Learning to save and spend wisely are skills that can be taught to the very young! Try these tips to teach your child about saving! 

Actions speak louder than words! Set a good example by demonstrating the importance and skills involved in saving money. Share with your children your saving goals -- which might be retirement, a new car, or even a new television.

Give kids a reason to save. It's tough to save your money - unless there's a reason (a goal). Even adults need a goal to save money! Let your kids set a goal for saving -- it might be a $10 toy, or a $75 pair of tennis shoes. The younger the child, the smaller and more immediate the goal should be.

Teach children to plan and set goals, as well as delaying gratification (don't buy that candy bar today, and you can get a new MP3 player in a few months if you save!)

Use a glass jar as a clear way to watch savings grow! Have your children put their loose change in a glass jar as a way of saving. At the end of the month, count up all the change and let them treat themselves to an ice cream or small toy.

Set guidelines! If you can offer an allowance each week, set guidelines for spending that allowance. Make it part of your family policy that saving a portion of that weekly allowance is a must!

Reward their efforts! Sometimes a "pat on the back" may work to encourage saving. You might also give them an incentive by offering to match all or part of the money they set aside.

Take your children to the bank and show them how transactions work. Ask the manager for a tour - be sure to ask to see the vault!

Open a savings account for each of your children. Review their bank statement with them to show how compound interest works.

Just Window Shopping - Encourage your children to leave money at home when shopping with you. This will help them plan for a purchase rather than buy on impulse. The selected item can be purchased on a future trip to the store.

Share your home finances with your children. It may not be necessary for children to know about all your bills, but explain to them every opportunity you get about money. Where the money comes from when you write a check, or when you use a debit or credit card. How you budget for groceries, or save for Christmas.

Grocery shopping can be fun and educational! Let your child make the grocery list, clip coupons and stay on a budget. Let them know how much things cost, which are the most important, and which are the most nutritional, etc.