April is Financial Literacy Month: Answering Your Biggest Questions About Teaching Kids Money Skills
- Mara Williams
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
April is Financial Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to talk about a topic that affects every family—teaching kids about money. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or educator, you’ve probably wondered:
When should I start teaching my child about money?
What’s the best way to explain saving, spending, and budgeting?
How do I make financial lessons fun instead of boring?
If you’ve ever asked these questions, you’re not alone! Let’s dive into some of the most common concerns and how to make financial literacy engaging, practical, and age-appropriate.
1. When Should I Start Teaching My Child About Money?
Short answer: As early as possible! Kids begin forming money habits as young as 5 to 7 years old. That means the earlier you introduce simple financial concepts, the better.
Ages 3-5: Talk about needs vs. wants, play pretend store, and introduce coins.
Ages 6-9: Teach about earning (small jobs, entrepreneurship), saving in a piggy bank, and making spending choices with money.
Ages 10-12: Introduce budgeting, basic banking, and how to set financial goals.
Teens: Discuss investing, credit, and entrepreneurship (side hustles, anyone?).
💡 Tip: Turn everyday moments into money lessons—grocery shopping, birthday money, and even a trip to the bank can become learning opportunities!
2. What’s the Best Way to Teach Kids Money Skills?
The key to teaching kids about money is making it real and hands-on. Here are a few ways to do that:
Let them earn: Give kids opportunities to earn money beyond an allowance (e.g., lemonade stands, pet sitting, selling handmade crafts).
Use real money: Let younger kids count cash, make purchases, and see how money works in everyday life.
Practice budgeting: Give kids a set amount of money for a family outing or shopping trip and let them decide how to spend it.
Set savings goals: Whether it’s a toy, a bike, or a special trip, having a goal helps kids see the power of saving.
💡 Tip: Kids learn best by doing—so let them make small financial decisions (and mistakes) while they’re young!
3. How Can I Make Financial Literacy Fun?
The last thing we want is for kids to think of money lessons as boring! The trick? Turn learning into play.
Games & Challenges: Try our Let's Play Money printable activity packets. They are full of games, challenges, coloring, pop-up shops & more.
Entrepreneurship Activities: Help kids set up a small business—bake sales, bracelet-making, or a farmers market stand can teach valuable financial lessons.
Hands-On Learning: Try my new Financial Literacy Subscription Box, which includes fun, interactive activities to help kids learn about money through play.
💡 Tip: Kids love stories! My Little Books of Big Business series teaches financial and entrepreneurial lessons through fun, engaging stories.
4. What If I Don’t Feel Financially Confident Myself?
A lot of parents worry that they don’t know enough about money to teach their kids money skills
But the truth is—you don’t have to be a financial expert!
Learn together: Read books, watch videos, or take on a family finance challenge together.
Be honest: If you made financial mistakes in the past, use them as teachable moments for your kids.
Keep it simple: Focus on foundational concepts—earning, saving, spending wisely, and giving.
💡 Tip: You’re already ahead just by prioritizing financial literacy for your family. Start small, and build from there!
Join Me This Financial Literacy Month!
This April, I’m challenging families to make financial education a priority. If you’re ready to make money lessons fun, practical, and stress-free, I invite you to:
✅ Join my April Financial Literacy Challenge for weekly money activities.
✅ Check out my Financial Literacy Subscription Box—a fun way to teach kids about money through play.
✅ Follow me on social media for daily tips, live Q&As, and giveaways!
Let’s raise the next generation of money-smart kids—together
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