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Ben Affleck is committed to ensuring his children understand the importance of money management.
During a recent interview with Access Hollywood at the premiere of “The Accountant 2” at the SXSW film festival, the acclaimed actor shared a humorous take on a viral moment involving his teenage son. In the video, young Samuel expresses admiration for a pair of shoes priced at $6,000. These extravagant Dior Air Force 1s sparked a lively exchange between father and son.
Affleck recounted his reaction, saying, “That’s what happens when you tell a motherf—er they have to mow a lawn. All of a sudden, they don’t want those shoes anymore.” Samuel, 13, had suggested the shoes were essential to his personal style, saying, ‘But I always said they were tough.’
The actor engaged the reporter by asking if she had children, and elaborated on their conversation. He drew a line about financial expectations, saying, “It’s always some grift why I need to be … I’m like, ‘Man, you do not need thousand-dollar shoes!’ He’s like, ‘We have the money.’ To which I responded, ‘I have the money, you’re broke!'”
In the original video, Affleck and Samuel explored various sneaker options at a convention when Samuel’s eyes landed on the luxurious Dior shoes. With a smile, Affleck humorously pointed out the effort required to afford such footwear, remarking, “That’s a lot of lawns you gotta mow there.”
Affleck shares Samuel with his ex-wife, Jennifer Garner, alongside their two older daughters, Violet, 19, and Seraphina, 16. Garner recently celebrated Violet’s graduation from high school, highlighting the family’s achievements and milestones on social media. In May 2024, Violet completed her studies and began pursuing further education at Yale.
Garner delightedly posted about her daughter’s graduation on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt collection of images, including one capturing her emotional support during the ceremony. She humorously captioned one post, “Tell me you have a graduate without telling me you have a graduate.” The series captured her tears and joy as Violet reached this significant milestone.
Affleck and Garner announced their separation in 2015, finalizing their divorce in 2018 after ten years of marriage. Despite moving on with their lives—and in some cases, new relationships—they prioritize a respectful co-parenting relationship.
In a 2020 interview with Good Morning America, Affleck reflected on their partnership, stating, “When you have children with somebody, you’re connected to them forever. I’m very lucky she is the mother of my children. I’m grateful and respectful of her. Our marriage didn’t work, and that’s difficult. Both of us really believe that it’s important for kids to see their parents respect one another and get along, whether they’re together or not.”
The ex-couple continues to be spotted together in various family activities. Most recently, they attended a paintball event with one of their children, leading to heightened speculation about the nature of their relationship. A source shared that they exhibited positive energy toward one another, emphasizing their focus was mainly on their child’s happiness.
Footage from the paintball outing showcased Affleck embracing Garner while she aimed her paintball gun, indicating a friendly rapport between the two. He later picked up a paintball gun himself after she did not follow through with a hug, reinforcing a sense of their cordial relationship.
Body language expert Nicole Moore analyzed the dynamics between Affleck and Garner, observing that many divorced couples maintain physical distance during interactions to protect emotional space. However, she noted that their body language suggested a different reality, as they appeared inclined toward one another, indicating a lingering emotional bond.
After their divorce, Affleck rekindled his relationship with Jennifer Lopez. The pair were married for approximately two years before finalizing their divorce in February 2025. Garner has been linked to businessman John Miller since 2018, although they have navigated their own ups and downs, seemingly recommitting to each other in 2023.
Balancing Parenting and Personal Lives
Affleck and Garner exemplify how co-parenting can function positively, even amidst personal challenges. Their public exchanges reflect a commitment to their children’s well-being and a genuine friendship that has endured the test of time. The anecdotes involving their children often serve as reminders that even high-profile celebrities share common parental challenges.
As they navigate the complexities of blended family life and their respective romantic relationships, there remains a sense of unity. Their ability to coexist harmoniously sends a powerful message about the importance of mutual respect and cooperation in co-parenting.
Lessons Learned Through Parenting
In sharing these moments, Affleck not only highlights a father’s role but also provides insight into the age-old lesson of valuing hard work and understanding financial responsibility. Teaching children the significance of dollars and the effort behind earning them lays a strong foundation for their future.
Ultimately, the interaction surrounding the expensive sneakers comes full circle to emphasize fundamental truths: wealth does not determine worth, and the value of hard work transcends monetary barriers. Affleck’s candid approach addresses not only parenting but also the essential discussions parents should have with their children regarding money, priorities, and the luxuries that often come with a price.
