gift card, this can be a gift that allows children to choose their own gifts.

However, you might also want to provide something for the children in your life to open. As you consider your options, here are some ideas that can help you pick just the right gifts for your kids.
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Some of the most thoughtful gifts are handmade. You can personalize them, and the recipients can tell that you have put some real effort and consideration into them. Additionally, handmade gifts are also relatively inexpensive. With a little creativity, you can provide interesting and attractive gifts for your loved ones.

Below are 12 ideas for handmade gifts that can add a personal touch to the holidays:
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Marriage is hard work. Managing your money can be hard work. When you combine marriage and money, things can get emotionally heated, and difficult. If you aren’t careful, money can ruin your marriage.

As you get ready to wed — or even if you are already married — it’s a good idea to review your financial situation, and talk about the money. Make sure you’re on the same page, and try to avoid making these 6 money mistakes that could ruin your marriage:

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One of the most important financial — and life — lessons your children can learn is that of gratitude. Gratitude can make life sweeter, and it can also inspire contentment with life. When your children are content with what they have, and grateful for it, there is less of a “need” to spend money on more stuff.

Unfortunately, we are essentially selfish creatures. We have to learn gratitude. Chances are, you learned gratitude at some point, and your children have to learn it as well. You can improve your child’s ability to make better financial decisions, and live more fulfilling lives, if you encourage gratitude, and help them learn to be thankful:
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One of the most difficult concepts to teach children is the difference between needs and wants. However, this is an important money lesson to learn. In fact, it’s vital, since understanding the difference between needs and wants provides a foundation for successful finances.

As you prepare to teach your children this important lesson, it wouldn’t hurt to refresh your own understanding of the concepts related to needs vs. wants. After all, sometimes we, as adults, also forget to make the distinction.
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