During Month of the Military Child, we pause to recognize the sacrifices and highlight the resiliency of military children. As we celebrate their unique experiences, take a moment to consider how their exposure to big life events, like a PCS, impacts their understanding of financial well-being. The money lessons we teach our children while they’re young — both in what we say and what we do – can set them up for financial success as adults.
Age-appropriate lessons can begin as early as three years old by introducing coins and paper money with basic counting. You can use a piggy bank to start teaching a seven-year old about saving, but a discussion about compound interest is way too advanced for this age. I’ve found that teaching kids about money works best in real-life situations, like when you’re grocery shopping or paying bills.
Check out the age-appropriate money lessons and activities below that you can use to boost your child’s money smarts, whether they are three or 19. I’ve used some of them to teach my own daughters, but you know your child best, so adapt activities to their personal interests and abilities. Starting the conversations sooner than later will help them appreciate financial decisions and build a solid foundation from which to build.
Ages 3 to 5
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch these videos with your child to learn more money basics.
Ages 6 to 9
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about earning and spending.
Ages 10-12
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about making purchases online.
Ages 13-15
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about getting a job.
Ages 16-19
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about investing.
See these other resources to help teach your MilKid to be money smart:
- How to Teach Kids About Money In Your Busy MilLife
- Money Management Strategies for Military Children
Set yourself up for success and gain confidence by using these resources as a guide. As you Purple up this April to celebrate your military child, take time to teach them fundamentals to help secure a bright financial future.
Mandi Moynihan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who has been with MilSpouse Money Mission since its inception. She also served in the Army and is the spouse of a retired service member.
MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward military spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!
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During Month of the Military Child, we pause to recognize the sacrifices and highlight the resiliency of military children. As we celebrate their unique experiences, take a moment to consider how their exposure to big life events, like a PCS, impacts their understanding of financial well-being. The money lessons we teach our children while they’re young — both in what we say and what we do – can set them up for financial success as adults.
Age-appropriate lessons can begin as early as three years old by introducing coins and paper money with basic counting. You can use a piggy bank to start teaching a seven-year old about saving, but a discussion about compound interest is way too advanced for this age. I’ve found that teaching kids about money works best in real-life situations, like when you’re grocery shopping or paying bills.
Check out the age-appropriate money lessons and activities below that you can use to boost your child’s money smarts, whether they are three or 19. I’ve used some of them to teach my own daughters, but you know your child best, so adapt activities to their personal interests and abilities. Starting the conversations sooner than later will help them appreciate financial decisions and build a solid foundation from which to build.
Ages 3 to 5
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch these videos with your child to learn more money basics.
Ages 6 to 9
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about earning and spending.
Ages 10-12
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about making purchases online.
Ages 13-15
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about getting a job.
Ages 16-19
| Money Lessons | Learning Activities |
|---|---|
|
|
Watch this video with your child to learn more about investing.
See these other resources to help teach your MilKid to be money smart:
- How to Teach Kids About Money In Your Busy MilLife
- Money Management Strategies for Military Children
Set yourself up for success and gain confidence by using these resources as a guide. As you Purple up this April to celebrate your military child, take time to teach them fundamentals to help secure a bright financial future.
Mandi Moynihan is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional who has been with MilSpouse Money Mission since its inception. She also served in the Army and is the spouse of a retired service member.
MilSpouse Money Mission® is a Department of Defense resource that offers FREE personal financial education specifically geared toward military spouses. There is a Money Ready guide for various stages of financial life, a MilLife Milestones section to help you through the big moments in your military journey, a blog, spouse videos, quizzes, calculators and more!
