Teaching Kids About Money (Even in the Early Years!)

This post is all about teaching kids about money.

Teaching Kids About Money – The Fun Ways

Money is often a tricky concept for kids to understand, but it’s one of the most valuable life lessons we can start teaching early. Even preschoolers can begin learning the basics. Like that money is earned through effort, that it can be saved for something special, and that spending always involves making choices. These early lessons help shape their sense of responsibility and independence as they grow. When it comes to teaching kids about money, you don’t need fancy programs or apps to start.

SEE THIS POST ON TIPS FOR USING THE BEAR BUCKS REWARD CHART SYSTEM

With just a few simple tools and some consistency, you can make learning about money both fun and meaningful. One of my favorite ways to do this is through the Bear Bucks Rewards System. It’s a printable system that uses adorable play money designed to represent $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills. Kids earn “Bear Bucks” for chores or positive behaviors, then save and spend them in a reward shop, just like real life! It’s a hands-on way for young kids to practice real-world money skills while also building good habits.

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Why Teaching Kids About Money Matters

When kids learn how money works from a young age, they’re developing more than just math skills. In fact, they’re building life skills. They start to understand that effort has value, that saving leads to bigger rewards, and that patience pays off. These lessons carry over into how they approach schoolwork, friendships, and even decision-making as they get older.

Teaching kids about money also sets them up for long-term confidence. When they understand how earning, saving, and spending work, they grow up feeling capable and empowered instead of overwhelmed by finances later on. And the earlier we start these lessons, the easier it is for them to grasp the concepts naturally through play and daily routines rather than lectures or strict rules.

Start with the Basics: Earning Money

One of the best ways to teach kids about money is by showing them that it’s earned, not given. Kids can begin learning this concept as early as preschool, especially when you connect “earning” with helping around the house or showing responsibility. Even simple tasks like cleaning their room, setting the table, or feeding pets can earn them a little “income.”

That’s where the Bear Bucks Rewards Chart comes in handy. Each chore or task is assigned a specific value, like $1 for smaller jobs and $5 or $10 for bigger ones. Kids can clearly see how different amounts of effort lead to different rewards, and they love watching their earnings grow over time. It’s a great introduction to the real-world idea that work leads to money, and money gives you choices.

Parents can even take it a step further by holding a “payday” each week. This gives kids a tangible sense of earning and responsibility. Plus it makes it so much more exciting when it’s time to save or shop in the Bear Bucks reward store!

Saving and Budgeting: Making Smart Choices

Once kids start earning money, it’s the perfect time to teach them about saving. Even little ones can understand the excitement of setting a goal and working toward it. Maybe your child wants to “buy” a trip to the park or a movie night from the reward shop. Helping them save their Bear Bucks for something bigger teaches patience, discipline, and decision-making in a fun, age-appropriate way.

The Bear Bucks Rewards Chart makes this easy by connecting everyday chores to both short-term and long-term rewards. Kids can decide if they want to spend $10 on extra dessert tonight or save $100 for a trip to the ice cream shop. This naturally opens up conversations about budgeting, priorities, and the value of waiting for something worthwhile.

To make it visual, try giving your child an envelope or small box labeled “Save,” “Spend,” and “Shop.” Watching their Bear Bucks pile up in the “Save” section helps them feel proud of their progress. Plus, it teaches them that saving is rewarding in itself.

Spending Wisely: Learning Value Through Experience When Teaching Kids about Money

Spending is where all those money lessons come to life. When your child finally “shops” at the Bear Bucks Store, they start to understand the real value behind their choices. Maybe that extra 30 minutes of screen time costs $60, while a trip to the park costs $40, and they only have $70 to spend. Suddenly, they’re doing mental math, weighing options, and learning how to make trade-offs.

This is one of the best ways to teach kids that money isn’t endless. It also gives you the opportunity to talk about the difference between wants and needs in a gentle, practical way. As they make spending decisions, they’ll start to see how effort, saving, and smart choices connect. And to think, all without a single lecture!

One of the best parts is that when kids get to decide for themselves, the lessons stick. They learn that spending all their Bear Bucks today means they’ll have to earn more before buying something bigger later. These little “ah-ha” moments are exactly what set the stage for healthy money habits down the road.

