8 helpful tips for teaching kids about money

8 helpful tips

What kids learn about money can last a lifetime. Smart money habits can set them up for a bright financial future. And these lessons don’t need to be complicated. You can blend simple games, activities and discussions into daily life.

Here are some tips for teaching kids about money – and keeping the conversation going as they grow.

teach through games

Playing pretend teaches kids to think ahead and make choices. Playground games can help build self control.¹ And board games can give kids a chance to make spending decisions using play money.

make a game of shopping, too

At the store, ask your kids to hunt for the lowest price on a specific item,² or have them point out the least and most expensive in a group of items.³

add interest

Remember that piggy bank? Use it to teach your kids the rewards of saving by paying them “interest.” For every dollar saved, add a nickel, dime (or whatever you can afford). Keep the interest payments in a separate jar, so your kids can watch them grow.⁴

Oh, and if you missed our DIY piggy bank post, you can find it here: http://bit.ly

make the most of story time

Find books to read with your kids that teach about money. Your local library can help you get started. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has a list of books, too:

https://www.consumerfinance.gov/consumer-tools/money-as-you-grow/bookshelf/

talk about TV ads

Chances are that your kids watch a lot of TV. While enjoying favorite shows together, talk about the ads you see. Discuss how advertisers use images, music and catchy phrases to make people want to buy things.⁵

share family matters

As they get older, include your kids in family meetings and discussions about money. Talk about costs like housing, car payments, food and clothing.

explain credit basics

If you have a credit card or credit account, show your kids a monthly statement. Explain that the purchases you make with a credit card still need to be paid for. Point out interest and finance charges that may appear on the statement.