Question -- I enjoyed your recent series of columns on getting kids interested in the stock market. I seem to recall that in the past some companies have given perks to their shareholders that kids would enjoy. Do companies still do this, and, if so, which ones?Answer -- Not as many firms as in the past feel moved to be so generous, but there are a few holdouts.
For example, Wrigley shareholders get a box of 20 free packs of gum during the holidays. Each fall 3M shareholders have the opportunity to pay $9.50 for a gift assortment of Post-its and other company products. And Anheuser-Busch gives its investors 15 percent discounts on admission to its theme parks.
Note: All these companies are among the hundreds that let you make initial stock purchases directly from the firm without going through a broker, after which you can enroll in the company's dividend-reinvestment plan (DRIP) and buy additional shares.
For a detailed online listing of firms that let you buy stock directly, visit the Netstock Direct site at www.netstockdirect.com.
Question -- Can you suggest some Web sites that will help me teach my kids about investing?
Answer -- In addition to the Netstock site mentioned above, here's a selection of resources that both kids and their parents will find helpful:
MainXchange www.mainXchange.com. An ongoing interactive investing competition with prizes and other perks.
Investing for Kids hyperion.advanced.org/3096. An excellent primer produced by kids, for kids, that grown-ups will appreciate, too.
The Stock Market Game smg2000.org. A school-based game in which students try to increase virtual portfolios of $100,000.
Young Fools www.fool.com/Teens/FamilyCollection980325.htm. Teen-focused site, courtesy of the Motley Fool.
Edustock library.advanced.org/3088/welcome/welcome.html. Free real-time stock-market simulation with 20-minute delay on stock quotes.
How to Teach Young People About Investing www.better-investing.org/youth/how-to-teach.html. A soup-to-nuts curriculum.
Online Math Applications! tqjunior.advanced.org/4116/. An exercise in real-life math using investment vehicles.
Have a question about kids and finances for Dr. Tightwad? Write to Dr. T at 1729 H St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. Or send the good doctor an e-mail message (and any other questions for this column) to jbodnar@kiplinger.com.