Talking to your kids about money can be difficult, especially when there isn’t a lot of money to spare. It’s tough being a parent when making ends meet is a challenge. But, explaining finances to your kids doesn’t have to be difficult, even in a bad economy. Eric Tyson, MBA and one of the nation’s best-selling personal finance book authors, published a helpful post recently called Eleven Ways to Teach Kids About Money, Especially Right Now!. Tyson suggests ways to turn board games and allowances into financial lessons. He explains that, for kids, personal finance is a boring topic and its a parent’s job to make it entertaining. He also encourages parents to have their kids start saving and investing early. When they are old enough to earn an allowance, they are old enough to start investing.

“Over the last year or so, we’ve been seeing what irresponsible spending can do to the economy as a whole,” says Tyson. “And for many families, the results on their personal financial situations have been just as significant. Adults who are extravagant with money and who fail to save for the future can expect to raise children who are accomplished spenders and poor savers. Be honest with yourself about the powerful money messages you’re sending your kids. If your financial habits are poor, overhaul them now. You owe it to your kids.”

So consider teaching your kids about finances in 2010. It will hopefully make your life less stressful and put your kids on the right track for personal financial responsibility.