Financial literacy is a crucial skill that children need to develop from a young age. Teaching them about money management and financial responsibility early on will set a strong foundation for their future and help them to avoid financial ruin.
One great way to introduce kids to finance is through books. And you know, here at Major League Mommy we absolutely love promoting a love for reading!
With that being said, here are seven of the best finance books for kids to kickstart their financial education.
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Finance Books for Kids
Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins
This charming picture book follows siblings Pauline and John-John as they set up a lemonade stand in the winter. With colorful illustrations and a simple storyline, the book teaches young readers about counting money, making a budget, and dealing with unexpected setbacks.
Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday by Judith Viorst
In this entertaining story, Alexander receives a dollar from his grandparents but quickly loses it. As he tries various ways to earn more money, kids learn valuable lessons about saving, spending wisely, and the importance of financial planning.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense by Stan and Jan Berenstain
Join the lovable bear family as they teach kids the basics of money management. This book covers everything from earning money through a lemonade stand to budgeting, saving, and understanding the difference between needs and wants.
If Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees, Where DOES it Grow? By ‘Ailani and Aralynn Riley
This engaging story follows a young boy named Julius on his journey to save and grow his money and make wise financial decisions in an effort to purchase a new toy he really wants. This book highlights the power of investing and saving for the future and the importance of delayed gratification.
A Smart Girl’s Guide: Money by Nancy Holyoke
This interactive book provides girls with practical advice on managing money. From budgeting and saving to making smart purchasing decisions, it covers essential financial topics in a relatable and age-appropriate way.
Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids by Gail Karlitz and Debbie Honig
For older children interested in learning about investing, this book is a great resource. It explains concepts like stocks, bonds, and mutual funds in a simple and understandable manner, empowering young readers to make informed financial choices.
The Kids’ Money Book: Earning, Saving, Spending, Investing, Donating by Jamie Kyle McGillian
This comprehensive guide covers a wide range of money-related topics for kids ages 8 and up. From setting financial goals and budgeting to understanding credit cards and entrepreneurship, it offers practical advice and real-life examples to foster financial literacy.
How to Best Use These Books as Part of Your Kids’ Financial Education
These books not only make learning about money fun and engaging but also instill good money habits from an early age. But let’s explore how to effectively use these finance books to teach kids about money.
Start Early
Introducing finance books to kids as early as possible is beneficial. Even toddlers can begin learning basic money concepts like identifying coins and their values. As kids grow older, you can build upon this foundation and delve deeper into financial topics. The great thing about the books on this list is that they can be used throughout different stages of your child’s development.
Choose Age-Appropriate Books
It’s essential to select finance books that are age-appropriate for your child. For younger kids, look for books that use simple language, colorful illustrations, and relatable characters to capture their interest. Ensure the content aligns with your child’s developmental stage and learning abilities. Otherwise, they might get overwhelmed and not receive the benefits of the book’s teachings.
Read Together
Reading finance books together with your child provides an excellent opportunity for bonding and discussing financial concepts. Take the time to explain unfamiliar terms or concepts in a way that your child can understand. Encourage questions and engage in meaningful conversations to reinforce comprehension.
Relate to Real-Life Situations
Help your child connect the lessons from finance books to real-life situations. For example, if the book teaches about saving money, encourage your child to apply the concept by setting up a piggy bank or saving for a desired toy. Practical applications reinforce learning and make it more tangible for children.
Encourage Critical Thinking
Finance books often present scenarios or dilemmas where characters have to make financial decisions like in the book If Money Doesn’t Grow on Trees, Where DOES it Grow? where Julius, the main character is trying to grow his money to buy a new toy he saw in an ad. Use these moments as opportunities to stimulate critical thinking. Ask your child questions like “What would you do in this situation?” or “Why do you think the character made that choice?” This cultivates financial decision-making skills in a safe and supportive environment.
Reinforce Good Money Habits
These books can help instill essential money habits in children, such as saving, budgeting, and distinguishing needs from wants. Use these teachings as a foundation for ongoing discussions about money management. As your child grows, encourage them to apply what they have learned from the books in their daily lives.
Expand to Other Resources
While finance books are a valuable tool, it’s beneficial to supplement them with other resources. Consider interactive games, videos, or online activities that reinforce financial concepts. This multidimensional approach keeps learning about money engaging and dynamic for kids.
Lead by Example
We will always include this tip when it comes to your child’s financial education. LEAD BY EXAMPLE.
Parents play a crucial role in shaping their child’s financial behavior. Model good money habits by demonstrating responsible spending, saving, and investing. Discuss your own financial decisions and involve your child in age-appropriate discussions about household finances. Leading by example reinforces the lessons from finance books and provides a real-life context for understanding money.
Wrapping Up
By introducing these finance books, parents and educators can help children develop a strong understanding of money management and financial responsibility.
Teaching kids about money from an early age will benefit them throughout their lives and set them on the path to financial success. So, why not get started today and kickstart your child’s financial education with these excellent books?
