Teaching your kids about money doesn’t have to mean sitting them down for a “Finance Talk.” Whether it’s piggy banks or debit cards, you can weave money lessons into everyday life so they learn without even realizing it. The key is to make it age-appropriate, practical, and hands-on.

Below you’ll find a breakdown by age as well as some apps that can help.

Ages 3–6: Understanding Basics

Goal: Introduce the concept of money and that things cost money.

What to Teach
  • What money is (coins and bills).
  • You need money to buy things.
  • The idea of saving vs. spending.
How to Teach
  • Play store: Use toy money and pretend play.
  • Give an allowance: Even small amounts weekly.
  • Money jars: Use 3 jars – Spend, Save, Give.
  • Read books: e.g., “Bunny Money” or “The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble with Money”.

Ages 7–10: Learning to Manage

Goal: Teach basic budgeting and saving.

What to Teach
  • The difference between needs vs. wants.
  • How to save for goals.
  • How to make choices with money.
How to Teach
  • Set savings goals: e.g., saving for a toy.
  • Let them make mistakes: Buying something and regretting it teaches lessons.
  • Involve them in shopping: Compare prices, look for deals.
  • Introduce interest: Pay a small “interest” if they save regularly.

Ages 11–13: Budgeting & Earning

Goal: Build money skills with real-world application.

What to Teach
  • How to track spending.
  • How to earn money (chores, jobs, side gigs).
  • Introduction to banking (open a youth savings account).
How to Teach
  • Use apps or spreadsheets: Like Greenlight, GoHenry, or simple Google Sheets.
  • Involve them in budgeting: e.g., help plan a birthday party with a budget.
  • Talk about advertising: Discuss how marketing affects spending.

Ages 14–18: Real-World Readiness

Goal: Prepare them for financial independence.

What to Teach
  • How to create a budget.
  • How credit works and the dangers of debt.
  • Basics of investing and compound interest.
  • Taxes and paychecks.
How to Teach
  • Teen checking accounts: Use a debit card with limits.
  • Simulate bills: Have them “pay” a portion of their phone bill or other expense.
  • Investing games: Use stock market simulators (e.g., Investopedia, Stock Market Game).
  • Teach job skills: Encourage part-time work or entrepreneurship.

Core Values to Reinforce at Any Age:

  • Delayed gratification: Saving for something instead of buying right away.
  • Generosity: Donating or helping others with their money.
  • Gratitude: Appreciating what they have, not just chasing more.

Money-Teaching Apps

Ages 4–7 (Early Learners)

Focus: Basic money concepts, fun, and visuals

Kiddopia – Money Games for Kids
  • Platform: iOS, Android
  • Teaches: Counting coins, basic transactions
  • Why it’s great: Bright, interactive games that teach the value of money in a fun way.

Ages 8–12 (Building Habits)

Focus: Allowance, saving, spending, goal setting

Acorns Early
  • Platform: iOS, Android | Paid (monthly fee)
  • Teaches: Budgeting, earning, saving, using a debit card
  • Why it’s great: Comes with a prepaid debit card, parental controls, and educational money missions.
Greenlight
  • Platform: iOS, Android | Paid
  • Teaches: Saving, spending, investing
  • Why it’s great: Real debit card, customizable savings goals, chores/pay features, and investing tools for older kids.
BusyKid
  • Platform: iOS, Android | Paid
  • Teaches: Chores → Allowance → Save/Spend/Invest/Donate
  • Why it’s great: Emulates real-life money decisions and links to a debit card.

Ages 13–18 (Teen Years)

Focus: Budgeting, earning, banking, investing

Step
  • Platform: iOS, Android | Free
  • Teaches: Banking with a secured credit card for teens
  • Why it’s great: Helps teens build credit with parent oversight. No fees.
Fidelity Youth Account
  • Platform: iOS, Android
  • Teaches: Real investing with parent approval
  • Why it’s great: Teens 13+ can buy fractional shares. Educational content is included.
Bankaroo
  • Platform: iOS, Android, Web
  • Teaches: Virtual banking simulator for tracking allowance and goals
  • Why it’s great: No real money involved. Great for practice.

Parental Safety Note

  • Most of these apps come with parent dashboards and spending controls.
  • Paid apps usually offer better security, features, and customer support.
  • Real money apps (Acorns Early, Greenlight, Step) require parental setup and supervision.

If you have questions about how to teach your kids about money, let us know.