Many of us have seen the toy aisle meltdown, in which kids throw tantrums to try to get something they want. It's just like breathing for some kids; it seems as if they’re born with “the wants.”

But when we're spending more than ever on food, fuel, and other basic necessities, the need for the word "no" is growing as quickly as some of those bills -- both to save funds and financial futures.

"As a parent you want to give your child everything,” said Tracey Blaue, a financial planner for Consumer Credit Counseling of the Ozarks.

To keep your kids from developing bad habits, experts say it’s important to start early right in the toy aisle.

Eventually, kids demand more than a "no." For advice on dealing with those who have grown out of the dolls and into more expensive tastes, we went straight to the source -- a couple of teenage girls.

"My dad said, ‘If we bought everything you want, we'd have no money,” said Casey Hokkanen.

Laura Brown and Casey Hokkanen are both seniors at Ozark High School. They’re enrolled now in a mandatory personal finance class.

The two of them say they learned how to manage money long before they were playing financial memory games in school. They learned those lessons from mom's example and some quality time with dad.

"My mom is really good at paying for things when she has the money,” said Laura.

"My dad would sit me down and show me the checkbook, how much was left after payday, etc.” said Casey.

Setting an example and honesty -- those are just two of Blaue's focuses when she visits area classrooms. She says both traits -- and hands on experience – help kids learn exactly how to manage a money with a real-live checkbook.

"The faster those principles are taught, the easier it's going to be for kids and parent,” said Blaue.

Another thing that Blaue suggests is to start saving before your child is born. Her example: buy a sturdy but less-expensive crib.

A baby sleeps as well in a $100 crib as he will in a $1,000 crib. And, that early even, she says you're setting up your kids’ expectations. Start teaching savings strategies early!