5 Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Money

(3 Minute Read) —  Who says teaching kids about money has to be boring? With engaging activities, you can help your kids develop healthy financial habits—while having fun together! Here are five creative ways to get started:

1. Play Money Games

Games teach kids financial concepts and consequences in a low-pressure, enjoyable way.

• Board Games: Play classics like Monopoly or The Game of Life to teach budgeting, saving, and spending—without kids even realizing they’re learning.
• Online Adventures: Turn screen time into learning time with age-appropriate financial games, such as those found at mycreditunion.gov.
• Pretend Store: Set up a shop at home where your kids “buy” and “sell” items with play money to practice their financial skills.

2. Use Real-Life Experiences

When teaching kids about money, everyday family life can offer many teaching moments.

• DIY Projects: Plan a home activity together, such as planting a garden or painting a room, and let kids research costs and track spending.
• Meal Planning: Involve your kids in planning a weekly meal, comparing grocery prices, and sticking to a budget.
• Saving for Goals: Set a family goal—like a trip to the zoo or an ice cream treat—and track the savings to develop patience and planning.

3. Let Them Manage Their Own Money

Handling cash teaches responsibility and decision-making.

• Allowance Management: Provide a small, regular allowance and let kids decide how to spend or save it.
• Earning for Chores: Pay extra money for certain tasks around the home to show the value of work.
• Tracking Expenses: Encourage your kids to keep a simple weekly log of expenses to build spending awareness.

4. Set Up Incentives for Budgeting

Tangible rewards motivate kids to stick with good habits.

• Savings Chart: Use stickers or stars to mark their progress toward a spending goal, so they can see how far they’ve come.
• Money Match: Offer to match a portion of their savings to encourage consistent contributions.
• Milestone Rewards: Celebrate achievements with a special activity or treat to show the payoff of smart money habits.

5. Keep Talking

Short, frequent money discussions encourage financial awareness and open communication.

• Wants vs. Needs: Ask, “Do we need this, or do we just want it?” helping them make thoughtful spending decisions.
• Family Values: Share what matters to your family—like saving for college, giving back, or investing in quality items that last—to model priorities.
• Idea Sparkers: Invite kids to brainstorm what they’d do with a set amount of money, helping them think creatively and critically.

Fun Today, Skills for a Lifetime

Unitus knows that kids learn best when they’re interested, and money lessons are no exception. That’s why Unitus is proud to support Junior Achievement of Oregon and SW Washington’s BizTown, where kids earn a paycheck, manage money, and work with their peers—a fun and engaging way to bring financial concepts to life. Local 5^th graders may even get a chance to visit our Unitus branch inside BizTown Hillsboro!

You can bring that same approach home! And when you’re ready for more ideas to help your kids, Unitus is here with resources to support your family’s financial journey. Explore more in our For Parents and Family Matters collections for helpful articles, tips, and videos.