As adults we know the implications of April 15th – the date our income tax payment is due! April is also Financial Literacy for Youth month. These ideas will help a child to become more financially aware. Knowing about money and how to spend or save, is an important skill for this generation.

#1 MONEY – If you were to ask your child, “How do we get our money?” do you know how he would answer?

MONEY – Are you aware that financial issues are at the top of the “reasons for divorce” list?

MONEY – How do our children learn about money?

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) has a website that “focuses on financial education as a lifelong endeavor — from children learning about the value of money to adults reaching a secure retirement”

This website is a wealth of information for everyone and enables all ages to learn about check balancing, pension plans, bank certificate of deposits, etc. with no advertising.

• www.360financialliteracy.org

#2 Teaching middle school and high school students about money before they make actual money decisions can be difficult. The terms used, like income tax, W-4 form, credit, and mortgage tend to sound dull to kids. The following money game can be played either individually or in a group, and it is anything but dull.

This website is a simulation game which shares how making choices with your money can lead to different outcomes.

The goal is for a child to earn $10,000 so they can leave the fictional planet of Knab

• www.escapefromknab.com

#3 Any child who follows the news is exposed to the stock market. However, understanding the stock market and how it works is often a mystery. Here is a link that teaches the workings of the stock market in an easy to learn format.

• Play the ThinkQuest Stock Game

Let me know by e-mail what your favorite activity was this month. I am compiling information for a resource book and want your input. Thanks.