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Issue: 1041 Date: 8/5/2010
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八月六日至八月八日三天
密蘇里州免稅日
Missouri's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Back-to-School Shopping Good Time to Teach Children About Money
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【時報訊】一年一度迎接學校開學而特設之密蘇里州免稅日，今年是8月6日(週五)至8日(週日)，購買衣服上限100元，學校用品上限50元，電腦軟體上限350元，個人電腦及電腦週邊設備上限為3500元，凡在此上限以內之物品皆可享受免稅優待，需要注意的是若干個下列城市並未加入這項免稅日活動，購物前請先問清楚。
根據密州財政廳資料，下列城市決定不參加免稅日：Ballwin, Brentwood, Bridgeton, Clayton, Des Peres, Ellisville, Fenton, Frontonac, Kirkwood, Ladue, Manchester, Town & Country, Webster Groves等。
由於免稅日的推動，開學時是教孩子們使用金錢最好時機，愈早教孩子愈好，據密蘇里大學家庭財務教育專家Janet Lafon表示，所收的禮物、所賺的錢是孩子金錢的來源，讓孩子們有用錢的計劃，隨時記帳，而且能將錢先存起來以備未來不時之需是基本的理財觀念。
Missouri's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010Back-to-School Shopping Good Time to Teach Children About Money
Missouri's Tax Free Weekend: Aug. 6-8, 2010
Applies to:Clothing under $100School supplies under $50Computer software under $350Computers/computer equipment under $3,500Note: Some cities and counties in Missouri elect not to participate.
Many families are getting busy buying new clothes, shoes, book bags and school supplies.
Then when school starts, there will be more expenses: school lunches, after-school snacks, fees for extracurricular activities ?the list goes on and on.
It𠏋 obviously a very expensive time of year.
"Since these expenses are related to children, this is a great time to begin helping them learn to handle money," said Janet LaFon, family financial education specialist, University of Missouri Extension. "From a very early age, children start using money, so why not help them learn to use it wisely?"
Start by taking a look at where children get their money. Usually this is from one of three general sources: cash gifts, earnings and allowances.
According to LaFon, each of these can be used to teach children money management skills.
Earnings and Gifts
Cash gifts, often received on birthdays and holidays, are "surprise" money and shouldn㦙 be included as a part of day-to-day expense money.
"Children should be given leeway to spend it as they wish. However, parents can discuss with children ideas for how the money can be used," said LaFon.
Earnings may be at home or from jobs outside of the home. Many children are paid money for extra work they do around the house. The amount received for various tasks should be agreed upon by the parents and the child.
"When children are old enough to work outside the home, they still need guidance in money management. Teens should begin developing longer-term financial plans and an adult awareness of money, work, time and their own needs," said LaFon.
Allowance Money
An allowance is a child𠏋 share of family income and should be used as the child chooses on certain defined expenses. With an allowance, children can have some hands-on experience with managing money.
"They can plan their spending and learn to set some money aside for future use. Allowances can help children learn that money is limited, that income must first cover needs and that the family𠏋 financial situation affects the amount of money each member can use," said LaFon.
An allowance should be enough to cover necessary expenses, leaving some money for the child to spend as he or she chooses.
When starting an allowance, parents should teach children how to set up a budget or spending plan, keep records and set money aside for savings. LaFon says to be sure and gear the information to the age and ability of each child. |
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