Help Your Child Make an Online Wish List With #VirtualPiggy

I’ve been financially savvy for a good part of my life. Working in a bank setting for 6 of my young adult years really opened my eyes up to the importance of knowing what you have, spending within your means, and setting a budget. I’ve seen people lose it all by not managing their finances properly, and I was always determined to not have financial stress over my head. I don’t believe in carrying a credit card balance, and I think your savings account should have more in it than your checking. Don’t get caught up in fees, as there are so many “free” options out there when it comes to managing your money and credit.

My toddler is only 3, and doesn’t quite fully understand the concept of making and spending money. She plays on devices that contain apps, which can be purchased, and usually at the push of a button. Since she is constantly saying “I want” and “Can we get…” I thought it would be a great opportunity to teach her about earning, spending, and saving money. She’s really good in a sense that whenever someone gives her money, it goes straight in her piggy bank. I once opened her piggy to put her money in the bank, and the poor child had a crying fit that the bank was taking all her money. I have a feeling she’s going to be the one that hides all her money under her mattress!

She’s also gotten into the habit of asking if something is too much money. If I tell her it is, she puts the item back on the shelf and calmly states, “we can wait until it’s on sale.” Things like this make me realize how my hubby and I have already instilled the value of money into our toddler.

My toddler is too young to use the internet on her own, but she already knows how to make a wish list. She actually made her own wish list for Santa by pasting pictures of the items she wanted onto a card. For older kids, you can help them manage their wish lists online with Virtual Piggy. It’s easy! You sign up with a parent account and enter your information. You then set up a child account so that your child can start their wish list. I like to think of this as a cool reward system. Let’s say your child needs to get a 90 or higher on 4 exams before they get that new XBox game. They can add the game to their wish list and when they have attained their goal, you can go into the account and “okay” their purchase of the game.

Virtual Piggy also has an MVP Program, which is available up until 1/15/2013. With the Virtual Piggy MVP Program, you can receive discounts from your favorite retailers! Just click the link to find out more!