A recent national survey said that parents are more apt to talk about the birds and the bees than money and finances. Good thing you're not one of them, right? No matter what age, your kids need to hear from you about the money basics. Here are a few tips to help you begin the financial dialogue with them (and keep it open):

• Start'em young – Start their education about money matters by having a monthly family finance meeting. That savings account you've been meaning to open for them? No time like the present.
• School the school-aged kids – After-school jobs are more than just a way to get the kids off the couch. Fiscal responsibility becomes real when it's their hard-earned money at stake.
• College kids? Tell them instant credit = lingering debt – The average college student with credit cards graduates already $4,000 in the hole. So make sure they know to look at the fine print. Tell them to read the agreement before accepting the "free" gift and signing away their financial future.
• Help them make grown-up decisions (with their first grown-up job) – Adult children can learn to budget and curb spending (and make saving part of the equation). An emergency fund should be figured into how they save (think 3-6 months' salary). Scheduling reminders to pay monthly "bills" will help them avoid late fees. And setting up a monthly Automatic Savings Plan will grow their money even faster.

Your child's financial responsibility starts with you. Speak up. Talk to your kids about money and spending. It's one "adult" discussion that won't leave you or your kids blushing.

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If you're looking to finance a mortgage, expect to invest some time (and maybe some angst) in the process. Many options are out there – we'd like to help you narrow down the field to 3: local banks, direct banks and brokers.

Local bankers lend the money directly without a middleman, using their bank's money, rates and terms. Direct banks work directly with homeowners (online and by phone) and are usually more flexible. Mortgage brokers work with banks and borrowers to "broker" the best deal. They don't lend their own money. Here are some other difference "makers":

• Local bankers may provide good rates/discounts for existing customers, can add your mortgage to a suite of the bank's products, allow you to set up online automatic payments, etc. But the loans are more conservative, the process can be arduous, possible mistakes and overcharges can appear and they're not required to disclose the "yield-spread premium" (lender's fee for a higher interest rate).
• Direct banks can offer you better rates because of low overhead. With little to no fees, you can save thousands of dollars. Plus, online account access is there 24/7. You can compare lenders, often in record time, from the comfort of your robe and slippers.
• Brokers handle details, shop around, disclose yield-spread premium and can help finance complicated mortgages. But watch out, there's a markup for services. You could end up spending thousands more.

What matters most? Find the best deal, the lowest rate and the fairest closing costs. Do this and come out a good judge of the best mortgage come closing day.

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