Teaching Your Kids About Money

Most schools don't teach financial literacy. Most kids learn about money from watching their parents, which means they inherit both the wisdom and the dysfunction. As a father, you have the opportunity to intentionally teach your children how money works, how to manage it, and how to think about it wisely.

The lessons you teach now will shape their financial future for decades. Kids who learn to save, budget, work, and give are set up for success. Kids who don't often struggle well into adulthood.

Core Lessons to Teach

Money comes from work: Not from dad's wallet or a magic card. Help them connect effort to income.

Delayed gratification: Saving for something you want is more satisfying than instant purchase.

Spending choices have tradeoffs: If you buy this, you can't buy that. Every choice costs something.

Giving matters: Part of your money should go to help others. Generosity is a practice.

Debt is dangerous: Borrowing money has real costs. Teach caution.

Your kids are learning about money whether you teach them or not. They're watching what you do, how you talk about it, what you prioritize. Be intentional about the lessons you're transmitting.

Age-Appropriate Approaches

• Young children: Save-Spend-Give jars, waiting for things they want, basic counting
• Elementary: Simple budgets, earning through chores, comparison shopping
• Teens: Bank accounts, budgeting for activities, part-time work, compound interest

Model What You Teach

Kids learn more from what you do than what you say. If you complain about money but spend freely, they'll pick up the contradiction. If you're generous, disciplined, and wise with money, they'll absorb that too. Your example is the most powerful teacher.

Your Action Steps

This week: Have a conversation about money with your kids. Where does it come from? What's it for?

This month: Implement a system for your kids to earn, save, and give.

This quarter: Look for teachable moments about financial decisions. Include them in appropriate discussions.