ACHIEVE FINANCIAL SECURITY AND INDEPENDENCE AS ADULTS, CHILDREN NEED “MONEY MENTORS.”

When one of my client’s nephews was 6, she bought him a share of Walt Disney stock. The certificate was bright and colorful and had drawings of many famous Disney characters. Her goal was to give him a gift that would benefit him for many years to come — both financially and by teaching him the value of investing from an early age.

A few years later on his first trip from Texas to Walt Disney World, her nephew walked confidently up to the ride attendant and said, “I believe I should be allowed to move to the front of the line. I own this company.” Perhaps a little ambitious for one share, but at least he got the concept. The ride attendant smiled as she returned him gently to his mom and dad, who were holding his place in line.

I have taught my own children to save half the money they earn from working and receive from allowances or gifts. I have encouraged them to choose where they want to invest part of it (my son selected Apple and McDonald’s at very good times).

The upshot is children need money mentors.

With consumer debt skyrocketing and the cost of housing, education, and health care increasing, younger generations face unprecedented challenges to achieving economic security and financial independence. Teaching effective money management skills and how to adopt good financial habits and attitudes is more important than ever.

So, what can you do to help improve the financial future of your children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews? Here are suggestions and resources to get you started.

Set an example. Examine your own money beliefs and behaviors and then take action, if necessary, to get your own financial life in order. You may want to talk with an independent financial adviser to begin creating a plan. Always remember that nothing is more effective in guiding the younger generation than a powerful role model.

Be aware. Stay alert for teachable moments to share your financial expertise and wisdom. Very few topics affect us on a day-to-day basis like money, so there are endless opportunities to provide small financial lessons via word and example.

Put it on the calendar. In addition to impromptu conversations about money, William Anthes, past president of the National Endowment for Financial Education (NEFE), recommends establishing a new tradition: family finance nights. He writes, “The idea is for families to get together on a regular basis to talk about how money is earned, saved, and spent. The financial topic is up to you, but the goal is always the same: to give your children the invaluable gift of a financial education.” org and download the article “Money Night with Kids Instills Smart Financial Habits.”

For tips on establishing a regular family finance night, go to www.smartaboutmoney.

Use tools. Many great resources are available to help make financial education fun and interesting for children while teaching them how to incorporate strong financial values and practices into their daily lives.

Three Cups by author Mark Street Germain is a delightful children’s book that combines a charming story with beautiful illustrations to teach invaluable lessons about money. A “parent’s guide” is included in the book and offers tips about how to be an effective money mentor for children.

Even if your children are older, many are seeking guidance and advice. According to a recent New York Times article, student loan debt has outpaced credit card debt for the first time and now tops $1 trillion. More students are going to college, and a growing share is borrowing money to do so.

Teach good money values. Giving your children a moneyvalue vocabulary is important. This means having the words to make financial decisions based on your values and ultimately, on theirs. For example, if your children are trying to decide whether to spend their entire allowance on video games like their friends do, a money values vocabulary can help them resist peer-group pressure. They can say to themselves, “I believe in saving some of my money for more important things in the future, so it doesn’t make sense to spend all of it each week on these games.”

Your money-value vocabulary may also help teach your children they can do more with their money than spend it on themselves. Encourage them to be more compassionate and caring. By participating as a family, you help your children learn empathy and responsibility toward others. Your children will realize they have the power to make life better for others.

Get started. While it pays to start teaching your children early about money, recognize it is never too late. Use this holiday season to be a money mentor.

“ They make you feel like an individual as opposed to just another number. I have been going there for four years, and the staff certainly sets a high standard for superior health care. It’s a family atmosphere, and they take the time to know me beyond my medical condition. They are also very efficient with follow-up appointments.”

