There’s no question money plays a role in nearly every relationship. That’s why it’s so important to open the lines of communication with loved ones, such as your partner, parents and children. Molly Edwards, Financial Center Manager with Fifth Third Bank, explains how you can start a conversation about money with the important people in your life.

Learning how to manage money is one of many new skills students learn when they leave home for college. "The more parents are involved in educating their children about personal finances during high school, the easier it will be when they're on their own," says a vice president with Fifth Third Bank.

When we were kids, we were taught to "save for a rainy day." Now that those rainy days are here, what financial lessons should today's parents be teaching their kids?

"Today's turbulent economy affects everyone - even grade-schoolers," says Anthony Hudson, a financial center manager at Fifth Third Bank. "Children talk about current events in school. And the more they learn about today's economy and how it affects families, the better off they'll be as adults."

There's a reason the teenage years have a reputation for being difficult. Teens typically face a more challenging school curriculum, ongoing pressure to fit in with peers and new challenges like deciding where to go to college. Factor in today's turbulent economy, and the pressures seem to mount.

Kids who go away to college often experience many new freedoms once they're away from their parents' watchful eye. In the past, it's been a right of passage to make mistakes - and learn from them. But in today's economic climate, it's become more important for parents to help teens avoid costly mistakes.