26 Tips from the Best Family Finance Articles of 2015 to Help You Teach Your Kids Good Money Habits in 2016

What does your list of resolutions for 2016 look like? Something like this?

1. Eat less fast food.
2. Exercise more.
3. Teach the kids good money habits.

Sorry, you’re on your own for the first two. But I can help you nail number three.

How? I’ve been collecting tips throughout the year from the best family finance articles on the Internet. I’ve listed my favorite ones below. Just circle a few tips that make the most sense for your kids, and pop them on your list.

Beyond Cash and Gift Cards: 4 Creative Financial Gifts for Kids

“Hey kid, here’s 20 bucks.”

“No thank you,” said no kid ever.

That’s right. No kid is going to hate you for handing over cold hard cash as a present this holiday season. The same holds for gift cards, as long as you get the brand right. That might be a little trickier than you think, judging by the billions of dollars worth of unused gift cards floating around out there.

And while cash and gift cards aren’t the most imaginative gifts, at least some folks get pretty darn creative on the packaging. Maybe you can even try your hand on some clever money origami this year.

Still, wouldn’t you feel a bit more thoughtful giving a financial gift that isn’t purely focused on immediate consumption? Perhaps something a bit longer term and, dare I say, educational?

I know what you’re thinking. Yawn. But bear with me, I’ve got some cool options that are worth your consideration.