Another great way to learn about money management is to play related games in a relaxing manner. Travel to your local game store and see if you can find the following:

• MALL MADNESS — Teaches children how to use money and credit cards, how to resist impulse shopping, and the importance of making lists. Ages 9+

• MONEY CENTS — Teaches basic money skills. Children answer basic money questions and learn the value of each coin, how to count, and about gaining and losing money. Ages 5+

• MONOPOLY — Teaches children the concepts of money and how to deal with it through the buying and selling process. Ages 8+

• RISK — Teaches about calculated risks. Helpful in viewing the differences of risks versus playing it safe. Ages 10 +

• STOCK TICKER — A game at the elementary level that teaches about buying and selling stocks. Ages 9+

• WALL STREET — Teaches the family about playing the stock market.

• MUTUAL MANIA — This is a board game that will allow players to become more familiar with investing in mutual funds and the expected results from investing in the various risk level of these funds. It will also show the need to have money available to look after everyday expenses that occur, some that are expected and others that are not (from Competitive Edge Enterprises Inc. at compedge@silk.net). A link for additional resources on mutual funds is: www.mutualmania.com. A variety of other mutual fund information can be accessed through the Investment Funds Institute of Canada (IFIC) at (416) 363-2158.