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In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, financial literacy is more important than ever. In a recent study by Bank of America, research found with today’s high cost of living, almost half of Gen Z is still financially dependent on others. While financial literacy is an important everyday skill, school curriculums have only recently begun to incorporate basic course learning. While some states began requiring high school students to complete a standalone one semester personal finance course credit to graduate, there is no such legislation in Texas yet. This is where parents, caregivers and educators play a key role.
Cindy Hames
Many parents and educators struggle to find the best method to introduce financial learning in ways that will resonate with young minds. With a passion to help youth realize their full potential, we believe that fostering financial literacy at an early age, with age-appropriate information, is key to building a generation of financially responsible individuals.
Here are a few tips for introducing financial concepts to children to set them up for a lifetime of informed, confident decision-making.
Start Early
One of the best ways to ensure children develop strong financial habits is to introduce basic concepts of money and budgeting as early as possible. Even at a young age, kids can begin to understand simple ideas like the value of saving versus spending. Begin by explaining where money comes from, why we need it, and how it can be exchanged. Using age-appropriate language, such as talking about "saving for something special" or explaining how "buying today means you can't buy other things until you have more money," can make these concepts relatable.
Incorporate Financial Education Gradually into Everyday Life and Lead by Example
The best way to teach kids about money is by incorporating financial lessons gradually into everyday activities. Situations — like shopping for groceries, setting a budget for a family outing, or even saving for a toy — offer perfect opportunities to discuss money. Teaching your child with a hands-on approach during real life events offers them practical understanding without the need for formal lessons.
Utilize Community Resources and Programs
Fortunately, many organizations and programs offer financial literacy resources to help children, families, and schools teach financial education. Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail offers a wide range of learning experiences designed to engage young people about money and economic concepts. These programs provide hands-on interactive experiences that help Tarrant County children grasp financial concepts more effectively. From identifying needs versus wants in kindergarten, to simulating making decisions related to income, expenses, savings, and credit in middle and high school, they make it easy for youth to learn how to be smart with money, giving them confidence in their own economic opportunity. Students have been known to take what they learned home to their parents, helping with the household budget or even encouraging parents to open a bank account.
Check with your financial institution to see if they have products or other resources that make it easier to introduce financial literacy skills to your children. For example, Bank of America recently launched SafeBalance Banking® for Family Banking, a bank account that offers parents the tools and resources they need to help their children practice healthy financial habits and learn to manage their money through a convenient, secure digital experience. The accounts can be opened via Bank of America online banking or the mobile banking app and allow parents to maintain oversight of their child’s spending and supervise the account while teaching your child the responsibility of managing a physical debit card.
Financial literacy is a vital skill that can set children up for a successful future. Let’s work together — families, educators, and community leaders — to prioritize financial education and help children build the foundation they need for a lifetime of smart financial decisions.
Cindy Hames is president of the Junior Achievement of the Chisholm Trail