The Financial Talk That Builds Maturity

It may seem like avoiding the money talk is the simpler route with your teen, but it usually leads to misunderstanding down the road.

“As those who have been faithful in little will also be faithful with much.” Luke 16:10 Jesus tells us about stewardship.

Helping your teen pay for college is one of their first opportunities to practice handling large amounts of money.

Pull up seats and crunch some realistic numbers. Tuition, room and board, meal plan, books, and transportation. Explain scholarships, grants, federal student loans, and private student loans. Fill out your FAFSA® on time and investigate what you qualify for, like a Pell Grant.

Make sure they understand that loans are NOT free money. Talk about how long it will take them to pay off loans and how interest adds up. One good rule of thumb is to keep total student loan debt below what you expect to make in your first year after graduation.

Talk through ways to save money, too:

• Take community college for general courses

• Stay at home

• Used textbooks

• Work study programs

  
  

Sharing finances with your teen will allow your relationship to grow. They will learn trust and responsibility. They will realize that poor short-term decisions can impact their future.

You are not just paying for college.

You are teaching your child about biblical stewardship, responsibility, and preparing for the future.

When done correctly, this is one of the most empowering conversations you will have with your child before they graduate.

Dear Parents of Future High School Graduates,

Does it feel like your house is perched on the edge of change? Senior year is exciting and full of unknowns. It’s paved with BIG decisions and even bigger emotions. As your teen prepares to launch into adulthood, you may wonder where that fits your role as a parent.

Your role is not being eliminated — it’s being transformed.

Your Next Big Step by Sean Gibson will walk with you through this season of life. College preparation, financial management, spiritual readiness, and mentorship. This book will equip you to lead your teenager with wisdom, clarity, and confidence.

You are preparing them for more than graduation. You are preparing them for life.

Walk with your student and get them off to a good start. Get your copy today.