COMMIT time to teaching children about money.

As you sit down to plan for your own financial future, consider investing more time and energy into teaching your children about the principles of wise money management.

How can you be a good teacher? ...

COMMUNICATE your money values through frequent conversation, role modeling and other activities. You can:

• Discuss money goals. Help your children fight the desire for immediate gratification by helping them see the value of taking steady, measured steps to achieve a goal over time.

• Share financial mistakes and successes. Be frank about the realities of money and where things can go wrong. Your own mistakes can become teachable moments. Show how you repaired the mistake and intend to do things differently next time.

• Compare the sharing versus saving versus spending of money. Also talk about the difference between wants and needs.

• Discuss advertising messages with your children. Watch some television with your children and together analyze what the ads are really saying. Most advertising directs two simple messages at our children: "Spend" and "Spend now!"

• Help your children experience the joy of giving. Show your children how your support of charitable organizations reflects your life values, the things you really care about. Encourage them to give to others as well, and help them see how human needs are met through your gifts and theirs.

Finally, CONTINUE to connect with them on a regular basis. Post these goals on your refrigerator or in some other prominent place in your home. Then be prepared to clear time on your calendar to make sure they are accomplished.