Are you accidentally raising a teen who knows how to spend money—but not how to manage it?

In this episode, Colleen O'Grady talks with real estate investor and financial educator Jonathan Greene about how parents can help teens develop healthy money habits, financial confidence, and long-term thinking. Jonathan shares lessons he learned from his father, practical ways to talk about money at any age, and why financial literacy starts with conversations—not lectures.

Key Takeaways

1. Start Talking About Money Early—and Often
Money shouldn't be a taboo topic. The earlier parents begin discussing how money works, the more comfortable and confident kids become. Even simple conversations about groceries, housing, and family expenses help teens understand the real value of money.

2. Teach Financial Skills Through Everyday Life
Kids learn best through experience. Whether it's comparing prices, selling unused items online, managing an allowance, playing money-based board games, or helping make purchasing decisions, everyday situations create powerful financial lessons.

3. Focus on Learning, Not Judgment
When teens make money mistakes, treat them as teaching opportunities rather than reasons for punishment. Curiosity, conversation, and reflection help teens develop better financial habits far more effectively than criticism or shame.

Learn more at: https://www.trustgreene.com/

Follow at: https://www.instagram.com/trustgreene/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices