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How to start teaching your kids about money early — 7 easy tips

Teaching children about money from an early age equips them with the knowledge and habits necessary to navigate the complex financial landscape as they grow

Photo by Lukas on Pexels
Photo by Lukas on Pexels

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Financial literacy is a crucial life skill that empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their money, fostering long-term financial stability and well-being. Teaching children about money from an early age equips them with the knowledge and habits necessary to navigate the complex financial landscape as they grow. Early financial education can lead to better budgeting, saving, and spending practices, ultimately reducing the likelihood of financial stress and debt in adulthood. This article will explore seven easy tips to start teaching your kids about money, helping them develop a solid foundation for a secure financial future​.

1. Start with basic concepts

Introducing children to basic financial concepts such as money, savings, and spending is essential. Use simple language and relatable examples to explain what money is, how it is earned, and the importance of saving for future needs. Age-appropriate methods can make learning engaging and effective.

Using toys and games

Educational toys and games are excellent tools for teaching kids about money. Board games like Monopoly or digital apps designed for financial education can make learning fun. These games simulate real-life financial scenarios, teaching children about earning, spending, saving, and investing in an interactive way. Incorporate these tools during playtime to help children understand financial concepts in a practical and enjoyable manner​. For younger children, games that involve counting coins or using play money can also be effective.

2. Set up a savings jar

Visual aids, such as a savings jar, can significantly enhance a child’s understanding of money. A savings jar allows kids to see their money grow over time, reinforcing the concept of saving. Here are the steps to create a savings jar:

  1. Choose a clear jar: Select a transparent jar or container so that children can see their savings accumulate.
  2. Label the jar: Use labels to set specific savings goals, such as a new toy or book, which can help motivate children to save.
  3. Regular contributions: Encourage your child to add money regularly, such as from allowances or small earnings.

Seeing the accumulation of savings provides a tangible representation of their efforts, making the abstract concept of saving more concrete and motivating​.

Additionally, parents can introduce the idea of splitting money into different jars for spending, saving, and sharing, teaching kids about budgeting and charitable giving.

3. Introduce an allowance 

Providing children with an allowance is a common method for teaching financial responsibility, but it comes with both benefits and drawbacks.

Pros and cons of giving an allowance

  • Pros: An allowance can help children learn about money management, budgeting, and the value of money. It fosters financial literacy and independence, allowing children to make spending decisions and learn from their mistakes. It can also instill a sense of responsibility and work ethic if tied to chores or good grades.
  • Cons: On the downside, an allowance can sometimes lead to wasteful spending if not properly managed. It might also create a sense of entitlement or reduce the intrinsic motivation to contribute to household chores without financial incentive​.

Guidelines for setting an appropriate amount

Set an allowance that matches your child’s age and responsibilities. A common guideline is $1 per year of age weekly (e.g., a 10-year-old receives $10 per week). Adjust the amount based on your family’s financial situation and your child’s needs.

Teaching kids to budget their allowance

Introduce basic budgeting by helping your child allocate their allowance into categories like savings, spending, and charity. This teaches them to prioritize their financial goals.

Creating a simple budget plan

Components of a basic budget

  • Income: Weekly allowance amount.
  • Expenses: List of items or activities they want to spend on.
  • Savings: Portion set aside for future goals.
  • Charity: Amount designated for donations.

4. Teach the value of work and earnings

Understanding the link between work and earnings is crucial for children to appreciate the value of money.

Discuss the connection between work and earning money

Explain how money is earned through work and effort. This helps children understand that financial rewards are a result of labor, fostering a strong work ethic and appreciation for money​.

Age-appropriate chores and jobs

Assign chores that match your child’s age and abilities. For younger children, tasks like tidying toys or setting the table are appropriate. Older children can handle more complex chores like mowing the lawn or doing laundry.

Importance of linking effort with earnings

By tying allowance to chores, children learn that money must be earned through consistent effort. This builds a sense of accountability and responsibility.

Creating a chore chart

Tips for maintaining consistency and motivation

Use a chore chart to track completed tasks and payments. Consistency in expectations and rewards helps reinforce the connection between work and earnings.

5. Encourage smart spending

Teaching children to spend money wisely is an essential part of financial education.

Explain the concept of smart spending

Smart spending involves making thoughtful purchasing decisions, prioritizing needs over wants, and avoiding impulsive buys. Explain how to compare prices and assess the value of items before making a purchase​.

Tips for teaching kids to make wise purchasing decisions

  1. Needs vs. wants: Help children differentiate between essentials and non-essentials.
  2. Comparison shopping: Show them how to compare prices and quality across different stores or online platforms.
  3. Saving for bigger purchases: Encourage saving up for more expensive items instead of spending money immediately.

