Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money

04/19/2026

Over the weekend, I heard about a group of college students doing a bonding exercise. They were asked to rate different facets of their life that included - Physically, Emotionally, and Financially. All but one rated their financial health as very low. It shows this area is commonly overlooked.

Are you looking for ways to help your kids with their financial health? Check out my book - "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money," an easy read about money basics. It also makes for a great graduation gift! Check it out at:

01/13/2025

The headline in this article says it all. College debt is a significant issue with young adults and we need to approach it differently.

I talk extensively about the investment of education in my "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money." Pick up your copy here: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/42932626/billionaire-mark-cuban-on-college-costs-pick-the-cheapest-school-you-can-find-its-about-learning-not-prestige

Mark Cuban believes college is worth a shot for everyone, even if you don't graduate. It's not about the name on your diploma or even your major, he says – it's about learning how to learn and expanding your perspective. 

11/15/2024

Looking for a unique gift for a loved one? Here's an easy to read and sometimes humorous book about how to handle your finances. The book is filled with easy to understand examples and tips to get a little better with handling your money.

Check it out at: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

09/22/2024

We're so proud of this kid....smart, beautiful, and gifted. We love watching her grow.

04/28/2024

In January, we bought 4 plane tickets for a trip this summer. About once a week since then, I have looked at the tickets to see if there was a lower price or better schedule. I rebooked the tickets 4 times with the same carrier (twice in the last week) because the priced dropped. All in total, we reduced the cost of the plane tickets by 25% just by watching for changes. Instead of a full refund, we received the price difference in a trip credit to be used in the future - which is fine for us, because we know we will use the credits within the next year.

We always book travel that can be changed or modified to take advantage of lower prices or schedule changes.

Want more financial tips/hacks? Check out my book, "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money," on sale now at: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/ It makes for a great graduation gift!

04/24/2024

I just read this great article that provides some simple ways to involve your kids in day to day financial decisions. It's so important that we involve our kids so we can pass along financial literacy to the next generation. This article is consistent with the messages in my book, "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money." Wealth is built through good decision making on a daily basis.

Looking for a great graduation gift? Find out more information about my book at: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/my-early-money-lessons-life-long-impact-charles-schwab-89cqc/

04/22/2024

Are you looking for a unique gift for a graduating high school or college student? Give them the gift of useful knowledge. Check out "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money," an easy to read compilation of stories and personal finance examples with a bit of humor thrown in. You can buy your copies here: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

04/22/2024

Personal finance classes have become a requirement for high school graduation in dozens of states in the past few years, sparking hope for activists that financial literacy is finally receiving the…

01/30/2024

I love to travel. And also love finding strategies to travel efficiently and at a LOWER COST. The biggest piece of advice I can offer, is after you book hotels, cars, and even flights, keep looking for a better deal. We only book hotels and cars that we can cancel without a penalty so we can be flexible with our travel when we find a better price.

Below is an article on helpful websites for traveling.

Want more tips on how to manage your money more effectively? Check out my book, "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money," on sale now at: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

Use our guide to the best travel websites and find discounts and deals so you can vacation without breaking the bank.

01/06/2024

This week I ran across an emotional financial dilemma. While scheduling an oil change for next week, I looked at the available coupons and found out that in about 6 weeks I will qualify for a senior citizens discount. I think I went into shock. I may have blacked out. When telling my wife, she became very "helpful" by letting me know about all the other businesses offering discounts for those 55 and older.

While I am a cheapskate, I am having a hard time asking for a senior citizen's discount, when I don't feel like a senior citizen (most days).

While my book doesn't breach the subject of senior citizen discounts, it does discuss every day hacks that anyone can use to save a few extra dollars. Check it out at: https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/

12/26/2023

As we approach a new year, many use January 1 as a reset or a time to set goals for the year ahead. Check out these ideas for financial goals.

Need more inspiration? Check out "Things I Want My Kids to Know About Money," an easy to read and sometimes humorous book about your daily finances. Check it out at https://iben-thinking-llc.square.site/