Turning Lessons into Habits

Once your child understands the basics of earning, saving, and spending, the next step is consistency. Make money lessons part of your weekly rhythm. Set a specific “payday,” where your child gets their Bear Bucks for completed chores, and let them total up their earnings. You can even include a short “budgeting moment”. Such as helping them decide how much to save and how much to spend that week.

Keep the Bear Bucks system fun but structured. If your child forgets to do a task, it’s a natural chance to talk about how effort and follow-through connect to rewards. Over time, these small conversations add up to a big understanding of responsibility.

You can also celebrate milestones, like when your child saves up for a big reward or makes a thoughtful decision not to spend everything right away. The goal isn’t perfection. rather it’s helping kids connect their daily actions with real outcomes, in a way that feels positive and empowering.

Other Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Money

There are plenty of creative ways to reinforce money lessons outside the Bear Bucks system, too! Here are a few easy (and fun) ideas:

Play store or restaurant at home. You can take turns being the cashier to practice counting change.

Use board games that involve money. Games like Monopoly Junior, Money Bunch, Managing My Allowance, Bank It, or Pay Day make learning about earning and spending feel like playtime.

Read children’s books about money. Titles like Bunny Money by Rosemary Wells or Lemonade in Winter by Emily Jenkins are great for sparking kid-friendly conversations about money choices.

Involve them in real-life budgeting moments. Let them help compare prices at the store or decide what snack to buy within a small budget.

Pairing these activities with your Bear Bucks Rewards Chart helps reinforce that money isn’t just about numbers, it’s about making thoughtful choices.

Best Selling Games For Teaching Kids About Money

Bestseller No. 1

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game – Classic Board, Math Manipulatives, Financial Literacy Kids, Pretend Play, Coins Bills for Teaching, Gifts for Boys and Girls, Educational

MONEY GAME FOR KIDS: Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line
MONEY SKILLS: Learn valuable money skills through fun game play

PLAY MONEY: Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice
PLAY MONEY SET: Pretend bills measure 6.25″ x 2.625″, pretend coins range from .80″ (penny) – .995″ (quarter).
GIVE THE GIFT OF LEARNING: Whether you’re shopping for holidays, birthdays, or just because, toys from Learning Resources help you discover new learning fun every time you give a gift! Ideal gift for Halloween, Christmas, Stocking Stuffers, Easter Baskets or even for Homeschool.

Bestseller No. 2

Peaceable Kingdom Money Bunch Game – Cooperative Board Game Teaching Smart Money Habits of Learning to Save, Share and Spend Money

Games That Teach: Counting money games for kids help to develop financial literacy and critical thinking; Money Bunch also builds cooperative skills and teamwork as players work together to fund a new playground
Exciting Money Management Adventure: Ride bikes around the neighborhood looking for ways to earn cash and reach your money goals: SAVE for a new bike, SPEND on snacks and SHARE for a community playground
Learn Smart Money Habits: This educational game teaches kids the importance of responsible money management as they learn to spend, save and share their allowance and income in a fun and interactive way

Cooperative Board Game: Experience the power of teamwork with this cooperative board game; pool your shared money, then decide together which new playground equipment to buy for the entire town to enjoy
Includes 1 gameboard, 1 spinner, 4 money trackers, 4 bicycle movers, 4 NEW bicycle movers, 16 snack tokens, 4 bicycle accessories, 5 playground equipment pieces, 15 dollar bills and 64 quarters

Bestseller No. 3

Torlam Money Board Games for Kids, Coins and Bills Toddler Pretend Play Toys, Money for Kids Learning Education Kindergarten Math Games Math Manipulatives, Homeschool Supplies Classroom Must Haves

Fun and Educational Money Game – This pretend play toys helps children aged 5 and above learn money values, basic math skills, and counting through an engaging and interactive board game

Complete Game Set – Includes 1 money game board, 1 dice, 4 colorful pawns, 105 play coins, 60 play dollar bills, 1 storage bag, and 1 teaching guide for easy play and storage
Easy to Play – Each player starts with $5 in play money, and by rolling the dice and moving across the board, they earn, spend, and exchange money. The first player to accumulate a total of $20 wins the game
Improves Math Skills – The game encourages children to practice addition, subtraction, and making change, promoting hands-on learning and critical thinking

Perfect for Family Fun – With 2-4 players, this math game is perfect for family time, enhancing social skills and cooperation while learning about money

Bestseller No. 4

SimplyFun BankIt! – Money Game for Kids – Learn to Save, Spend, Donate, Earn Bank Interest and More – Game for Kids Ages 8 and Up, 1 to 4 Players

LEARN MONEY MANAGEMENT: BankIt! is a money board game that provides hands-on learning experience by teaching players how to manage money, make wise financial decisions and budget effectively.
DECISION-MAKING SKILLS: This financial literacy game teaches decision-making skills as players choose when to spend or save their play money. Players will learn how to think strategically and make choices that impact their financial future.

