Don't Be Afraid to Talk to Your Kids About Money

A new report by ING DIRECT shows that nearly one-third of the parents surveyed say they are more prepared to talk to their kids about the birds and the bees than money. However, almost all responded that they are primarily responsible for teaching their children about finances. I don't know about you, but I'd much rather talk to my kids about money than romance. 

Okay, my children are only 2 and 4, so they're not ready for the birds-and-bees talk. But I have been teaching them some of the basics of money -- and I have Kiplinger's Personal Finance Editor Janet Bodnar to thank for giving me a great foundation for doing so. Janet writes our Money Smart Kids column, which provides loads of wonderful advice to help you talk to your kids about money. You can get her tips at our Raising Money Smart Kids Center. Then you won't have to be afraid to have the TALK -- about money, that is.