One of the differences that has emerged in our twins is that one likes to shop and one does not. Aurelle is thrifty, and willing to make do with last year's polos. Hope perks up at the thought of new clothes. It is amusing to watch them try to agree, since they are still fond of matching.
I stay out of it, until it
is time to hand over a credit card. They are fast approaching thirteen and the less I micromanage the better. Today we beefed up their supply of school clothes, and when the pair of navy sweaters were rung up one cost 15.95 and the other was .97. The check out lady commented.
"You're lucky. This one must be a return from an online purchase."
Decisions about money are a common thorn in the sides of many couples. To upgrade or do without, to
splurge or scrimp a little longer. It is dicey to come up with a strategy that suits both, especially when they grew up with varying styles of spending.
This week a couple told us about the way they are teaching their children to manage money. I am impressed. They have a schedule for saving, charitable giving, and pocket money, with incentives to earn over and above chores that earn an allowance. The kids are mostly still in single digits. I am not sure I knew the
value of a dollar when I was in junior high much less primary school. These kids are lucky to have parents willing to set them up with good practices.
When our oldest was thirty I asked if we had ever talked to him about money.
"I don't thinks so, " he admitted. I sent him a book. Pretty lame. But he seems to have figured it out without me. He has been paying his own bills since he was nineteen. And when it comes to gift giving, he
is known for his generosity.
