In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla explore the vital role that struggling through certain relationships plays in the growth of teenagers. They discuss how letting teens navigate challenges on their own helps build resilience and prepares them for adulthood.

Key Points Discussed:

– Friendships: Charla explains the importance of allowing teens to handle conflicts and misunderstandings with friends. Learning to manage these relationships builds skills in communication and boundary-setting. Parents should listen and guide rather than solve the problems.

– Bosses: The hosts talk about how dealing with difficult bosses or job-related issues helps teens develop resilience and problem-solving skills. Instead of intervening, parents should encourage their teens to address concerns directly and manage workplace expectations.

– Coaches: Sports coaches often present challenges such as unfair treatment or criticism. Charla emphasizes that these experiences teach valuable lessons in resilience and respect for authority. Parents should support their teens in addressing issues themselves rather than stepping in.

– Teachers: Navigating relationships with teachers is crucial for developing self-advocacy and negotiation skills. The episode covers how teens can learn to communicate their concerns effectively without parental intervention.

– Money: Charla discusses the significance of allowing teens to manage their finances and experience the consequences of overspending. This practical experience helps them develop a healthy relationship with money and budgeting skills.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post 5 Relationships Your Teen Needs to Struggle Through appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla discuss the importance of teaching children awareness—helping them notice their environment and take responsibility for what needs to be done. Inspired by parenting coach Hope Sydell’s methods, the hosts explore practical ways to foster mindfulness and proactive behavior in kids, all while keeping household tasks manageable for busy parents.

Key Points Discussed:

– Teaching Awareness through Noticing: Charla shares Hope Seidel’s parenting tip that focuses on teaching children to notice their environment. Instead of using chore charts, parents can ask kids to observe what’s out of place, such as before bedtime or after dinner. This approach encourages children to think for themselves rather than simply follow instructions, building independence and responsibility.

– Practical Application: Matt and Charla highlight real-life scenarios where this technique can be used. For instance, before bedtime, children can be asked, “What looks dirty in this room?” or “What is out of place?” This not only helps keep the home tidy but also teaches kids to apply mindfulness and take action.

– Planning Ahead: The discussion also includes teaching kids to think about future needs, such as preparing for a long car ride. Charla emphasizes the importance of helping children imagine their future situations and identify what they’ll need, whether it’s electronics, snacks, or other essentials.

– Responsibility and Consequences: Matt adds a practical tip when children don’t cooperate with these strategies, parents can enforce consequences like limiting technology time or withholding other privileges until the task is completed. This ensures children understand the importance of pulling their weight in family responsibilities.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

– Read more on Charla’s blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Weekly Email](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Explore our products that help children understand real-world money management: [Beyond Personal Finance Products](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post Teach Them to Look appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla discuss a significant issue in modern parenting: balancing privileges, like screen time, with responsibility. Their conversation centers on how allowing increased freedom, when paired with demonstrated responsibility, can help teens learn to manage real-life challenges.

Key Points Discussed:

– The Importance of Maturity: Charla opens the discussion by explaining how she doesn’t enjoy being the “fun sponge.” Instead of setting arbitrary limits, she believes in rewarding maturity and responsible behavior. This approach gives teens the opportunity to demonstrate they can handle the freedom of screen time responsibly, linking privileges with real-world responsibilities.

– Grades as Milestones: The hosts dive into how academic performance can be an early indicator of whether a teen is ready for more freedom. Charla points out that if a teen is consistently meeting or exceeding expectations at school, they’re likely managing their time well. As a result, loosening screen time restrictions can be viewed as a reward, with the caveat that if grades begin to slip, screen time can be restricted again.

– Chores and Home Responsibilities: Beyond academics, home responsibilities play a crucial role in determining screen time limits. If a teen regularly completes chores without reminders, they are demonstrating their ability to balance responsibilities. Charla explains that when teens show they can manage their household duties, it may be time to ease off the strict limits on electronics.

– Jobs and Financial Responsibility: Charla advocates for teens to take on part-time jobs to learn important life skills like time management and financial accountability. When teens balance work, school, and home life successfully, giving them more freedom with screen time is a natural reward for their hard work.

– Family Time and Screen Time Balance: Family connections should remain a priority, even when teens are given more screen time. Charla stresses that screen time should not interfere with quality family time. If a teen remains actively engaged with family activities, they’ve likely found a healthy balance with technology.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

– Visit Charla’s blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to our weekly emails with links to podcasts and blog posts: [Subscribe](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Learn more about our products: [Beyond Personal Finance](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post Fostering Harmony with Technology appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

They discuss how these experiences can help foster responsibility, financial independence, and a solid work ethic, all while equipping young people with valuable life skills.

Key Points Discussed:

– No Paying for Chores: Charla shares why she’s firmly against paying children for chores, explaining that chores are essential household tasks that everyone must contribute to, not something to be seen as optional or something to be negotiated. By reframing the approach, chores are presented as a responsibility rather than a money-making opportunity.

