Six major categories: earning money, goal setting, budgeting, saving and investing, using credit wisely and protecting what has been accumulated.

Age 3-5

• Once children can talk in sentences, parents can begin to teach the concepts of earning, spending and saving to their children.
• Can have piggy bank
• Can begin paying children for chores
• Show and tell with money (pennies, dimes, quarters, etc.)
• Garage sale/pretend garage sale
• When shopping, show children prices of things they want to buy
• Give money-related toys like play cash registers and play money

Elementary School

• Explain about borrowing money and sharing money
• Explain the connection between working and earning money
• Talk about financial goals (saving for a new toy)
• Set up savings account at bank
• Set up a savings match plan similar to a 401(k) plan
• Teach about play checks
• Play games that reinforce financial concepts

Middle School/Junior High

• Continue allowance
• Open first checking account
• Budgeting
• Learn about investing
• Consider pre-paid credit card to learn about credit

High School

• Explain dangers of credit cards
• Teach about online bill paying
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Sources: Ms. Money.com, NEFE

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