Hi Mobsters and welcome back to the second instalment of our series on financial literacy for kids. In the first post, we explored why money habits form early and why it’s so important for us,
as parents, to start the conversation. Today we’re diving into what to teach your children at different ages and how to make it fun, simple and natural.
Money lessons don’t have to feel formal. In fact, the most effective ones come from small, everyday activities that your child can relate to. Below are some easy ways to introduce money
skills at different stages—enough to get started, but leaving plenty of room to explore more in our upcoming post.
Early Years: Planting the Seeds
Even toddlers are aware of money long before they can count it. They see you tapping a card or handing over coins. At this stage, the goal isn’t to teach budgeting, but to make money tangible.
One simple activity is playing “shops” at home. Set up a pretend stall with toys or snacks as “products,” give your child some coins (real or pretend), and let them “buy” and “sell.” This introduces the idea that money is exchanged for goods without it feeling like a lesson.
Primary Years: Learning by Doing
As children get older, they’re ready for small amounts of independence with money. This is a great time to introduce pocket money and basic saving. The aim is to let them experience choices (and sometimes mistakes) while the stakes are small.
An easy activity here is to create three jars or envelopes labelled “Spend, Save, Share.” Give them a small allowance and help them divide it up. Watching their coins build up visually
helps them understand the concepts of saving and generosity in a concrete way.
Tweens: Building Understanding
By the tween years, money starts to mean more. They want to buy bigger things, plan ahead and maybe even earn their own. This is the perfect moment to deepen their understanding of planning and priorities.
One gentle activity is to involve them in setting a small budget for a family treat—like a weekend outing or baking project. Give them the amount you’re willing to spend, talk through options, and let them help make the decisions. It teaches trade-offs and planning in a hands-on way.
Teens: Preparing for Independence
By the teenage years, your child is on the brink of real-world financial independence. They might have a part-time job, a bank card, or start thinking about bigger expenses. This is where you can start showing them how to manage their own money more intentionally.
A simple activity is to help them set up their first budget for something meaningful, like saving for a gadget or a trip. Sit down together to map out how much they’ll earn or receive, how much they’ll save each week, and how long it will take. This gives them a real sense of control and responsibility.
A Journey, Not a One-Off Lesson
Financial literacy grows with your child. It’s not about teaching everything at once, but building layer by layer—starting with play, moving to real money, then involving them in bigger conversations.
Remember, you don’t need to do it perfectly. The goal isn’t to create little financial experts overnight, but to give them the tools and experiences to understand money gradually, as they grow.
If you’ve found these tips helpful, you’ll love the final post in this series. Keep an eye out for next week!
See previous financial literacy for kids blog