– Allowance and Budgeting: The hosts discuss how to give kids an allowance, but with a twist. Instead of giving money for discretionary spending, the allowance is tied to necessities like school clothes, activities, or supplies. This method teaches kids how to manage a limited budget and make tough choices when they overspend or need to save for future purchases. It’s about giving them responsibility over their finances while learning from their mistakes.

– Project List for Earning Money: Charla introduces a curated list of 12 projects that kids can undertake to earn money, including tasks like organizing household spaces, yard work, or even pet care for neighbors. These projects not only help them earn extra cash but also reinforce the value of working hard for what they want, creating a sense of achievement and independence.

– Learning Through Consequences: The episode is full of personal anecdotes, such as Charla’s son Jack, who accidentally ruined his white shoes by mowing the lawn, turning them green. These stories highlight how kids can learn from real-life consequences and gain a deeper appreciation for their belongings and the cost of replacing them.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

– Read Charla’s blog for more tips: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to our weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [Subscribe Here](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Explore our financial literacy products for kids: [Beyond Personal Finance Products](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com)

The post Project Ideas to Generate Cash appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla share their insights on teaching children gratitude by letting them experience the weight of their responsibilities. Through humorous stories and real-life examples, they discuss how gradually shifting responsibilities to kids can help them understand the value of effort and develop a sense of gratitude.

Key Points Discussed:

– The Burden of Responsibility: Charla explains how carrying all of your children’s responsibilities prevents them from developing a sense of gratitude. She describes a vivid analogy of parents carrying a figurative 50-pound weight for their kids, which leads to kids seeing responsibility as overwhelming and something to avoid.

– Gratitude Through Relief: They explore how gratitude is cultivated when a child experiences the relief of a burden being lifted. Charla shares how she temporarily takes over tasks for her daughter, Kate, during stressful times, allowing her to feel grateful for the support.

– Chore Assignments and Teamwork: The episode emphasizes that contributing to household chores shouldn’t be about helping mom and dad, but about sharing responsibility for the family’s well-being. Matt and Charla also talk about the importance of using language that reflects teamwork rather than extra help.

– Allowance and Money Management: Charla suggests giving children an allowance that isn’t tied to chores, explaining that kids need to experience both the fast spending of money and the slow process of earning it. These lessons help foster discernment and gratitude.

– Earning and Spending: Matt and Charla emphasize the importance of children learning the value of work by requiring them to get jobs as teenagers. This teaches them to be mindful of spending and appreciate the effort that goes into earning money.

 Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

Read more on this topic and others on Charla’s blog: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

To subscribe to our weekly newsletter and get updates on the podcast, visit: [Subscribe Here ](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

Learn more about our products designed to teach financial literacy in a fun and engaging way: [Explore Our Products](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post Gratitude in Three Steps appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Matt and Charla delve into the importance of preparing teens for financial independence and realistic career planning. Charla, creator of Beyond Personal Finance, shares insights from her curriculum designed to help teens understand the cost of living and plan effectively for their future.

Key Points Discussed:

– Many teens lack a clear understanding of how much things cost and how to plan for financial independence.

– By helping teens visualize their future, including potential careers, living expenses, and lifestyle choices, they can make informed decisions and set realistic financial goals.

– Career Choices:  Charla shares a case where a student had to choose between being a composer or an engineer. The student used the financial insights from the curriculum to understand that being an engineer would provide a more stable income while still allowing for composition as a hobby.

– Budgeting for Lifestyle:  The curriculum includes a detailed breakdown of average living costs, such as housing, utilities, and transportation, helping teens understand what income is needed to support their desired lifestyle.

– City and Career Research:  Teens are encouraged to research the cost of living in different cities and the financial implications of various careers, such as choosing between a basic car or a luxury vehicle.

– Informed Decision-Making:  By providing a clear picture of living costs and career earnings, teens can avoid making uninformed decisions about their futures.

– Long-Term Preparation:  Engaging in financial planning early helps prevent frustration and financial struggles later in life. It prepares teens for the realities of adulthood and helps them set achievable goals.

Call to Action:

– Watch the Excerpt: Check out the 3-minute excerpt from Charla’s Beyond Personal Finance class to see how it helps teens understand financial planning. https://vimeo.com/997728375/f7eb2b5714?share=copy

– Explore Beyond Personal Finance: Visit https://beyondpersonalfinance.com to learn more about the full curriculum and how it can benefit your teen.

– Subscribe for Weekly Updates: Sign up on our website to receive weekly updates and resources directly to your inbox.

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post From Dreams To Dollars appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Matt and Charla discuss their philosophy of avoiding a too-cushy or pampered lifestyle for their children. They focus on how to balance generosity with teaching the value of hard work, responsibility, and realistic expectations. By doing so, they aim to prepare their children for a successful and fulfilling adulthood.

Key Points Discussed:

– While they want to be generous, Matt and Charla believe it’s important not to make their children’s lives too comfortable. This helps their children understand the effort needed to achieve their goals and appreciate what they have.

– Overindulgence can lead to unrealistic expectations and lack of motivation, so they strive to provide opportunities for their children to work for what they want.

– Work and Financial Independence:  By giving their children a budget for sports equipment and other activities, they teach them to prioritize and earn upgrades through their own efforts.

