October 31 is near, and in 2022 parents may be more enthusiastic about
escorting their kids out on Trick-or-Treat expeditions than they were the past
two Halloweens. But as long as we're extra-focused on our children's health,
why not consider an alternative to those sugary treats?
For the past four years, the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) has
hosted its Cash for Candy campaign, with the goal of encouraging parents to
give kids cash instead of candy on Halloween – and use the moment as a
teachable one to build children's money management skills.
Encourage the physical and financial health of our children. Find out more
about the campaign and get free resources for parents and treat givers here.
The evidence clearly shows that children could benefit from a healthier
diet, according to scientists. For example, a 2019 study published in Lancet
found that 20% of premature deaths worldwide could be attributed to poor
dietary habits; and obesity currently affects nearly 15 million children and
youth in the US, according to the CDC. At the same time, almost none of our
young people receive financial education at school, leaving kids lacking key
life skills as they move into adulthood.
READ MORE: 9 ways to teach kids about money
That's why the NFEC created its #CashForCandy Campaign. This initiative addresses gaps in
youth financial literacy and inspires healthier eating among kids at the same
time. The idea is for parents and others handing out treats on Halloween to
give out cash instead. The NFEC has come up with three options for adults to
implement this innovative campaign to help boost both children's dietary health
and their financial skills:
- For
parents: Do a buy-back where you give your children a certain amount of
cash for each piece of Halloween candy they collect. When you make the
exchange, use the moment as an opportunity to give your kids key money
lessons that can improve their chances for a bright financial future. Use
the complimentary activities and worksheet the NFEC offers to get the
conversation started.
- For
treat-givers: Greeting trick-or-treaters at the door is a fun activity for
many adults and families. This year, the NFEC suggests handing out cash
instead of candy. Kids enjoy receiving money, and you can also seize the
moment to raise their financial capabilities by distributing NFEC handouts
that lay out talking points for families.
- For
organizations: Organizations and companies can host candy buyback events
too. Exchange money gifts for kids' Halloween candy and take advantage of
the moment to share financial lessons or give kids a chance to play fun
money management games.
Who is responsible for teaching children and youth about money? All of us,
according to Vince Shorb, CEO of the NFEC. "Everyone can participate in
this activity to contribute to our kids' health, both physical and financial,"
Shorb comments. "Remember – it takes a whole village to raise a child.
Cash for Candy offers a chance to help children adopt healthier dietary and
financial behaviors by swapping candy for cash and taking advantage of that
moment to teach kids valuable money lessons."
Contributing to children's financial well-being now can have lifetime
benefits. Research shows that, on average, physically healthy people earn more
money, better emotional health, have lower medical expenses, and
live longer than their less healthy counterparts. #CashForCandy is one of the
NFEC's initiatives to promote physical and financial wellness simultaneously.
The National Financial Educators Council is an
internationally-recognized financial education resource provider, financial
literacy advocate, and thought leader. Promoting financial literacy advocacy
campaigns that support both physical and financial wellness helps fulfill the
NFEC's mission to prepare people to make qualified, informed financial
decisions.
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