Teaching teens about money (here's what you need to know)

Teaching teens about money (here's what you need to know)

Author: Bob Lotich, Linda Lotich October 18, 2025 Duration: 11:22

If your teen is starting to earn money—or even just asking bigger financial questions—this episode will give you the tools to start them off on the right foot.

Bob & Linda share how they're teaching their own kids about money, why the Real Money Method works even for high schoolers, and how to weave generosity, saving, and wise spending into everyday life.

You'll also hear how apps like Greenlight can help, why starting investing early pays off, and the tension Christian parents face between "nudging" kids toward giving vs. letting them choose it themselves.

By the end, you'll have a practical, biblical framework for setting your teen up for financial confidence—without overwhelming them.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

  • Why teens are often afraid to "launch" financially—and how to help
  • A simple way to adapt the Real Money Method for high schoolers
  • How to teach kids to give, save, and spend wisely (10/10/80 rule)
  • Practical tools: using Greenlight cards and starter investment accounts
  • The debate: should we require kids to tithe, or let them choose?
  • How just a few early investing years can radically change retirement

Key Scriptures Mentioned:

  • "The borrower is servant to the lender." (Proverbs 22:7, NLT)
  • "Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be." (Matthew 6:21, NLT)
  • "The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed." (Proverbs 11:25, NLT)

Resources & Links:

 

Action Step This Week:

If your teen has income—whether it's $10 or $100—help them set up 3 simple buckets: Give, Save, Spend. Start small, but keep it consistent.

 

Subscribe & Review:

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Watch this episode on our SeedTime Money Podcast YouTube channel (https://youtu.be/-3g3ym6JndI)!

 

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If you haven't checked out our best-selling book Simple Money, Rich Life (https://seedtime.com/smrl/), we think you'll love it. It was named the 2022 Book of the Year by ICFH and has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, and is best described as "a money book for people who don't read money books." 

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What does it look like to manage money well when your faith is the foundation of your life? That’s the central question explored in SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich. This isn't just another financial advice show; it's a conversation about integrating biblical principles with the practical realities of budgeting, investing, and building a secure future. Bob and Linda approach finances from a unique perspective, one that challenges conventional wisdom by framing stewardship as a spiritual practice. Their discussions move beyond spreadsheets to consider how financial health directly impacts your marriage, your sense of purpose, and your ability to live generously. Each episode aims to provide actionable steps to simplify your finances, eliminate debt, and cultivate a sense of peace and control over the resources you've been given. The goal is to shift your focus from anxiety about money towards freedom, allowing you to invest your time and energy into what truly matters. If you've ever felt that typical money advice misses the heart of the matter, this podcast offers a different path-one where faith and finances are seamlessly connected. Tune in for honest conversations that blend personal experience with practical strategy, all centered on building a life of purpose and provision.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

SeedTime with Bob and Linda Lotich
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