EVERY TIME YOU BORROW MONEY, YOU’RE ROBBING YOUR FUTURE SELF.-NATHAN W. MORRIS
Start teaching early
As soon as kids can count, start teaching basic concepts like saving, spending, needs vs. wants, etc. The earlier you start, the more ingrained good habits will be.
Make it visual
Use pictures, games, charts, jars, etc. to represent money and reinforce lessons. Kids learn better when they can see concepts visually.
Give an allowance
Let kids practice managing money by giving them a small, regular allowance. Help them divide it into saving, spending, and giving.
Set goals
Help kids identify goals to save for like a toy they want. Visualize progress with a savings chart. Praise goal achievement.
Open savings account
Open a simple savings account at your bank and make occasional deposits. Teach tracking balances, interest.
Discuss family finances
Openly discuss household budgeting and financial decisions when age appropriate. Kids need to see money management in action.
Let them make mistakes
Allow some bad choices as learning moments. Don't bail kids out from their money mistakes.