Ben Affleck is committed to ensuring that his children understand the value of money and
the importance of financial responsibility. During an interview with Access Hollywood at the SXSW film festival premiere of “The Accountant 2,” the 52-year-old actor humorously responded to a viral video featuring his teenage son admiring an expensive pair of designer
sneakers. The video, which quickly gained traction online, captured Affleck and his
13-year-old son, Samuel, browsing various high-end sneakers at a convention. Samuel expressed interest in a $6,000 pair of Dior Air Force 1s, prompting Affleck’s candid and humorous response about financial priorities.
“That’s what happens when you tell a motherf—er they have to mow a lawn,” Affleck joked. “All of a sudden they don’t want those shoes.” He continued, recalling his son’s response, “But I always said they were tough.” Addressing the interviewer, Affleck asked if she had children and then elaborated on the financial lesson he was teaching Samuel. “It’s always some grift why I need to be … I’m like, ‘Man, you do not need thousand-dollar shoes!'” he said. “He’s like, ‘We have the money.’ I’m like, ‘I have the money, you’re broke!'”
In the original video, Affleck can be seen reacting to the hefty price tag of the designer sneakers, turning to his son and quipping, “That’s a lot of lawns you gotta mow there.” His remark quickly resonated with parents online who appreciated his no-nonsense approach to teaching his son about the value of hard work and earning money before spending it frivolously.
Affleck shares Samuel with his ex-wife, actress Jennifer Garner. The former couple also has two daughters, Violet, 19, and Seraphina, 16. Their eldest, Violet, graduated from high school in May 2024 and has since been studying at Yale University. Garner marked the emotional milestone with an Instagram post at the time, sharing a series of heartfelt photos, including one of her cheering on Violet during a graduation event. In a caption that resonated with many parents, she wrote, “Tell me you have a graduate without telling me you have a graduate. (Bless our hearts).” The post also included images of her getting teary-eyed on a plane and posing in festive “2024” glasses, symbolizing her pride and joy.
Affleck and Garner, once one of Hollywood’s most beloved couples, announced their separation in 2015 after ten years of marriage. They finalized their divorce in 2018 but have maintained a close and cooperative co-parenting relationship. In a 2020 interview with “Good Morning America,” Affleck reflected on their dynamic, acknowledging the enduring bond they share through their children. “When you have children with somebody, you’re connected to them forever,” he said. “And I’m very lucky she is the mother of my children. I’m very 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.”
Over the years, Affleck and Garner have been seen together frequently, sparking occasional speculation about a possible reconciliation. Recently, they were spotted on a family outing at a paintball facility, further fueling internet rumors. However, a source told Fox News Digital that they were simply enjoying time with their children. “There was a bunch of good energy around them,” the source stated. “You can just tell they were mainly there for their kid.” A video from the outing shows Affleck hugging Garner from the side while she focuses on a paintball target. He later picks up his own paintball gun after Garner does not reciprocate the hug. Body language expert Nicole Moore analyzed the footage for Fox News Digital, noting, “Many divorced couples co-parent with a noticeable distance between them as a way to maintain emotional boundaries. However, Ben and Jen’s bodies appear to be actively leaning in toward one another, indicating that they still share emotional intimacy.”
Following their divorce, Affleck rekindled his romance with Jennifer Lopez, whom he had been engaged to in the early 2000s before calling it off. The two reunited and tied the knot, but their marriage lasted only about two years before they finalized their divorce in February 2025. Meanwhile, Garner has been linked to John Miller, chairman of CaliGroup, since 2018. Although they briefly took a break, reports suggest they have been together consistently since 2023.
Affleck’s lighthearted parenting moment at the sneaker convention, coupled with his continued co-parenting relationship with Garner, highlights his dedication to balancing fame with everyday family values. His humorous yet practical approach to teaching his children about money underscores the importance of financial literacy, even in the glitzy world of Hollywood.
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