It’s never too early to start talking about money. Whether your child is asking for candy or saving for a bike, simple lessons about spending and saving can help them build healthy money habits. The key is to match what you teach to their age — and make it fun.
Why Talking About Money Early Helps
Kids in Santa Ana grow up seeing how much things cost — from gas to groceries. Talking openly about money helps them understand that everything has value.
You don’t need to share every detail of your budget, but even small conversations like “We’re saving for that” teach kids patience, planning, and responsibility.
👶 Start Small (Ages 5–10)
When kids begin asking for things, it’s a great time to start.
Instead of saying “We can’t afford that,” try:
“Let’s save up so you can buy it later.”
You can also:
- Give a small allowance and teach them to split it into spending, saving, and sharing.
- Use clear jars so they can see their money grow.
- Let them help count change or pay at the store.
These small actions show them that money has purpose — and that saving can be rewarding.
💬 Involve Them in Simple Family Decisions (Ages 8–13)
Older kids can understand that the things they use — snacks, phones, or field trips — cost money.
You can:
- Let them “pitch in” for something they want (like a game or phone case).
- Talk about trade-offs: “If we buy this, we’ll wait on that.”
- Show them how you plan for bills or savings goals.
This gives them a healthy respect for money and helps them see the effort behind what you provide.
💳 When Teens Are Ready for Bigger Lessons (Ages 14–18)
By high school, kids are ready for real-world money skills.
You can:
- Help them open a student bank account with a debit card.
- Talk about credit cards, interest, and student loans before they use them.
- Encourage them to earn their own money from a part-time job, business idea, or family project.
Hands-on experience is the best teacher — just stay involved as they learn to manage it.
🎯 Make It Fun and Real
Learning about money doesn’t have to be serious.
Connect lessons to what your child already loves:
- If they’re into Disney, show them how you can invest in companies like Disney.
- If they watch YouTube, explain how creators earn income.
- Use kid-friendly tools like Stockpile or Greenlight, which let them track savings or buy shares in familiar brands.
When kids see how money connects to things they care about, they’ll pay attention.
💼 Rethink Paying for Chores
Instead of only paying for basic chores, try assigning “projects” that they own.
Example:
“The garage needs organizing — how would you plan it? When it’s done, I’ll pay you.”
This teaches creativity, accountability, and the idea that good work creates value.
🌱 Final Thought: It’s About Confidence, Not Complexity
You don’t need to be a financial expert to raise money-smart kids — just consistent.
Start small, talk often, and lead by example. The goal is to raise confident, capable young adults who understand how to handle money responsibly.
And while you’re teaching your kids to manage money, make sure your own finances are protected. At Neighborhood Insurance Agency, we’ve helped Santa Ana families build financial security since 1989 — with honest advice and coverage that fits your life.
📞 Call us at (714) 285-9990 or visit www.niacoverage.com to learn how we can help protect your home, car, and family future.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Reference
Cason, D., Cohen, A. J., & Beauchamp, M. (2024, March 7). Is it time to talk to your kids about money? Here’s how to know. The Skimm. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://www.theskimm.com/ask-an-expert%20/teaching-kids-about-money
FDIC (2025). Consumer Resource Center: Money Smart for Young People. Retrieved October 17, 2025, from https://www.fdic.gov/consumer-resource-center/money-smart-young-people
