Budget is a dreaded word in North America, mostly brought up by well-meaning parents or on January 1st by people still reeling from the worst hangover of the year.

Talking to your kids about money can be tough. And when they ask an indelicate question in the middle of the mall, it can be embarrassing. This can result in closed answers (‘none of your business’ or ‘because I said so’) which shut down conversations quickly, leaving your child in the dark about finances.