Teaching your children how to save money and be financially responsible is one of the most important lessons you will give them in their young lives. Too often, parents neglect to teach their children about money and then why they have teenagers who can’t seem to keep a dollar. Here are some incredibly easy ways to teach your children how to save money:

1. Use a Two-Jar System

Instead of using just one piggy bank for your child, use two jelly jars. On the front of each jar should be one picture: a short-term goal and a long-term goal. A short-term goal could be as simple as a new toy or bag of candy. A long-term goal could be a special family vacation or a larger, more expensive toy. Teach your child that both of their goals should be saved for and allow them to choose how much money to place in each jar.

2. Use a Chart

Teachers know the value of a chart! Take a page out of the education manual and create a savings chart for your child. Decide what it is that they want to save for, cut out and glue a picture of that item on the chart and mark their progress with stickers. Help your child decide how much money they will need to put away out of their allowance each week to save enough money for their item. Also be sure to let them know exactly how long it will take them to save the money. As they put their money away and earn a sticker they’ll be able to see their progress right in front of their eyes.

3. Motivate Your Children to Save

Much like a bank offers gifts to attract new customers, offer gifts to your children for different savings goals. For instance, if your child reaches their goal of $10.00, offer them a small prize. If your child goes for a month without spending any money, offer them another prize. Make it fun for your child to save!

4. Match Your Child’s Deposit

Nothing will motivate a child more than a matched deposit! To use this method correctly, set a specific savings goal for your child each week. Any money that they choose to put away beyond that goal will be matched by you. Don’t goad them into putting extra money away! Simply let them know that it is up to them and that you will match the extra amount.

5. Set a Good Example

If you make a savings jar for your child, put your own savings jar right alongside theirs. Decide what it is that you will save for and add money to your jar when your child is present. This will open up conversation and give you an opportunity to explain to your child why you are saving money. Because children are sponges, you can expect that seeing you save will encourage them to save as well.

Don’t make the mistake of not teaching your children about money! Teaching your children how to save is an invaluable life lesson. If you have any hope of raising a financially responsible young adult, those lessons have got to start now.

Christine Lukes is a personal finances guru and freelance blogger. She often recommends using bb&t bank online accounts.