Helping Kids Grow in Financial Wisdom This School Year

As the school year gets started, it may be hard to imagine adding one more thing to your plate, but once you settle into your routine, new opportunities for growth may emerge. Amid homework, extracurriculars, and earlier bedtimes, there can still be time to slip in simple lessons that nurture your child’s understanding of financial wisdom and generosity.

Here are a few practical ways to weave money conversations into everyday life during the school year:

Include kids in the financial planning process.

Involve your kids in everyday financial decisions—like creating a school lunch budget, comparing back-to-school shopping prices, or discussing how the family will save for upcoming activities. Try scheduling a monthly “family finance night” where everyone talks through savings goals, budgeting ideas, or even giving plans. These conversations help kids develop curiosity and a sense of ownership.

Engage in some school-year activities that help kids think about generosity.

Encourage acts of kindness that align with the school calendar—like donating supplies, baking for a teacher, or creating break bags for students who face food insecurity during school breaks. You can also help kids brainstorm ways to use part of their allowance or birthday money to bless others. Afterward, ask questions like, “How did that feel?” or “Who else could we help next time?”

Read our blog: 5 Activities That Encourage Selflessness for more ideas.

Teach financial planning skills in a way they’ll understand.

Younger kids may enjoy using “give/save/spend” jars labeled with short-term goals. For older kids, the school year is a great time to open a savings account, track spending for a specific purpose, or use a simple financial app with parental guidance. No matter the method, frame the conversation around stewardship: How can we use what we’ve been given wisely?

Click here to view our checklists for age-appropriate money lessons.

Introduce a fun financial challenge you can try as a family.

Try a no-spend weekend, a giving challenge (e.g., one kind act each month), or a goal tracker for something your child wants to save for during the year. Invite them to come up with their own challenges and revisit progress together over dinner or on family nights.

Final Thought

Raising financially wise kids isn’t just about math—it’s about character. Although the school year is a busy time, it can offer natural opportunities to build habits of stewardship, generosity, and responsibility. We love to walk alongside parents as you teach your kids and help them grow in both knowledge and wisdom. Check out additional resources from our team on teaching kids about money at www.bluetrust.com/finances-for-kids.

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