Your teenager lost their debit card. Teaching teens about money starts with moments like this. You could call the bank and fix it in five minutes. Instead, you hand them the phone. They panic. You stay on the couch. They figure it out.

Anita Bruinsma challenges parents to stop taking over. When kids open their first bank account around age 10, let the bank employee talk directly to them. Let them explain what they need. Intimidation drops when familiarity builds. She makes her sons responsible for all discretionary spending at college. Tuition and residence covered, but fun money? That's on them. Summer savings determine exam-week Uber Eats budget. The grocery store math always surprises: two bags equal $120. Kids never guess that high. Regular bank account checks catch fraud and build spending awareness simultaneously.

Learn why Anita compares bank conversations to asking Walmart greeters for baskets. Discover the specific age to start banking familiarity. Understand why post-secondary costs create the most effective teachable moment for teens who finally see expenses affecting them directly.

GUEST: Anita Bruinsma | http://clarityonyourmoney.com

Originally aired on 2026-01-19