Teaching kids about investing

Once your teenagers get a grip on credit, introduce them to the flip side: investing. After all, that's when they extend the credit and collect the interest.

Since your teens may have too much money collecting no interest in a checking account, the best way to start is with a money market account on which they can write a few checks.

From there, introduce them to simple, set-term investments like savings bonds and certificates of deposit. Though returns from these will be meager, they serve an important lesson and will build their confidence about investing.

From there, introduce them to the stock market, but not as a prelude to picking stocks. Instead, advise them to get into some diversified mutual funds or a solid index fund.



Minors cannot legally trade on their own, but you can do it for them. Make sure you don't give up that password, though. This will ensure that the child consults with you before any trade is made.

Getting started

Getting a job

Buying a car

Starting to invest

Buying a home

Starting a family

Retirement planning

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