PRO TIP: Use shopping trips as teaching moments to discuss needs vs. wants and comparison shopping. Engage your child in conversations about why you choose certain products over others and how to find the best deals.

6. Introduce the concept of investments

Introducing children to the concept of investments can be simplified by breaking it down into manageable parts. Start by explaining that investments are a way to grow money over time, much like planting seeds that will grow into a tree bearing fruit. Use relatable examples such as savings accounts, bonds, or even a small amount in stocks that they can track together.

Examples of small, kid-friendly investments

  1. Savings accounts: Open a savings account in your child’s name and explain how the money grows with interest.
  2. Bonds: Discuss government or savings bonds as a safe investment option that matures over time​.
  3. Stocks: Consider buying a share in a company your child knows, like Disney or a toy company, to make the process engaging and relatable.

The importance of long-term financial planning

Explain that investments require patience and are aimed at achieving long-term goals, such as college savings or buying a car. Emphasize the value of starting early to take advantage of compound interest​.

Using stories and analogies

Effective stories and analogies

  • Tree planting: Compare investing to planting a tree that grows and bears fruit over time.
  • Sports team: Relate investing to supporting a favorite sports team over a season, watching their progress and celebrating their wins.

Real-life examples and kid-friendly investment options

  • Use a simple investment app designed for kids to track their investments.
  • Share stories of young entrepreneurs who started with small investments and grew their wealth.

7. Discuss giving and charity

Teaching children about empathy and social responsibility through giving and charity is an essential part of financial education.

Importance of empathy and social responsibility

Instilling the values of empathy and social responsibility helps children understand the impact they can make in their communities. Discuss how giving back not only helps others but also provides a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Ways to involve kids in charitable activities

  1. Donation drives: Participate in local donation drives for food, clothing, or toys.
  2. Volunteering: Volunteer together at local shelters or community centers.
  3. Fundraising: Organize small fundraising events like bake sales or lemonade stands where the proceeds go to charity.

Discussing the impact of donations and volunteering

Talk about the tangible outcomes of charitable actions, such as how donations can provide meals for families or fund medical research. Highlight stories of individuals and communities positively affected by charity work​.

8. Using technology to teach financial literacy

Leveraging technology can make financial education more engaging and effective for children.

Review of apps and online resources for teaching kids about money

  1. PiggyBot: An app that helps kids manage their allowance and set savings goals.
  2. Bankaroo: A virtual bank for kids to track their money and learn about budgeting.
  3. Greenlight: A debit card for kids with parental controls that teach spending, saving, and giving.

How to use these tools effectively

  • Set regular check-ins to review your child’s progress and discuss their financial decisions.
  • Encourage the use of features like goal-setting and spending analysis to build good habits.

Benefits of incorporating technology into financial education

  • Interactive and engaging, making learning fun.
  • Provides real-time feedback and tracking to reinforce lessons.
  • Encourages responsible financial behavior from a young age.

Include secure spend as an example of a tool or resource

Mention securespend as a resource that helps parents monitor and guide their child’s spending habits, ensuring a safe and educational financial environment.

9. The role of parents in financial education

Parents play a crucial role in modeling good financial behavior for their children.

Importance of modeling good financial behavior

Children often mimic their parents’ habits. Demonstrating responsible financial behavior, such as budgeting and saving, sets a positive example for them to follow.

Tips for parents to engage in ongoing financial discussions

  • Regular conversations: Make financial discussions a part of everyday life, such as during grocery shopping or when paying bills.
  • Transparency: Share your financial decisions and thought processes to provide context and understanding.

How to handle financial mistakes as learning opportunities

  • Discuss consequences: Talk about financial mistakes openly and what can be learned from them.
  • Encourage problem-solving: Help children think through solutions and ways to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

PRO TIP: Regularly review your family’s budget with your kids to make them feel involved and understand real-life financial management.

Conclusion

Starting financial education early is essential for raising financially literate children. The seven tips discussed — ranging from basic concepts to investment strategies — provide a comprehensive guide for parents. By being proactive and engaging in ongoing financial discussions, parents can equip their children with the skills needed to navigate the financial landscape confidently. Long-term, these efforts will help children develop a healthy relationship with money, leading to better financial decisions and stability in adulthood. Encourage parents to start implementing these tips today to lay a strong foundation for their children’s financial future.

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Written By

Jon Stojan is a professional writer based in Wisconsin. He guides editorial teams consisting of writers across the US to help them become more skilled and diverse writers. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife and children.

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