Reading your kids snippets from the Wall Street Journal instead of bedtime stories is one way to impart financial wisdom. But if you want them to actually learn something -- and avoid costly psychotherapy bills -- try an approach that's more fun and interactive, such as sending them to money camp.
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Invest in a Stellar Fund |
| Row 1 - Cell 0 | Buy Low-Price Stocks |
| Row 2 - Cell 0 | Save for College |
| Row 3 - Cell 0 | Defend Against Mother Nature |
| Row 4 - Cell 0 | Find a New Career |
| Row 5 - Cell 0 | Get a Tax Credit |
| Row 6 - Cell 0 | Make Money Doing Good |
| Row 7 - Cell 0 | Travel to Hawaii |
| Row 8 - Cell 0 | Employ a Virtual Butler |
| Row 9 - Cell 0 | Savor Wines of the World |
| Row 10 - Cell 0 | Send Your Kids to Camp Cash |
| Row 11 - Cell 0 | What Else $1,000 Can Do |
Connie Proulx, of Lafayette, Colo., sent her 13-year-old daughter, Elaine, to Money $ense, a day camp operated by the nonprofit Young Americans Center for Financial Education (www.yacenter.org), in Denver. Elaine also attended the center's Be Your Own Boss camp and now runs a small jewelry-making business. She has put some of her money into a certificate of deposit and contributes a portion of her business profits to charity. "All my friends talk about how they'll work for her one day," says Connie.
The center has two five-day finance camps: Money $ense, starting in late July, is for kids who've finished sixth or seventh grade and covers budgeting, investing, credit and taxes. Junior Money Matters, in late June and early July, is for youngsters just out of second or third grade. The younger children learn the history of money and play games, such as banking bingo. Everyone spends time running the center's mock town. Each camp costs $175 per child, and sessions are held at facilities in Denver and Lakewood, Colo.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Become a smarter, better informed investor. Subscribe from just $107.88 $24.99, plus get up to 4 Special Issues
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
For teens 15 and older, there's Finance Challenge Camp at Westminster College, in Salt Lake City. The one-week session, which runs from July 9 to July 15, costs $600 -- or close to $1,000 including airfare. Find more finance camps at www.mysummercamps.com and www.campchannel.com.
-- Amy Esbenshade Herbert
-
Fed's Rate Cuts Could Have Impacts You Might Not AnticipateUnderstanding how lower interest rates could impact your wallet can help you determine the right financial moves to make.
-
Past Performance Is Not Indicative of Your Adviser's ExpertiseMany people find a financial adviser by searching online or asking for referrals from friends or family. This can actually end up costing you big-time.
-
I'm want to give my 3 grandkids $5K each for Christmas.You're comfortably retired and want to give your grandkids a big Christmas check, but their parents are worried they might spend it all. We ask the pros for help.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
Roth IRA Contribution Limits for 2026Roth IRAs Roth IRAs allow you to save for retirement with after-tax dollars while you're working, and then withdraw those contributions and earnings tax-free when you retire. Here's a look at 2026 limits and income-based phaseouts.
-
Four Tips for Renting Out Your Home on Airbnbreal estate Here's what you should know before listing your home on Airbnb.
-
Five Ways to a Cheap Last-Minute VacationTravel It is possible to pull off a cheap last-minute vacation. Here are some tips to make it happen.
-
How Much Life Insurance Do You Need?insurance When assessing how much life insurance you need, take a systematic approach instead of relying on rules of thumb.
-
When Does Amazon Prime Day End in October? Everything We Know, Plus the Best Deals on Samsonite, Samsung and MoreAmazon Prime The Amazon Prime Big Deal Days sale ends soon. Here are the key details you need to know, plus some of our favorite deals members can shop before it's over.
-
How to Shop for Life Insurance in 3 Easy Stepsinsurance Shopping for life insurance? You may be able to estimate how much you need online, but that's just the start of your search.
-
Five Ways to Shop for a Low Mortgage RateBecoming a Homeowner Mortgage rates are high this year, but you can still find an affordable loan with these tips.
