Teaching kids about money

People tend to learn more about money skills from their parents than from any other source. So, your kids will be learning about money from watching and listening to you. It is a good idea to encourage children to save from an early age.

Open a savings account

One of the best ways to help children learn about money management is to encourage them to open a savings account. Banks, credit unions and An Post offer kids’ savings accounts.

Set them a savings goal

It is important that children understand why they are saving, so sit down with them and decide on a savings goal. You can set them short-term goals, for example, if they have a particular hobby or interest and want to save up some money to buy some new gear or equipment. A longer-term goal would be saving money for summer holidays or for buying Christmas presents.

Teach them how to budget

Budgeting is one of the first challenges many young adults are faced with when they leave home. So, it is important to teach young children about how and why to budget. You could use an occasion such as shopping for Christmas presents, and help them to work out how they’ll save and allocate their money.

Teach them that money does not grow on trees

It is important that children have an understanding about the value of money. You can help them achieve this by giving them pocket money when they help around the house. It is also important that they understand that they may need to make choices when they spend their money.

Keep it fun

Many financial institutions offer novel and entertaining characters to help kids learn about money. They may also offer useful online resources which can help to make savings fun and interesting for the kids. Ask at your local branch to see what additional resources they may have.

Encourage them to keep up the habit

Once your kids open a savings account, encourage them to save some of their pocket money regularly. Getting them to put money aside, either as a lump sum or in a regular savings plan, helps form the saving habit. Think about letting them withdraw a sum occasionally for a toy or something they have their eye on – a treat as a reward for saving will help keep them motivated.

Last updated on 28 August 2017