"Mom, what are you cutting out of the newspaper?" "Oh, I am cutting out coupons to use in my grocery shopping this afternoon. By using coupons, I save a dollar or two every time I shop." "Really, Mom, are we that poor?" "Well, it's like my mother used to say, `A penny saved is a penny earned.' You could stretch your allowance a lot further if you were more careful about your buying."

We live in a spendthrift culture. We are engulfed in a tidal wave of commercialism--all to create a fantasy of desire. Advertising is crafted to stimulate your wants. Banks are flooding college campuses with credit cards. The subtle message is--buy now, pay later. I know a college girl who got a credit card and spent up to the max. Her father was wise enough not to bail her out. She had to drop out of college, get a job, and pay off her debts.

In many homes our children's rooms and closets are glutted with toys, dolls, teddy bears, games, etc. And some of our kids are not satisfied unless they are wearing expensive brand name shoes.

Here are a few suggestions to teach our children economy, thrift, and generosity:

1. Your kids are watching the way you spend money.

Nancy, age 13, was walking with her mother through a grocery store. "Mom, can we have some watermelon for dinner tonight?" "No, Nancy. Look at the price--35 cents a pound. That melon would probably cost over $5.00. If we just wait a few weeks, the price will be down to 15 cents a pound." "Oh, Mom. You know we can afford watermelon. I really would like to have some for supper." "I know, Nancy, but we have to learn to postpone pleasure--that's an evidence of emotional maturity." Jeff overheard his parents talking about a new car. His mother said, "Yes, it would surely be nice to have a new car. Our old one is getting kinda crummy looking. But I suppose it will last a little longer." "I know, dear, I would like to buy one now too, but if we can wait six months we'll be in a much better position financially. I'll be out of debt by that time."

2. Talk to your kids about money.

Explain to your children that money has to be earned--it doesn't grow on trees. Talk about the difference between our wants and our necessities. Explain the advantage of paying cash instead of going into debt. Talk about interest--how much it increases the cost. Also illustrate the value of money in a savings account and the magic of interest compounded. Emphasize the principle of Christian stewardship. "Tommy, remember, God owns all that we have--our home, our automobile, and everything we possess belongs to Him. He trusts us to manage it wisely and to give generously for His cause." As your family watches the news and sees pictures of starving children, discuss with them how careful we ought to be with our money, and the importance of not wasting food. If you are facing a financial crisis, be open with your children about the problem. Before you go shopping, decide what you are going to buy. Avoid impulse buying.

3. Our values are reflected in the way we spend money.

There is a story told about the John D. Rockefeller family. Although they were one of the richest families in the world, yet they were very conservative about the way they spent money on themselves. For instance, when their two sons were old enough to ride bicycles, instead of buying two bicycles, they bought one. Their purpose was to teach them to share. Their children learned to work and to save.

Be sure to include a family plan for giving to the poor and to the cause of God. "When we devote ourselves to the affairs of the kingdom of God, He will mind our affairs." "If men will become channels through which heaven's blessing can flow to others, the Lord will keep the channel supplied." Our High Calling, p. 196, and Counsels to Stewardship, p. 36.

4. But don't be "tightfisted."

Some people carry economy to a painful extreme. Ellen White wrote to a father: "While condemning the extravagance and vanity of the world, you fall into the error of stretching into penuriousness. You deny yourself that which is right and proper that you should have, and which God has furnished you means to procure.... Our outward appearance should not dishonor the One we profess to follow,..." Testimonies, Vol. 4, pp. 142, 143.

Remember, that "money molds men...Either the man becomes master of his money, or the money becomes master of the man. Acquisition makes the money, but distribution makes the man." Money, the Acid Test, David McConahey.