Money with Your Children: How to Build Financial Wisdom from the Ground Up
💭 Why Talk About Money with Your Kids?
For many parents, “the money talk” feels awkward, confusing, or even off-limits. But as Jim Crider and Cade Grimm share in this episode, it doesn’t have to be.
This episode is designed for parents who want to raise grounded, thoughtful, financially literate kids without creating stress or entitlement. It meets the audience’s intent for faith-centered, real-world parenting guidance and actionable family finance insight in one honest conversation.
Talking about money early — and often — isn’t just about teaching your kids to count coins. It’s about showing them how values, priorities, and decisions connect to the way we use money every day.
Jim opens the conversation with honesty: like most parents, he’s learning as he goes. As a dad of four, he admits there’s no playbook for getting it right, but every experience offers an opportunity to guide his kids toward thoughtful financial habits.
👶 When Should You Start Talking About Money?
Research suggests kids begin developing money habits as early as age three. Cade shares insights from a 2016 report showing that children ages 6 to 12 form lasting patterns in how they handle finances — but even preschoolers can start learning basic concepts through play and observation.
The takeaway?
You don’t have to wait until your kids are old enough for an allowance to talk about money. Start by weaving small lessons into everyday life — choosing between toys, snacks, or activities. Every small decision is an early lesson in trade-offs and priorities.
💡 Teaching Opportunity Cost: The “Golf Cart or Colorado” Lesson
Jim shares a real story that captures this idea perfectly.
After a family trip to Telluride, his kids wanted to buy a fancy golf cart. Instead of saying, “We can’t afford it,” he asked, “Would you rather have a golf cart or another family vacation next year?”
That question sparked reflection — and the kids unanimously chose the vacation.
It wasn’t about the money; it was about what mattered most. In that moment, Jim taught his children how to weigh options, think long-term, and align spending with values — all before elementary school.
🧠 “We Don’t Have Money for That” vs. “We’re Choosing Differently”
Jim and Cade both push back against the common phrase, “We can’t afford that.”
Instead, they recommend reframing it:
“We don’t have money for that right now because we’re choosing to spend differently.”
This small shift teaches children that money is a tool — not a source of fear or limitation. It helps them see that financial decisions are about intentional choices, not scarcity.
Cade connects this same principle to time: teaching his two-year-old to prioritize one activity before bed is an early exercise in understanding opportunity cost — even before kids grasp the concept of money.
🏠 Modeling Values through Everyday Decisions
As the conversation deepens, Jim and Cade emphasize that how parents use money speaks louder than lectures.
Jim shares how he and Kendra make intentional spending decisions that align with their family’s priorities — like investing in healthy food over luxury cars or trendy gadgets.
He also tells a story from Kendra’s childhood, when her parents built a modest home so that everyone — regardless of background — felt welcome. It’s a reminder that kids learn generosity, humility, and stewardship by watching how their parents live.
💬 Should Kids Get an Allowance?
Jim and Cade explore the timeless parenting debate: should you give your kids an allowance?
Both agree there’s value in earning, not just receiving. Cade never got a regular allowance — he earned his money through lemonade stands, garage sales, and small ventures. It taught him the connection between effort and reward.
Jim’s family uses a mix of both: his kids are expected to help with regular chores because they’re part of the family, but he occasionally pays them for extra work that goes beyond their normal responsibilities. It’s about balance — teaching that contribution matters, but entitlement doesn’t.
🧱 Building Work Ethic and Perspective
As the boys get older, the topic of real jobs comes up. Jim started working early; Kendra’s parents treated her studies as her job since she was excelling in school. Cade reflects on his own experience treating golf as a full-time commitment — and later realizing the value of experiencing the “real world” side of work.
Together, they land on a key truth:
Work isn’t just about money — it’s about character.
Consistency, humility, and effort build far more value than a paycheck alone.
👨👩👧👦 Talking About Money with Adult Children
The second half of the episode moves into later stages of life.
Should parents talk openly about inheritance, financial legacy, or aging?
Jim says yes — absolutely. Avoiding these conversations leads to confusion and division.
Instead of secrecy, transparency fosters unity. Whether it’s discussing estate plans or sentimental heirlooms, the goal is the same: maintain open communication so your family doesn’t have to guess your intentions later.
One creative idea shared in the episode: a “Monopoly money auction” where family members bid on meaningful heirlooms. It keeps things fun, fair, and full of stories rather than conflict.
💬 The Hard but Necessary Conversations
Jim and Cade don’t shy away from the tougher side of family finance either — aging parents who may need help, shifting roles between generations, and how to ask for (or offer) support with grace.
The message?
Love, honesty, and humility make even the hardest financial talks easier.
If parents model transparency, gratitude, and service, kids grow up confident enough to do the same for their own families one day.
🪙 Final Thoughts: It’s About More Than Money
Money is just the surface — the real lesson is in how we think, decide, and value.
When parents invite their children into thoughtful money conversations, they aren’t just shaping budgets — they’re shaping hearts, minds, and futures.
🧭 Key Takeaways:
Start talking about money early — even through play or simple choices.
Replace “we can’t afford it” with “we’re choosing to spend differently.”
Model values by showing how your spending aligns with your priorities.
Keep financial discussions open into adulthood, including inheritance and legacy.
Communication and consistency matter more than perfection.
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The How and Why of Goals
Episode 5 of the Intentional Living Podcast with Jim Crider & Cade Grimm
What’s This Episode About?
Jim Crider and Cade Grimm dive deep into what goals are really for — and why so many people set them the wrong way. From New Year’s resolutions that fade by February to goal lists disconnected from real purpose, this episode explores how to build goals that actually create momentum and meaning.
Understanding the Real Role of Goals
Q: Why do most people fail at goal-setting?
A: Because they start at the wrong place. Jim explains that goals should flow from values — the deeper motives behind what matters most. Without this anchor, people chase arbitrary goals that look impressive but don’t bring fulfillment.
Example: Jim once had a goal to own a private airplane, but what he truly valued was ease of travel. Once he recognized that, the entire goal shifted.
The Framework: Values → Goals → Decisions → Actions
Q: What’s the right order for lasting change?
- Values — Identify what’s truly important.
- Goals — Translate those values into tangible objectives.
- Decisions — Weigh trade-offs and opportunity costs.
- Actions — Take consistent, aligned steps forward.
Most people skip the first two and live in “reaction mode,” bouncing between quick decisions and short-term action without direction.
Are Goals Enough?
Q: If I just write down my goals, will that work?
A: Not by itself. The purpose of a goal isn’t to chain you to a single outcome — it’s to clarify your next best step.
“What’s the one thing I can do such that by doing it, everything else becomes easier or unnecessary?” — The One Thing by Gary Keller & Jay Papasan
SMART Goals Still Matter
Jim and Cade revisit the classic SMART goal formula — Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Writing goals down increases your odds of success by 42%, and sharing them with someone boosts it to 64%.
But beware: publicly announcing goals can actually hurt your follow-through. Research from Peter Gollwitzer shows that sharing goals too soon gives your brain a premature dopamine hit — a sense of accomplishment before you’ve done the work.
Accountability That Actually Works
Q: Should I share my goals on social media?
A: Probably not. Public praise gives a short-term dopamine rush that replaces the satisfaction of progress. Instead, share with an accountability partner who asks:
- “How many miles did you run this week?”
- “What actions did you take toward your goal?”
That’s accountability — not applause.
Small Wins Build Big Momentum
Jim points to the “Couch to 5K” method as a model: start with micro-actions like putting on your shoes. Those tiny, consistent wins create momentum and confidence. Cade compares it to the debt snowball method — early victories keep motivation alive.
Bringing It Home: Goals That Reflect Your Life
Jim and his wife Kendra practice this every year through a “goal box.” They list what they’re thankful for, set new goals, and revisit last year’s progress together — keeping everything rooted in faith, family, and growth.
Cade and his wife use a shared note on their phones, checking in on family and personal goals together. Both remind us that gratitude keeps you grounded and reflection keeps you from drifting into autopilot.
Takeaways from This Episode
- Start with why. Every meaningful goal begins with clear values.
- Anchor goals in your season. Let them inform your next step, not your forever plan.
- Write them down. Written goals increase focus and accountability.
- Share selectively. Tell people who will truly hold you to it.
- Celebrate small wins. Progress compounds through consistency.
Favorite Moment
“The purpose of a goal is to inform the best next step — not to chain you to a future outcome.” — Jim Crider
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Episode Info
- Hosts: Jim Crider & Cade Grimm
- Series: The Intentional Living Podcast
- Episode: 5 — The How and Why of Goals
- Publisher: Intentional Living FP
- Published: October 28, 2025
