THE PROBLEM: ISSUE #10 → Feeling Outdated or Outpaced by TECHNOLOGY

THE PROBLEM

ISSUE #10

Feeling Outdated or
Outpaced by TECHNOLOGY

Let’s face it, technology moves fast. And when it comes to managing money, today’s tools look nothing like they did just a few years ago. From budgeting apps and digital wallets to crypto platforms and AI-driven investing tools, the landscape is constantly changing.

For many parents, especially those who didn’t grow up with this tech, it can feel overwhelming, even intimidating. You might wonder, “How can I guide my child when I don’t fully understand the tools they’re using?” It’s a valid concern, and it’s easy to feel out of touch when your 13-year-old is more fluent in Venmo or investment apps than you are.

The result? Some parents avoid the conversation altogether, hoping their kids will just figure it out. But this creates a dangerous gap — one where kids may feel they have to rely on peers, influencers, or trial and error for financial education.

So, how do you keep up? Start by staying curious, not perfect. You don’t need to be a tech expert to guide your child — you just need to be willing to learn. Ask your child to show you how they use a certain app or tool. Look up reviews or watch a quick YouTube video on the latest platform they’re excited about. Explore together.

When you approach tech with curiosity and openness, you turn the conversation into a shared experience, not a one way lesson. And that builds connection, trust, and mutual respect.

WHAT TO SAY/DO

You Don’t Have To Be A Total TECH EXPERT

The good news? You don’t have to be a tech expert to have meaningful conversations with your kids about money. Start by simply acknowledging the gap: “You’re using tools I didn’t have growing up, and I’d love to learn more about them.”

Ask your child to walk you through how they use their favorite financial apps or platforms. Not only does this show that you’re open and willing to learn, it also gives you insight into their habits, interests, and how they make decisions about money. If there’s a tool you’re unfamiliar with, explore it together. Use tutorials, blog posts, or YouTube videos to learn side by side. Let your child see that not knowing isn’t a weakness, it’s part of lifelong learning.

By staying curious and open, you help close the technology gap, and show your kids that you don’t need to know everything to make smart money choices. It’s about using today’s tools alongside the basics that have always worked. When your kids see you learning something new without hesitation, they’ll understand that being flexible and willing to grow is a skill that helps in every part of life, not just with money. Bottom line → you don’t have to know everything. You just have to show up, ask good questions, and learn alongside your child.

(THERE'S MORE INSIDE → THE PROBLEM,
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LORI WILSON

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For over 18 years, I immersed myself in the world of financial services as an advisor, mastering a broad spectrum of areas from insurance (i.e., life, disability, long-term care, health) to investments and comprehensive financial planning. Today, I'm dedicated to helping my clients improve their financial literacy, as too many people are so unprepared — not just for retirement, but for managing their day-to-day finances. This has to change. The ever lurking problem is that money does bring up both anxiety and fear, not just because people lack capability or the ability to grasp or understand money, but because financial literacy was NEVER TAUGHT to them, either by their parents, society, in school or a combination of those three.

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As a MONEY COACH, LORI WILSON is dedicated to helping you improve your financial literacy, as too many people are so unprepared, not just for retirement, but for managing their day-to-day finances. Lori's mission is to provide the financial knowledge her clients need to make clear, confident, and informed decisions about money. When you're ready to start your journey to financial mastery, you can call upon Lori to help.