Let’s Talk Money: Simple Steps to Build Strong Habits at Home

Let's Talk Money: Simple Steps to Build Strong Habits at Home

• February 20, 2026
• 11:50 am

By NYLAG Financial Counselor Michael Perdikos

If talking about money feels hard, you are not alone. For many, especially in communities of color, conversations about money were rarely, if ever, part of family life. In fact, many of us grew up in families where finances were never discussed or considered taboo, while others had to help manage household expenses from a young age. For generations, systemic barriers such as limited access to fair credit or neighborhood banks, and fewer chances to own a home or achieve higher education have made it harder for families of color to build wealth.

One way to take control is by starting "money conversations" with your family today. This article will give you simple tips and tools on how to do that and help you change the game for you and your family.

Tip #1: Weekly Money Check-in: One helpful habit is a weekly money check-in . Setting aside just a few minutes to look at a recent purchase, check a bank or app balance, or talk about an upcoming bill can make money conversations feel more normal and less overwhelming. The goal is not to fix everything at once, but to get comfortable facing money matters together.

• To keep things enjoyable, try the Money Conversation Cards created by the Bank of Canada Museum, which turn money talk into a simple, fun activity. Click here for teens and adults and here for kids.

Tip #2: Start a Shared Savings Goal: Saving -even in very small amounts shows planning in action. This might mean setting aside a small weekly or monthly amount for school supplies, a family treat, or an emergency buffer. The exact number matters less than building the habit of saving regularly.

• Tools such as the Investor.gov Savings Goal Calculator and NerdWallet's Emergency Fund Calculator can help you map out and track your shared savings goal.

Tip #3: Celebrate Small Wins: Focus on growth and consistency more than perfection. Did you complete your weekly money check-in? save five bucks? Or had a respectful conversation about spending or goals? All that counts. These moments build confidence and show young people that progress matters more than perfection.

• To help young people see the value in progress, you can use insights from Forbes' piece on small wins and TED-Ed's article on leveraging small wins, both of which show how tiny steps can spark big motivation.

Tip #4: Practice One Money Skill at a Time: You can keep learning simple by focusing on practicing one skill each month. One month might be spent comparing prices when shopping. Another month could involve tracking spending a few days or looking at a paycheck or pay stub together. Focusing on one skill at a time keeps learning manageable and helps financial decisions feel more familiar over time.

• The FDIC's Money Smart curriculum and its Money Smart for Young Adults program, offer simple, step-by-step activities to build financial confidence.

Finally, remember that every family's financial journey looks different. Some people grew up with money lessons passed down through generations, while others had limited access to financial education, fair banking products, or trusted guidance. At NYLAG, financial counselors like me work to bridge these gaps by bringing free, reliable financial support directly to the community. When families are encouraged to practice these skills at home and connected with the right resources, financial literacy becomes a powerful tool for rebuilding confidence and creating new opportunities.

Still have questions? NYLAG Financial Counselors help you create a plan to secure a financially stable future.

• If you are currently working with a NYLAG financial counselor, reach out to them now to discuss your student loan options.
• Connect with a NYLAG financial counselor.

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