How Our 8-Year-Old Son Started Investing In The Stock Market
Playing computer games
Mine craft. Plant versus zombies. Underground car race. Angry bird. You name it. Justin, our eight-year-old son, knows well how to play these computer games.
Kids today are tech savvy, I guess.
Did you know how many times I changed my password?
It’s more than 10 times. Yes, you heard it right.
He knows how to decipher password from swipe mode to pattern lock screen to pass-code until he get it right.
Using computer wisely
I often asked myself how he can be productive when using computer during leisure time. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure our kids are using gadgets wisely and that they are properly guided, right?
However, this is easier said than done depending whether you are consistent or not. Some options are setting time-limit and creating clear boundaries and expectations when using a computer. Sometimes
I allowed him to use computer for useful purposes such as submitting his homework online, enhancing his drawing skills using YouTube, watching related educational programs, and practicing a storytelling from the Bible.
Integrating financial literacy in technology
Then one day I decided to teach him investing by using a computer. Did it ever occur in your mind to teach your children about the importance of saving and investing using computer?
Why? Money management I believe is an important skills which has to be taught to children.
Justin and his little sister Gayle have their own piggy bank at home.
We give them 20 baht reward whenever they helped us with household chores such as sweeping the floor, doing car wash, washing the dishes.
This is to remind them that they have to work hard to get or buy what they want. I saw the value of hard-work because I am a working student before.
Opening an account with COL Financial
It was month of May when I decided to submit an application at COL Financial so he can buy stocks and mutual funds.
June 28, 2016.
Justin’s In-Trust-For account (ITF) with COL Financial was approved. Needless to say, Justin starts his financial journey using an online platform from COL Financial.
Huh?!
Isn’t scary and a daunting task for an 8 year old to invest in stock market? The answer is No. I guide him and sit with him every time he buys stocks and mutual funds every month.
Investing in the stock market and mutual funds
With proper guidance from parent, it is quite simple. COL Financial uses an online platform, which means he can buy stocks from Jollibee Food Corporation and other giant companies in less than 10 minutes. I also showed him my own online portfolio.
I told him he can buy stocks and sell them online. Instead of just playing computer games, I started teaching him how to be financially literate. He’s happy when I explained to him that he is partly a co-owner or shareholder of Jollibee Food Corporation even he’s just in Grade 2.
By the time our son finishes high school, he will have already a college fund. He will no longer be worrying about tuition fees like his dad and mom. My wife and I used to make promissory notes just to take the final exams when we were in college. Instead of focusing on review, we were bothered about how to pay the remaining balance. If you want to build a good financial foundation for your children, it’s not yet too late.
Building wealth for college fund
Parents are oftentimes reluctant to teach financial management to children thinking that they are not yet ready to learn. However, failure to gain financial skills at an early age will affect their financial decisions in the future.
Therefore, better to get them involved early in proper way how to handle personal finances to be a responsible adult in the future. I believe this is one of the best legacies you could give to your children.
This article was first published at Richly Blessed Today: https://www.richlyblessedtoday.com/how-our-8-year-old-son-started-to-invest-in-the-stock-market/
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