Prodigal Sons and Material Girls: How Not to Be Your Child’s ATM

Author: Nathan Dungan

In today’s society many young people have lost sight of the value of money and seem to believe that money really does “grow on trees.” Part expose and part survival guide, Prodigal Sons and Material Girls addresses the nagging issue faced by many parents today – why do their children have such unrealistic expectations about money?

The book is divided into two comprehensive parts. Part I outlines the disturbing facts about America’s possession-crazed youth and the society that has distorted their views. You’ll be introduced to everything from the “three-headed monster”—a high-powered triumvirate of consumer products companies, media conglomerates, and advertising agencies that has tremendous influence over your children—to the distorted view of the American Dream as shaped by principles known as “The Teen Commandments.” In learning what you’re up against you can teach financial responsibility from a position of strength.

In Part II, Dungan offers creative and convincing examples on how to leverage his highly successful “Share-Save-Spend” approach to money – critical elements for you to help your children break free from the materialism that has become ingrained in our society. Through insightful anecdotes and simple exercises, you will learn how to:

Talk to your children about money
Understand the difference between financial wants and needs
Increase the probability of your children having a prosperous life
Raise your children’s marketing IQ
Maintain healthy financial boundaries
Set a healthy example for your children to follow

The “Share–Save–Spend” methodology will help your children establish healthy financial habits and will undoubtedly become their foundation for making a lifetime of responsible financial decisions.