learning never stops
Some skills, like money management will ALWAYS be essential, no matter the circumstances.
How to Talk to Your Kids about Money
How soon is too soon to talk to your kids or grandkids about money?
If they're old enough to ask for a toy or bike, they're old enough to start learning financial lessons. The best ones are part of everyday life. Here are some examples of teachable moments to help you get started.
Read a Money Book
Does your child like stories?
Watch the videos below together or read a money-related book. Afterward, ask questions about the book that encourage your child to think about how they would save and spend money, and ask if they would do things differently than the characters in the story.
Monkey-See, Monkey-Do
Be a model of good saving and spending behavior for your children.
This is especially true if you involve them in financial discussions. For example, before taking a family vacation, ask your child to help set their budget for toy/souvenir purchases. OR have them help make the grocery list and compare prices while shopping.
Learn about saving with a game show!
Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is
Discussion Questions
- What would you choose to eat after seeing the cost of each item?
- What option would you choose after seeing the size of each item?
- How would buying the generic item versus the brand name item help you save long-term?
- What could you buy with the money you saved by choosing the generic item over the name brand?
- What other ways could you save money?
"Bunny Money"
Discussion Questions
- Why did Max and Ruby go shopping?
- What was the price of the skating ballerina music box?
- Why couldn’t Max and Ruby buy it?
- What did Ruby mean when she said, “Money is running through our fingers?"
- If you had $15.25 like Max and Ruby did, would you save it or spend it?
"Just Saving My Money"
Discussion Questions
- If you have a piggy bank, what does it look like?
- Have you ever gone into the bank with your parents or another grown up?
- What’s your favorite part of visiting the bank?
- What are some things you are saving for?
- Critter did chores to earn money. What are some ways you can earn money?
"Money Money Honey Bunny"
Discussion Questions
- If you were Honey Bunny, how would you spend your money?
- Do you think Honey Bunny was smart to spend money on all her family and friends?
- Did Honey Bunny spend any money on herself?
- How do you like to spend your money?
- How do you save your money?
"Penny Pot"
Discussion Questions
- Can you keep track of the extra pennies given to the penny pot?
- Who donated the most pennies?
- What is something you want to save your money to buy?
- What do you do at home to earn money?
- Do you save or spend money you get for a birthday or holiday gift?
"Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock"
Discussion Questions
- Do you like to save money when you get it, or do you spend it right away?
- What is something you would like to save your money for?
- What did you learn from this story?
- What are some things you can do to earn money?
- Were you surprised Brock was the one to save his money and Rock was the one who liked to spend his money? Why?
"Dollars & Sense"
Discussion Questions
- If you were Brother and Sister Bear, how would you spend your allowance?
- Do you think they should have saved it?
- Do you think they were wise to spend it ALL right away?
- What do you spend your money on?
- Where do you save money? In a piggy bank? In a savings account?
Resources:
Lights, Camera, Save! – videos created by students
Youth & Money - resources to help youth understand money concepts
Money as You Grow – building a foundation to understand financial concepts
Fun Brain - games and quizzes for ages K-8
EverFI for Parents - free games and activities, requires registration/login
EverFi for Educators - free classroom lessons, requires registration/login