Did my son ask the wrong question?

What if all these money lessons have kids focusing too much on money?

The visit to the oral surgeon seemed pretty routine. My 16-year old son was back a year after getting his wisdom teeth out. Apparently there was a bonus tooth buried under his gums that was horizontal and had to come out. My husband called it the “caveman” tooth!

So here we were again. If we are being honest, I did think about the cost of the tooth removal because that’s just who I am. But I had not said anything about it to anyone including my son. We have good insurance that would cover a good chunk of it, and so it would not be that bad. Also, it wasn’t optional. We needed to do it before school started in September.

When the oral surgeon came in to discuss the procedure, he asked my son if he thought he would be okay if he just numbed the area around the tooth. If not, they could use anesthesia. He said it would take a little more time. But that was all he said. He then asked if there were any questions.

My son’s only question was: Does the anesthesia cost more and if so how much?

My heart sank. I wanted to scream: Harry! This is why your dad and I work so hard to earn a good living! It’s so we don’t have to ask these questions.

I cut him off and assured him the anesthesia cost should not be a factor in his decision. The surgeon joked that he would give us half price on it. (I secretly thought- nice negotiating tactic Harry).

Throwback pic to Harry at the orthodontist (I didn’t take photos this time..)

But it got me thinking: What if making our (almost) adult kids hyper-aware of money makes them see everything through a “what does it cost” lens? We don’t want them to be naive about what it costs to be a grownup. But we also don’t want them to be constantly making every decision based on price. Sometimes you need that anesthesia.

This is actually a reminder to all of us that using money to make pain go away- tooth pain or otherwise, is often a very wise use of it. Money does solve problems.

What are your thoughts?

If you follow the financial news, odds are you are getting many different perspectives on whether or not we will have a recession. Some people even believe we have had one or are in one already.

I personally have no clue. But I do believe that our economy is very much an ecosystem. Even if you believe you are in an industry or economic bracket that is economically stable, that doesn’t mean you won’t feel the impact of economic setbacks to other groups. Yaël Bizouati-Kennedy wrote a compelling piece on what a “Richsession” would mean to all of us, and included my perspective. Click on the button below the quote to read her story.

---

On the podcast:

---

I have exciting news to share!

Less than a year after incorporating, I am honored to announce that we are WBENC (Women's Business Enterprise National Council) certified.

As a 100% women-owned business, I am excited to be part of this incredible organization that will help me grow the company.

What do we do?

We provide live online and in-person financial wellness programming so we can all be financial grownups together. Our programs are fun, interactive, and always engaging. You will learn a lot… AND you will also have a great time and look forward to more.

Sneak peek at our fall programs:
(website update coming soon)
*How to have multigeneration conversations about money
*Financial Wellness Strategies for Women
*How to be a Financial Grownup
*How to launch a Financial Grownup

We work with:
-Employee resource groups
-Parenting groups
-College and school groups
-Conferences
-Everyone who wants to take the stress out of whatever is going on with their money.

Please reach out if we can help with your upcoming events.

Mention this email for 25 free copies of my book "Launching Financial Grownups" when you book your event by October 1, 2023.

*Event must take place within one year of booking

---

Do you know someone who needs step it up and be a financial grownup? My book will help you, help them.

My book “Launching Financial Grownups” will teach you how to help them. The book is full of ways for you to open the conversation about money, and guide those you care about to live their best financial lives.

So pick up a copy of my book Launching Financial Grownups for yourself, or for anyone you know and care about has kids heading to high school, college, or their first “real” job so you can help “launch” a young adult and set the next generation up for success! And yes, it makes a GREAT gift for parents, grandparents, and anyone in an older generation looking to learn how to help emerging adults.

Please follow me on Instagram- and let me know you are part of the financial grownup community by DM-ing me so I can follow you back.

click on the logo above!

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed it please share with family and friends. I truly appreciate your support and feedback.