Simple or Glamorous? Another Choice For Your Kids

You can show your kids even as youngsters the difference between simple and glamorous – and the range goes all the way from clothing to cars to fun excursions.

Teaching them how to notice the differences will help them develop a healthy mindset about money, choices, and values. Here are 7 areas to talk about: 

Understanding the Difference

Simple Lifestyle: Prioritizing needs, living within one’s means, focusing on value over brand names.

Glamorous Lifestyle: Enjoying luxury, designer brands, unique experiences, but often at a higher cost.

Teaching Them about the Trade-Offs

Simple Lifestyle Benefits: More savings, less financial stress, more appreciation for what they have.

Glamorous Lifestyle Costs: Higher spending, potential financial pressure, and the need to work harder to maintain it.

Showing How Money Choices Affect Life

Give real examples: "If we always buy expensive things, we have to work more to afford them. If we keep it simple, we save more and have more freedom to choose."

Let them experience both: A homemade meal vs. a fancy restaurant outing—ask them to compare the costs and experience.

Encouraging Smart Spending

It’s okay to enjoy nice things, but they should learn when and why to spend extra.

Teach quality over brand: “This no-name jacket is warm and durable. The designer one looks cool, but is it worth triple the price?”

Working for What They Really Want Despite the High Cost

If they really want a glamorous item, encourage them to earn and save for it.

They’ll appreciate it more when they work for it instead of just receiving it.

Seeing the Power of Delayed Gratification

Teach patience: “Instead of buying every new gadget, save for something meaningful.”

Help them set a goal: “If you wait and save, you can afford something bigger later.”

Developing Confidence without Expensive Things

Reinforce that their value isn’t based on what they own.

Teach them that confidence and happiness come from within, not from material things.

By helping kids understand the balance between simple and glamorous, they’ll grow up with a strong financial mindset—knowing when to enjoy luxury and when to keep things simple. 

Would you like an activity idea to help reinforce these lessons? Maybe have them draw a chart that compares something simple to something glamorous.