4 Steps to Learning Good Financial Habits as a Homeschool Family

Do you want to pull your kids out of school? Do you wish that they could receive a more well-rounded education? At Nxt Era, we focus on four pillars: communication, health, education, and finances. We believe these four pillars create a well-rounded education and life experience. Today, I want to focus on our financial pillar because I believe financial literacy is vital. It can create a rewarding life for the next generations. I also want to share my personal experience with financial decisions. However, I am no expert, but my experience revolves around college choice. 

Let’s discuss four steps that can help you along your financial literacy journey. 

• Save money for emergencies. 
• Give to charities.
• Let go of money shame.
• Make unusual or “uncool” choices. 

Personal Experiences and Action-oriented Tips

First of all, save money for emergencies. I took a Dave Ramsey course in high school where he talked about saving $500 for an emergency fund. This always stuck with me. I’ve found it be very helpful, especially as I went through college. When I had emergencies pop up, that money was there. This creates less stress and helps you through tough situations. 

Next, give to charities. This is my personal opinion. I find great joy in giving, whether it’s a Christmas gift donation or giving to a good cause. It shows me that my money isn’t about me, and I feel as if I’m making a difference in our world. This can teach your homeschooler to honor his or her money and give in a selfless way. Giving shows your child how to practice charity and self-sacrifice. It also taught me to practice gratitude. Not everyone is fortunate to have what I do; therefore, I should be grateful. 

Continuing, let go of money shame. Personally, I have dealt with a lot of money shame over the years. I feel guilty for spending, and it’s hard for me to make a big purchase. I recently spoke with Samantha Bird (@samanthabirdshiloh). She encouraged others to let go of money shame. We can spend money on ourselves here and there. In addition, we will make money mistakes, and that’s okay.

Finally, when managing money wisely, you might have to make uncool choices. These choices might look unpopular or weird to others. I made an uncool choice to get through college. I attended fully online. Let me tell you…I received a lot of flak for this decision. But I made up my mind. I wanted to graduate debt-free from college, so studying online was the best way for me to do it. It was my choice. 

Therefore, you may have to make individual, tough choices that look weird to others. But it’s your choice! Remember that when you receive snarky comments or belligerent questions. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, managing money involves choices. You can take these suggestions from me or try something completely different. These suggestions are simply ideas in case you need them. After all, it’s your choice because it’s your finances. As a homeschooling parent, you can protect your family and make wise money choices even if they seem unusual to others. 

It’s your choice, and at Nxt Era, we believe in choosing what works best for your family!

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- NxtEra

Written by Bethany (@thebookwormgirl_bethany)