Mark September 16 for the "Money Talk"

Money skills are crucial to the next generation's ability to live responsibly and independently. Will they get all the important personal finance information they need at school this fall? Probably not. But, there's something you can do about it. Prepare yourself and your child for National Money Talk Night (Forbes Aug. 25).

Taking advantage of the back-to-school atmosphere, American Express, with Jean Chatzky, is sponsoring National Money Talk Night, a time for parents and their children to talk about personal finance on Sept. 16. The idea for the night arose from discussions Chatzky, a nationally known personal finance author and media personality, held with American Express, the Jump$tart Coalition and the Council on Economic Education.

Chatzky has prepared the tools, information, and even the words you need to have the Money Talk with your child. The information is available for three age groups: middle school, high school and college students.

Here's what you do:

• Visit MoneyNightTalk now. Download and view resources so you can get your own questions answered in advance. Pledge to have the Money Talk with your child. Print the talking points appropriate to your child's age group.
• Mark Thursday, Sept. 16 on your calendar and ask your teenagers and young adult children to do the same.
• On Sept. 16, sit down with your kids and have the Money Talk. You can use the MoneyNightTalk website or personal finance information on your credit union's website during your discussion to help answer your kids' questions.

Take note of the money attitudes and ideas that come out of your discussions. If you don't have children, invite your spouse or significant other to this national event. Use the talking points to help you discuss your financial goals.