Men and women stereotypically have a difference of opinion about many issues. Finances, as a recent MyBankTracker blog post highlights, is one of them. According to a PNC Financial Services Group survey, 49 percent of women, as opposed to 39 percent of men, say that the recession caused them to plan finances more carefully.

Not only does this chasm between opinions draw attention to the problems couples may be having financially, but also to the financial literacy of their children. As parents try to educate their own children, the impact of the recession and the differing views of parents can lead to misinformation and confusion. However, the PNC survey showed that 55 percent of men and 57 percent of women felt that the recession will change the way their children manage their finances, indicating a growing concern that the next generations “may have a tougher time making it financially.”

R. Bruce Bickel, senior vice president of PNC Wealth Management, notes that this can be solved by talking to children early and often about managing money. Bickel advises,

“Helping children create budgets and discussing the principles of earning, giving, saving and spending instills discipline early in life and they are more likely to carry these values forward,” he said. “It doesn’t matter how much money a family has, this approach is indispensible and helps assure future success with finances.”

How are you educating your customers to prepare for the future? Are you implementing any programs for youth? Let us know in the comments below.