Here are four simple ways to from Fifth Third Bank to save money while saving the planet!

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  As soon as your children can count, you should introduce them to money, because observation and repetition are two important ways children learn.  What you teach them while they are small can make a BIG impact on their financial skills when they’re older.  

Here are a few tips to get you started:
 
1. Teach children the differences between needs and wants.  They need food.  They want a new toy.  You need to work to provide money for the family; you want to go on a family vacation.  This basic concept will prepare them for making good spending decisions in the future.
 
2. Create a chart for each child and decide together how their money will be used.  A percent should be saved, a percent should be spent, and a percent should be given away to charity or church.  Help them make most decisions, but also allow them to make some spending decisions on their own.  Whether good or poor, they will learn from their spending choices. You can then have an open discussion of spending pros and cons before more spending takes place.
 
3. When giving children an allowance, give them the money in denominations that encourage saving.  If the amount is $5, give them five $1 bills.  This will help them easily follow the chart you have created together.

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Here are a few tips from Fifth Third Bank that will help you enjoy a family vacation without breaking the bank!

1.  Pre-planning is one of the best ways to save.  Map out your trip, research your destination, know where you’re going and what you’re going to do while you’re there.  Once you have that planned out get online and look for coupons and discounts at attractions and restaurants.  Many museums and zoos offer family free days, try to plan your visit around those days if they’re available.

2. Dine out less and bring snacks for the car.  Another way to save cash is to visit a grocery store once you get to your destination and make your meals.  When going out for a nice meal, go for lunch instead of dinner because prices are lower and lunch is more casual for kids.

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