As a parent, you want to make sure your kids have everything they need, including a solid financial future. One of the best ways to do that is to start teaching them early about the importance of saving money.

Here are some tips on how to help your kids develop healthy spending and saving habits:

1. Lead by example. 

• Show your kids that you're serious about saving by setting aside money each month into a savings account. Explain why it's essential to have a savings cushion and how it can help in tough times.

2. Prioritize spending. 

• Help them understand how money can get spent faster than it can be saved. Help them know that there are costs for toys and clothes, vacations, and school supplies - but there are also ways to save money on these expenses.

3. Help kids identify valuable items. 

• Explain how the value of their toys might not be what they think it is. Show your kids that you're willing to sell their old toys for a small profit - encouraging saving rather than spending right away!

4. Encourage gift-giving and sharing in your family. 

• Tell your kids that a gift is an investment in the relationship - so it's worth buying something that will still be in use and appreciated later. Talk with them about other families' gift-giving practices, especially different cultures.

5. Help your kids manage their money. 

• You can help your child start by opening a savings account, even before they have their income. Help them open savings accounts, track their savings, and understand how interest can help them make from their savings. This helps them learn to appreciate the importance of saving money and paying attention to the details of managing their account.

6. Help teach them about financial aid, scholarships, and gift aid.

• Your kids are probably already interested in going to college - and they must know all the options available to them. Make sure they understand how financial aid can cover part or even all their tuition costs.

7. Help them understand credit. 

• Explain to your kids that it is essential to understand the risks and rewards of credit. If a child tends to spend more than they make, don't give in and let them get into debt - but help them learn about how credit cards work and the value of responsible use of credit cards and other loans. Kids need to understand that they are responsible for their debts, even if they're minors - so teach them about their rights as creditors and make sure they understand that it's not OK to lie or hide things that could affect their ability to get loans or future jobs.

8. Share your own financial experiences with your children.

• Talking about your experiences growing up can help your child better understand how money works - and the importance of saving for long-term goals like college or a home of their own.

9. Tell them to steer clear of get-rich-quick schemes. 

• If they're not careful, they could get involved in illegal activities that could ruin their credit or hurt them financially. Ensure they know the risks and avoid taking part in schemes to make fast money.

10. Help your kids understand the value of saving for a long-term goal like college, home-ownership or retirement - and help them plan.

• Don't tell them to keep only for tomorrow - make sure they start early and understand how saving little by little can help with bigger goals later. Help them set realistic goals for their spending and saving habits. Show them that saving money is a long-term process, not just a short-term motivator.

11. Help them save for retirement. 

• Establishing a retirement plan or emergency fund early on helps finance their future and gives them an understanding of how the pieces of the financial puzzle fit together. Explain the value of savings for future goals like homeownership, retirement, and even a new car. Help them see that saving money can go a long way to helping them achieve their plans.

12. Teach your children the value of financial planning.

• Give them opportunities to make their own spending and saving decisions. This helps them feel empowered to make their own economic choices and gives them valuable insight into what they may want to save for in the future.

13. Teach your kids about banking.

• Help your kids choose a bank they trust and help them understand how they can keep track of their finances online or via mobile banking apps on devices like smartphones and tablet computers.

The idea of starting personal savings is one that you should encourage your kids to do at the earliest possible time. They need to realize that there are things in life that you can't buy with money, but if you save, it will put them in a better position to pay for those things later in life.