Where are the kids putting their dough? According to the Mutual Fund Education Alliance, there are many no-load mutual funds geared to kids. Brokerage firms are visiting middle schools to talk to students and parents about investing, and promoting stock-picking contests. Some of the kids are paying more attention to online stock quotes than to chat rooms or instant messages.

Other places where kids are investing? Many go for stocks of companies that make the products they use, including those of fast-food favorites, video game manufacturers, and soft drinks. Internet savvy youngsters are also buying mutual funds that include stock in the high-tech companies that make components for their computers and cell phones. Others are choosing environmentally friendly stock funds, or funds that are heavy with corporations which produce educational materials.

Of course, that’s up to you. A financial advisor might be able to help. But, you’ll want to sit down with your children and talk about it so you make sure they have a say. And you’ll want to do some research—on the Web, in the library, or in newspapers. It’s a great way for the whole family to learn about what’s out there in the business world. Most companies have their own Web sites that include their annual reports—a great place to find out how they did in the previous year and what they’ve got planned for the future.

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