EFFINGHAM - It isn't too early to begin teaching school-age children to spend money wisely.

Sources by way of books, Web sites, agencies and news reports all offer tips for putting children on the right path to financial solid ground.

But being financially secure as an adult isn't about having everything you want. It's mostly about having the opportunity for choices - and making choices begins in childhood, experts agree.

"Making choices are made at all income levels and all ages. The first step is to identify goals," said Pat Hildebrand, consumer and family economics educator with the University of Illinois Extension, Effingham.

"Some (goals) are for the near future. Other goals may require long-range planning and saving. Saving should begin the first time a child has money of his own," she said.

How children spend money reflects what they think is important. Their values are personal, and spending will differ from others, she said.

Ryan and Missy Weder of Humboldt have three children; each has a savings account at a local bank.

"They all have their own savings accounts and they like to see that grow," said Missy Weder. "They also tithe."

Their children - Raea, 11, Braden, 9, and Jakob, 6, - receive an allowance and know a little about saving and spending wisely.

"Raea likes to give gifts, and I think she understands that she can give more and have more if she looks for sale items," her mother said. "She also likes the idea of having something in her pocket."

Missy Weder said each child gets a weekly allowance, but the amount is determined by their age and what chores they've done.

Hildebrand offers several tips for parents to use to teach their children about finances.

She said parents should guide and advise, rather than direct and dictate. And it is better to encourage and praise rather than criticize.

"Kids watch how parents spend money. Children's attitude toward money will be shaped by what they inherit from parents as well as what they learn from others," she said.

But despite the heavy influence of peer groups, it's more likely a young person develops spending and saving habits from parents, she added.

Other advice Hildebrand gives for teaching children finances includes holding family meetings; being consistent and fair; and setting a good example.

"The way kids spend money depends on the way their family wants to live, the things they want to do and have. Each considers some things to be more important than other. Expenditures will reflect attitudes and values," Hildebrand said.

So teaching a child to know the difference between true wants and needs is a step in the right direction, she noted.

A Web site titled "Empowering Kids to a Healthy Financial Future" offers eight common mistakes parents sometimes make with children and money.

"Money beliefs and habits start extremely young," said Lori Mackey with "Prosperity 4 Kids," based in Agoura Hills, Calif. "We all know how tough it is to break a bad habit, so instill good money habits in your children even before they fully understand."

Mackey lists eight mistakes parents make, including "not talking to your kids about money," "giving kids money for nothing," and "starting the paycheck-to-paycheck syndrome."

The entire list can be found at www.prosperity4kids.com.

"Good habits start young. Parents should always be involved," said Hildebrand.

Making a list is important - it lessens the chance of "impulse" buying, she said.

Also, comparison shopping is useful for a way to save money, she said.

"Parents need to watch how they themselves spend money and how they shop, because the kids are watching," said Hildebrand.

Dawn Schabbing can be reached at dschabbing@jg-tc.com or at 238-6864.