Leanza stands at the mall with kids featured in the Savvy consumers segment

First, Dara Duguay, who works with more than 80 national organizations devoted to personal finance education for young adults, shares some surprising steps you should be taking right now to assure your children are smart consumers for life.

Then Richard Flaherty, president of College Parents of America, gives the nitty-gritty on planning for college expenses. Last, a registered dietician and a middle school fitness director show you how to keep your wee ones fit and healthy.

Kid Consumer Tips

• Start talking to your children about money at the age of five.
  
• Teach kids how to budget their money by giving them a weekly allowance.
  
• Encourage them to save money for a long-term goal.
  
• Open a savings account for each child and let her manage it.

Resources

Consumer Reports
www.consumerreports.org

Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy
www.jumpstartcoalition.org
This organization works to improve personal financial literacy and promote personal finance education in grades K-12. Free sample newsletter available.

Handling College Costs

• Start saving for college when your children are born.
  
• Consider investing in a 529 college savings plan — but check the fine print.
  
• Students should consider attending a less expensive state college for two years before transferring to a more expensive school.
  
• Investigate scholarships for your child starting when he's in the eighth grade.

Resources

College Parents of America
Richard Flaherty, President
www.collegeparents.org
National membership association dedicated to helping parents prepare for and put their children through college more easily, economically and safely.

Kids & Fitness

• Encourage shared physical activities with your kids.
  
• Be a good role model by demonstrating your own healthy eating habits.
  
• Focus on good nutrition, not deprivation.
  
• Limit your child's passive activities.

Resources

Project L.E.A.N. (Leaders Encouraging Activity & Nutrition)
www.lapublichealth.org

Chad Fenwick
Fitness Program Director
Patrick Henry Middle School
Granada Hills, California