— Paige Booth

November 2013

19th Annual Mount Dora Plant & Garden Fair (November 2–3)

Central Florida’s top growers bring more than 12,000 plants including orchids, native plants, butterfly-attracting perennials, herbs, roses, camellias, and begonias. Choose from a complete selection of rare and unusual tropical plants. Garden antiques, festive flags, and unusual containers are also a focus. Information: 352.729.2170

Lake and Hills Garden Club 10th

Annual Garden Tour (November 2–3)

The Lakes and Hills Garden Club will be offering tours of six beautiful local gardens. Garden club members will be on hand to describe the gardens and answer questions. Check-in location: First Presbyterian Church, 222 W. Sixth Ave., Mount Dora. Cost: $8 in advance; $10 day of tour. Information: 352.383.4613 or 352.735.0991

Senior Advocacy Symposium

A number of health care professionals will present information about health care changes. Subjects include Medicare paid wellness visits; prosthetics and orthotics; physical, occupational, and speech rehabilitation; Eastern medicine; Medicare open enrollment insurance information; hearing wellness; Medicaid planning information; home health; ageless spirit; and the Central Florida Health Alliance Foundation. No admission but due to limited seating, you must register. From 9:30a.m. to 3:30p.m. at the Lady Lake Public Library, 225 W. Guava St., Lady Lake. Information: 352.356.8127

Purple Passion Event

Support The Haven of Lake & Sumter Counties at this annual event to be held at Al’s Landing in Tavares. This year’s event includes a tribute to the 1970s with a silent auction, prize giveaways, a costume contest, appetizers, and live ’70s music with great guest speakers. Admission is free but you can reserve a VIP table. Help The Haven’s cause against domestic violence. Information: 352.343.4237

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Partners in Health Care Golf Tournament

Join Florida Hospital Waterman for the 20th annual golf tournament. The day includes a continental breakfast and an awards luncheon with prize drawings, auctions, and other giveaways — all for a great cause! Information: 352.253.3270

Paddling Adventure on Blue Creek Run

This paddling adventure will take participants along the Blue Creek Run in search of manatees, bald eagles, and other wildlife that live in Lake George. From 9a.m. to 1p.m. Location: Lake George Boat Ramp, 58300 Lake George Road, Astor. Free admission. Information: 352.343.3777

The Warrior Ride

Distances for this bike ride include 40- and 100-mile routes. The loop route starts and ends at Ferran Park in Eustis and travels through parts of the Ocala National Forest. The cost is $25 for pre-registration and $35 the day of the race. All donations benefit Hope for the Warriors. Information: louannbus@ gmail.com

Angel Flight Southeast Pilots Award Gala And Golf Tournament (November 10–11)

Held at Arlington Ridge Golf Club, The Pilots Awards Gala on Sunday will honor the volunteer pilots who help provide more than 3,000 free flights every year for people needing necessary medical care. Teams participating in the golf tournament on Monday are assigned a sport celebrity or VIP who joins the foursome on the course. Several additional activities are planned for the day of golf, including a chance to win $1 million for a hole-in-one. Information: 352.326.0761 or www.angelflightsoutheast.org/events

ICEWALK 4k/Run+Health Fair

For a healthy step in the right direction, participate in this year’s ICEWALK 4K/run. Registration begins at 8a.m.; walk/run starts at 9a.m. at the Institute of Cardiovascular Excellence, 4730 S.W. 49th Road, Ocala. Free food, entertainment, health vendors, and prizes! Information: 352.286.6411

Toyota of Clermont’s Turkey Trot

The 5K run starts at 8a.m. and finishes on the South Lake Trail at the South Lake Historical Society. All participants will receive a commemorative race T-shirt, breakfast by Clermont Beef O’ Brady’s, and a finisher’s medal. Adults: $25; Children (17 and under): $20. After Nov. 17, fee is $30. All proceeds from the race benefit the South Lake Historical Society and Back to School Is Cool Lake County. Information: www. clermontturkeytrot.com

Fit To Open

Eustis-based CrossFit CIC held a grand-opening celebration. All profits were donated to the company Global Effects in an effort to provide water filters to villages in Haiti. During the event, attendees enjoyed lunch provided by 4Rivers, drinks, discounted services, and a fun workout. In addition, numerous companies set up information booths.