As part of the lesson, Bittner walks the youngsters around the church and shows them new items in the building. She explains that their money helped pay for the new additions.

"It makes them feel a part of the church," the 48-year-old says. "They take better care of it."

Financial planning can't start too early, according to professionals. Fewer than half of teenagers surveyed by Charles Schwab & Co. said they understood how to balance a checkbook, budget money or use a credit card, according to a 2007 poll.

"Teaching your kids about money should start right now," says Kristine Dixon, director of consumer education at Charles Schwab. "It's a skill that will help them throughout their lifetime."

The best way to teach generosity is by example, says David Arthur, vice president of resource development for Generous Giving, a privately funded ministry that encourages people of all income levels to donate.

"If you say 'be generous' and they see you not being generous, they are not going to do it," he says. "(Children) do what we do."

That's why Joan Carey, who lives outside of Madison, Wis., takes her six children along on volunteer outings and discusses the family's donations to their church and Catholic education.

She also holds back 10 percent of the children's allowance each month. At the end of the year, the family chooses a charity to give the money to.

"It comes out of wanting to raise your family to a life of service," the 43-year-old says. "We want service to come to them as naturally as breathing."

Now that her oldest children — twins John Paul and Thomas — have turned 16 and begun working part-time jobs, Carey has helped them open a checking account, apply for a credit card and create a budget. She expects them to save for college and continue to give away 10 percent of their earnings.

Carey's sons say they are eager to tithe.

"I've worked hard to earn this, and I'm giving it freely to a cause that I'm concerned about," says John Paul, who recently wrote a check to his youth group to pay for building supplies for a mission trip. "That does feel good."