– Gifts and Material Items:  Instead of providing the latest or most expensive items, they encourage their children to work for and earn their desired possessions. This approach fosters a strong work ethic and appreciation for what they have.

– Room Decor and Living Standards:  Avoiding extravagant room decor helps prevent unrealistic expectations about future living conditions. It also motivates children to work towards creating their ideal living space on their own.

– It can be difficult for parents to resist the urge to provide everything for their children. However, stepping back allows children to experience the value of hard work and responsibility.

– This approach helps children develop resilience, independence, and a realistic understanding of their future. It encourages them to strive for better and understand the effort required to achieve their goals.

Call to Action:

– Download the Printable: Get the full list of 20 items and strategies for teaching responsibility and hard work. Find the link in our show notes.

– Share Your Stories: Email us with your experiences of how teaching responsibility has positively impacted your family. We may feature your story in our next episode!

– Subscribe and Stay Connected: Subscribe to our blog and podcast for more insights, tips, and resources on parenting and personal development.

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post 20 Things Your Teen Should Aspire To appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of *It’s Not About Money*, Matt and Charla dive deep into the essential balance between responsibility and privilege in raising children. They explore how these concepts can help mold children into responsible adults and how parents can strategically use privileges to teach valuable life lessons.

Key Points Discussed:

– The Importance of Responsibility: Charla shares insights on how linking privileges with responsibility is crucial in teaching children about the real world. This includes how freedom and accountability go hand-in-hand, a principle she developed from extensive reading and observing other parents.

– Real-Life Examples: The hosts discuss practical examples, such as managing bedtime routines and morning wake-ups, to illustrate how to enforce responsibility in everyday life. Matt opens up about his experience as a dad who initially struggled with this concept.

– Allowance and Money Management: Charla emphasizes how giving children an allowance comes with the responsibility of managing their money. She shares her strategy of requiring a “money report” before granting the next month’s allowance, teaching kids to budget from an early age.

– Pet Ownership: The episode also covers how to handle the responsibility of pet ownership, including making kids financially accountable for the care of their pets. Charla suggests using a contract to clearly define the child’s responsibilities before getting a pet.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post Privilege vs Responsibility appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Allowing teens to experience and learn from failure in a supportive environment helps build their confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills, preparing them for future challenges.

Key Points Discussed:

– Allowing teens to fail in low-stakes situations helps build resilience and problem-solving skills.

– Experiencing failure prepares them for significant future challenges.

– Clothing Choices:  (1) Letting teens pick their own clothes, even if it’s inappropriate for the weather.  (2) Teaches them about natural consequences and critical thinking.

– Filling Out Forms:  (1) Encouraging teens to complete forms for activities on their own.  (2)  Helps them learn responsibility, attention to detail, and the importance of deadlines.

– First Job Experiences:  (1)  Allowing teens to navigate their first job without parental intervention.  (2)  Teaches the importance of dedication, effort, and adhering to standards set by an employer.

– Acknowledging it’s hard for parents to watch their kids fail.

– Emphasizing the importance of trusting the process and letting children learn from their mistakes.

Printable Resource:

A printable list of the ideas discussed in this episode and many more:

Call to Action:

Download the Printable: Get the list of examples to implement in your daily life. The link is in our show notes.

Share Your Stories: Email us with a story of a failure that seemed challenging at the time but has turned into a valuable lesson for your teen. We’d love to feature it on our next episode!

Subscribe and Stay Connected: Make sure to subscribe to our blog and podcast for weekly insights, tips, and resources. 

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post Stuff Your Teen Can Fail At appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of “It’s Not About Money,” Matt and Charla discuss the greatest gifts we can give our children, focusing on building their self-confidence and independence. They share practical parenting techniques to nurture self-belief and equip kids with essential life skills.

Key Points Discussed:

– Charla emphasizes that the greatest gift parents can give their children is the belief in their own abilities.

– Children need to know they can navigate the world independently and confidently, without feeling overwhelmed or intimidated.

– Allowing children to make their own decisions and manage tasks fosters a sense of competence and autonomy.

– Simple actions like choosing their clothes, making their own lunch, and managing a small budget significantly boost their self-confidence.

– Gently pushing children outside their comfort zones helps them develop resilience and adaptability.

– New activities, meeting new people, and tackling new challenges build confidence and show children they can handle uncertainty.

– Guiding children to solve their own small problems boosts their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

– Parents should help children identify issues, brainstorm solutions, and evaluate outcomes instead of stepping in to fix every problem.

– Ensuring that expectations are challenging but achievable helps children stretch and grow without feeling discouraged.

– Celebrating effort and improvement, not just the end result, builds confidence and resilience.

Printable Resource:

– A printable checklist with 10 ways to build your child’s self-confidence and self-worth, available for download from the blog.

Call to Action:

– Reflect on how you can incorporate these principles into your parenting style.

– Encourage your children to make decisions, solve problems, and understand their capabilities.

– Download the printable checklist to use as a guide.

Connect With Us:

You can read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post Greatest Gift appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.