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Teaching Kids About Money
“Dad, can we get this?”
My child held up a toy at Target, eyes full of hope. In that moment, I had a choice: give a quick “no” and move on, or use it as a teaching moment about money.
I used to think teaching kids about money meant allowances, piggy banks, and matching funds for college savings. While those things aren’t bad, I’ve learned something more important: the best financial education I can give my children has less to do with dollars and more to do with character.
Because here’s the truth…you can teach a child every budgeting trick in the world, but if they don’t learn contentment, gratitude, and the difference between wants and needs, those tricks won’t matter when they’re adults facing real financial pressure.
“Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” ~Proverbs 22:6
The “way” isn’t just about money management…it’s about wisdom, character, and understanding that everything we have is a gift to be stewarded well.
Today’s Practical Step:
Start with heart lessons, not math lessons.
Ages 3-7: The Foundation Years
• Practice waiting: “We’re going to think about that toy for three days, then decide.”
• Model gratitude: “Look how God provided exactly what we needed at the grocery store today.”
• Teach giving first: Let them put coins in the offering plate or help choose items for a food drive.
Ages 8-12: The Learning Years
• Involve them in decisions: “We have $40 for fun this month. Should we go to the movies or get ice cream three times?”
• Show them work = provision: Let them see you working and explain how work provides for the family’s needs.
• Practice delayed gratification: Save up together for something they really want.
Ages 13+: The Preparation Years
• Share age-appropriate family finances: “Here’s what it costs to run our household each month.”
• Give them real responsibility: A clothing budget they manage, or responsibility for their phone bill.
• Connect money to mission: “How do you want to use money to make a difference in the world?”
The most important lesson at every age:
Everything we have belongs to God, and He’s made us managers of it. That perspective changes everything…from how we spend to how we save to how we give.
A Simple Prayer for Today:
God, help me teach my children that true wealth isn’t measured in dollars, but in wisdom, generosity, and contentment. Give me patience to use everyday moments as teaching opportunities. Show me how to model good stewardship so they can see what it looks like to trust You with our resources. Prepare their hearts to be wise managers of whatever You entrust to them. Amen.
Next newsletter: The giving paradox…why generosity creates abundance (and how to start giving when you feel like you don’t have enough).
F R E E G I F T:
New each month: Free Scripture desktop wallpaper
A fresh design will arrive at the start of every month. Here is September’s:
Don’t forget to grab this month’s desktop wallpaper.