Archive · 8 Nov 2025
Experts Advise Teaching Financial Literacy Early to Children
Imagine money is like a special tool that helps you get things you need or want.
Experts say it's best to start learning how to use this tool when you're very little, even when you're a toddler!
When you're a toddler, you can learn to find different coins.
As you get a bit older, like in elementary school, you can learn that toys and snacks cost money.
Then, in middle school, you learn about making choices, like saving up for something special instead of buying lots of small things.
By high school, you learn how to manage your own money, like using a card and checking how much you have.
Learning about money early helps you become a grown-up who is good at using money wisely, not just spending it.
Financial literacy education should begin as early as children can count.
Lessons on money should be progressive, tailored to a child's age and developmental stage.
Digital spending and social media influencers present new challenges that require teaching media literacy alongside financial literacy.
Schools should integrate financial education, covering topics from basic concepts to credit scores and online banking.
Teaching financial literacy helps children build confidence and prepares them for responsible adulthood.
- Who
- Financial experts (April Lewis-Parks, Cara Macksoud, Tom O’Hare) and parents
- What
- Teaching financial literacy from a young age through practical experience and age-appropriate lessons.
- When
- Starting as soon as children can count, with lessons evolving as they grow.
- Where
- Primarily at home, with a suggested role for schools.
- Why
- To help children grow into confident, capable adults who understand the value of money and can make wise financial decisions.
Proactive Financial Education
Parental Uncertainty
Role of Schools in Financial Education
Proactive Financial Education
Schools need to incorporate financial topics like credit scores, online banking, and the impact of social media on spending.
Parental Uncertainty
Even parents who are not confident in their own finances can still teach their children about money management.
- Start Age
- As soon as kids can count; toddlers can handle money under supervision.
- Elementary School Lessons
- Identifying coins, understanding that things cost money.
- Middle School Lessons
- Budgets, needs versus wants, basic credit.
- High School Lessons
- Tracking balances, reconciling accounts, responsible debit card use.
- Digital Money Challenges
- Reduced impact of spending, need for showing statements and setting limits.
- Social Media Impact
- Influencers normalize overspending and debt; media literacy is part of financial literacy.