Recently, we were reminded that we need to instill stricter discipline in the area of savings for our children. In a recent business trip in Hong Kong, my wife chanced upon some nice piggy banks and she bought 2 to be brought back home. I was under the impression that my wife bought it for our young children but I was surprised when she told me that it was for us, not for the boys. She reminded me that our children must see us being faithful in filling up the piggy banks so that they too will follow suit. I thought that I was doing a good job in reminding my small children to save but apparently I was wrong. When my boys saw that their mom were faithfully adding coins and bills in or piggy bank, they became more conscious in adding to theirs. I saw my young boys more passionate in filling up their piggy banks now, more than ever. To my surprise, I also saw my 2 teen-aged daughters start their own piggy banks a few days ago. While we always remind them to start their storehouses earlier, we sometimes feel that it falls on deaf ears. My daughters’ participation to the Blue Chip, a financial literacy program for the youth also encouraged them – a program we suggested they attend. If we see that our children learn how to save, we can be confident that they will have a bright future ahead of them.

Why are so many of us finding ourselves wanting? Why is it that we find ourselves trapped in life’s maze? Why are so many of us lost? This is true not just in the psychological aspect; it is also true for our financial situation, as well. Why are we always lacking? Why are we buried in debt? Why are we unsure of the future? These are common questions we often wonder about, me included.

Here’s a thought: If we were guided and taught properly as children, would we become better adults? What if someone instructed us patiently in the area of money management in our youth, would our financial standing be better today? What if we were raised as a disciple of Christ in our formative years, would we have avoided a lot of the mistakes we foolishly found ourselves into? I don’t know about the others, but I can definitely answer YES!

We need to be deliberate in teaching the next generation—help mold values that will be critical for their future. How? Teach them, remind them and let them experience the learning by assimilating how we live our lives.

“Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation.”— Joel 1:3, NIV.