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Forget homemaking and knot-tying, girl guides are being issued with tips on financial matters to help them survive the credit crunch.
In a leaflet for its members, Girlguiding UK recommends that they avoid using store cards, shop around for bank accounts and products and protect themselves from identity theft. It also suggests they stop relying on the bank of mum and dad, warning: "Don't assume that your parents will be able to foot the bill for everything you want – or bail you out when you owe money."
The advice is included in the first of a series of guides aimed to help 16-18 year olds learn important skills. Money management was chosen as the launch subject after a poll of young members by Girlguiding UK found that 93% thought it was the one skill every girl should have.
The guide says: "With the recent credit crunch and financial markets in turmoil, we are all going to feel the pinch. By developing good habits now you will be better equipped to manage your money as an adult."
Staying safe on the streets is the subject of the second guide - produced with the help of the Suzy Lamplugh Trust - after almost all the girls polled revealed they worried about walking home alone after dark.
Guides are told never to use unlicensed cabs or use mobiles or mp3 players when walking home, to change into flat shoes instead of tottering in heels and to cross the road if they think they are being followed.
Denise King, chief executive of Girlguiding UK, said: "As UK's largest organisation providing a safe female-only space for girls and young women, we see it as our responsibility to give girls and young women the knowledge to confidently and knowledgeably deal with the new experiences they face growing up.
"These guides are intended to give girls confidence in dealing with issues they have voiced concern about, helping them to understand and overcome any potential hazards."
David Whitely a spokesman for the Financial Services Authority said, "This is a very helpful initiative from Girlguiding as we believe it's important for young people to learn the basics on how to manage money early on. They will then have more confidence when it comes to making more important money decisions as they get older."
Top tips from Guiding's Guide to managing money
1. Shop around - see which banks are offering the best deals
2. Avoid the debt trap - be wary of loans, store cards and borrowing off your mates
3. Bargain hunt and compare prices - can you get it cheaper online?
4. Forget fashion fads - as Yves Saint Laurent said "fashion fades, style is eternal"
5. Just the job - get work experience and give yourself a head-start
6. Don't rely on the bank of mum and dad - everyone's cutting costs
7. Know your enemy - understand how fraudsters work, shred documents and only use trusted websites
8. Get geeky - make sure you know your APR from your ISA
9. Choose wisely - think carefully about your purchases to avoid disappointment on a limited budget
10. Be restrained - know your budget limits and don't stray beyond them
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