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ADVICE ON ALLOWANCES, SAVINGS, CREDIT & MORE

 
PLUS: See Our Paying for College Center
EXTRA: Best Values in Colleges & Universities
 
BOOK EXCERPT
How Kids Trick Their Parents
How Kids Trick Their Parents
They know how to get what they want. Here's how you can keep control for both your children's and your sake.

PLUS: A Kid's Eye View of Money
EXTRA: Why You Need a Snappy Comeback
ALLOWANCES & REWARDS
Start at an appropriate age so kids can start learning how to handle money.
 
Allowances are a great way to give kids hands-on experience with money. But should you consider it a perk or compensation?
 
In this electronic age, teaching kids to handle cold hard cash is just as important as ever.
 
Once you start down this slippery slope, you have to keep raising the stakes. Here's why it's better to pay a compliment than cash.
 
SAVING TIPS
Whether your child is in preschool or middle school, we have age-appropriate tips to make saving money simple, fun and rewarding.
 
With these tips, parents can help teens develop good spending habits -- and even trick them into saving money.
 
This entrepreneur helps kids get in the habit of saving money through his books, music and personal brand of fun.
 
How young adults can trick themselves into spending less and saving more -- even if they lack the discipline.
 
KIDS & CREDIT
Don't bog kids down with details. You'll make a more lasting impression if you start by teaching these six essentials.
 
Giving your kids credit cards is like letting them use drugs early so that they won't turn into addicts.
 
Credit cards can be a good financial tool. But kids can get into trouble if they rush to get one before they're ready for the responsibility.
 
Why so many teens and young adults get into credit-card trouble, and how to buck the trend.
 
There are alternative ways you can establish credit and learn financial responsibility before getting your first card.
 
JOBS & TAX MATTERS
Teens with jobs actually get better grades, but working too many hours can cause schoolwork to suffer. Learn how to set limits with your child.
 
Where young job-seekers should look for work and how to land a job.
 
Does your working child owe self-employment tax on his or her earnings?
 
Working children may not have to file a tax return, but they should do it to reclaim money withheld from their paychecks.
 
How teens can find summer jobs worth putting on a résumé.
 
ROTH IRAS & INVESTING
Find out if your kid qualifies for this tax-sheltered savings plan. Plus, how much to contribute and which companies will open an account for a minor.
 
Find out if your child must file a tax return to open an IRA, what the best investments are for the account and whether an IRA affects college financial aid.
 
Stocks can be a good way to introduce kids to investing. Learn where and how to buy a few shares. Plus, here's a mutual fund for small investors.
 
Custodial accounts for kids are a source of concern and confusion among parents. Here's what you need to know.
 
You have lots of choices when it comes to saving for your kid's future. Find out which option is best for you.
 
COLLEGE PREP
Get timely advice and helpful resources on student loans, 529 plans and scholarships.
 
These college-savings accounts have improved, and now more states offer a deduction for contributing to one.
 
Use your time wisely to scope out opportunities, polish your applications and try to increase your odds of landing college aid.
 
Some lenders have stopped making student loans, but don't worry, there is plenty of money available. Here's a simple guide to understanding your options.
 
Real-world advice on how to hold down student loan expenses.
 
Janet Bodnar details what your kids should know before they leave home.

Five Rules for Parents
College-Bound Checklist
QUIZ: TEST YOUR REFLEXES — PARENTS OF YOUNG KIDS
What's the best way to handle sticky kids-and-money situations?
QUIZ: TEST YOUR REFLEXES — PARENTS OF PRETEENS & TEENS
Teaching kids about money can be a challenge. See how you're doing in these real-life scenarios.
Everything your children need to know about money -- and how to tell them.
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