25 Resources That Can Help Teach Your Kids About Money
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It's no secret that teaching kids about personal finance from an early age can make a world of difference as they enter into young adulthood. However, teaching your little ones about a topic that you may not be totally comfortable with, or feel like you're still learning about yourself, isn't always easy. Plus, it can be difficult to make financial lessons exciting. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources to help you along the way — many of which make learning about money interactive and fun, too!
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From children's books to TV shows and board games to apps, here are some resources your kids will love.
Books
- Arthur's Funny Money by Lillian Hoban
- A Smart Girl's Guide to Money by Nancy Holyoke
- Making Cents by Elizabeth Keeler
- Amelia Bedelia Means Business by Herman Parish
- National Geographic: Everything Money by Kathy Furgang
- When Times are Tough by Yanitzia Canetti
- Money Madness by David A. Adler
- A Dollar for Penny by Dr. Julie Glass
- One Cent, Two Cents, Old Cent, New Cent by Bonnie Worth
- Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells
For even more children's books that teach readers about money, and links to purchase those listed above, check out this list!
TV & Online Shows
- Sesame Street Financial Education: Sesame Street series brings all of your kids' favorite characters into the mix to teach basic lessons about spending, sharing, and saving money. Episodes can be viewed online and you can also access additional tools, like play money, a finance-focused activity book, and more! | Learn more.
- Biz Kid$: Biz Kid$ is a great all-around financial literacy resource for kids. The TV show is both entertaining and educational. According to their site, "each Biz Kid$ episode shows kids how to make and manage money by introducing concepts of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. To keep young viewers engaged, the series includes a fast-paced mix of direct education delivered by young actors, sketch comedies, animation, and stories featuring real-life young entrepreneurs." You can stream Biz Kid$ episodes online. | Learn more.
- It's a Money Thing: This animated video series is great for teens and young adults, and covers everything from saving money on college tuition, to making sense of taxes, to spotting money scams, and more! | Learn more.
- Schoolhouse Rock: There are plenty of Schoolhouse Rock episodes that focus on finances, and most of these can be easily accessed through an online search. Episodes to look out for include, "Where the Money Goes," "Tax Man Max," "Tyrannosaurus Debt," and "Dollars and Sense." | Learn more.
Board Games
- Pay Day: In this classic board game, players collect their monthly wage while also accumulating bills and expenses to learn about money management.
- Monopoly: Chances are, you know the rules of this beloved classic. Kids can learn about buying, trading, and developing properties, collecting rent, bankruptcy, and more.
- Act Your Wage: This board game, from Dave Ramsey, allows players to earn a salary, pay bills, save, and pay down debt. | Learn more.
- Buy it Right: This game allows kids to set prices, buy and sell items, and learn to count money. | Learn more.
- The Game of Life: Another classic, Life simulates the journey through all the major stages of a player's life. From college and jobs, to marriage and kids, and retirement. Players deal with money, insurance, and more.
- Money Bags: This game teaches kids how to count money using coins and bills as they collect, count, and exchange currency. | Learn more.
For more games that teach kids about money, check out this list!
Apps & Websites
- Motion Math: Cupcake!: This interactive app game allows users to run a cupcake business and learn about finances through buying ingredients, setting prices, and more. | Learn more.
- Freefall Money: Younger kids will love this app, which teaches them to count money. | Learn more.
- Biz Kid$: You'll find episodes of the popular Biz Kid$ show on this site, along with games, lesson plans, and blog articles. | Learn more.
- Rich Kid, Smart Kid: This site is full of games that challenge kids and grown-ups alike to learn about finance, business, investing, and more. | Learn more.
- Bankaroo: This app, created for kids by a kid, acts as a virtual bank and teaches young ones about the value of money in a safe environment. | Learn more.
For more apps that teach kids about money, check out this list!
What resources have you come across that help teach your kids about finances? Share with our readers in the comments!