REAL-LIFE SCENARIOS: Immerse yourself in realistic scenarios, such as earning an income, paying bills, saving for your bike, and making investment decisions. Bankit! simulates real-life situations in order to learn and understand personal finances.
EDUCATIONAL FAMILY FUN: Bankit! Is not only a money game for kids ages 8-12 but is fun for all on family game night! Engage in friendly competition as you strive to outsmart your opponents in the world of finance and money management.
HOW TO PLAY: Bankit! is an easy money game for all ages to learn! Players race around the board earning money, and learn to save or invest in order to earn more. Save the most to be the first player to buy a shiny new bike!

Bestseller No. 5

Opoly Play Money – 520Pcs Fake Money for Board Games – 65 of Each Bill in 8 Denominations – $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, & $1000 – Pretend Play Cashier, Refill Packs – Stocking Stuffer

8 Colors and 8 Denominations: The Apostrophe Games board game replacement play money comes with 65 of each bill: $1, $5, $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 & $1000. The bills are differentiated with various classic colors: White, Pink, Light Blue, Light Green, Lilac, Beige, Orange, and Yellow.
520 Pcs Money Replacement Bills (2x more than come with your favorite property trading game): Looking for replacement money for an existing board game or play money to create your own board game? Our play money are an excellent choice! At about 4 inches (10 cm) by 2 inches (5 cm), these play money are the same size as everyone’s favorite opoly property trading game.
Great Learning Opportunity: These fake bills are an excellent educational resource to teach kids about the value and use of money, ideal for addition and subtraction operations, developing basic math skills and learning the value of money in a fun and interactive way.

Make It Your Own: Are you a fan of DIY board game? Our play money can be used for original board games, prototypes, as well as bill replacement for the classics!
Endless Possibilities: Whether for costume parties, prop money, magic tricks, poker games, stage shows, the Apostrophe Games board game replacement money provide numerous creative possibilities!

Bestseller No. 6

Mr. Pen – Play Money for Kids, 150 Pcs, Ages 3+, Realistic Fake Cash and Coins

This package includes 60 pretend bills (20 $1s, 20 $5s, 10 $10s, and 10 $20s) and 90 plastic coins (30 pennies, 20 nickels, 20 dimes, and 20 quarters).

Mr. Pen play money for kids consists of premium plastic coins and durable, heavy-duty paper with two-sided printed pretend money, designed for endless play transactions just like real American Dollars.
Each pretended bill measures 6.2″ x 2.6″, making it the perfect size for little hands to hold and play comfortably. Also, the size of Pennies, Nickels, Dimes, and Quarters are as follows: 0.79 x 0.79, 0.77 x 0.77, 0.89 x 0.89, 0.98 x 0.98.
Mr. Pen play money for kids set is ideal for teaching lessons in making change, identifying value, and adding/subtracting money – perfect for homeschool learning activities! Great for students in preschool to early elementary school grades as an engaging way to learn money math skills.

This package is suitable for people of all ages to learn about money in a fun way. It could be a good gift for kids and may also be used in educational settings such as teacher supplies, classroom games, preschool, kindergarten, homeschooling, and grades 1 to 3.

Bestseller No. 7

BeFree for KIDS – Fun Money & Financial Literacy Board Game | Teach Kids Smart Money Skills, Investing & Saving | Educational Strategy Game for Ages 7+ | Great for Family Game Night & Cash Flow Learn!

MUST-HAVE LIFE SKILL – TEACH CHILDREN SMART MONEY HABITS! Financial literacy is the key to success! Give your child the tools to manage MONEY, SAVING, and INVESTING FOR KIDS. Without these skills, financial security is impossible!
FUN FAMILY GAME – CONNECT, LEARN & PLAY TOGETHER! Enjoy a SUPER FUN BOARD GAME that brings KIDS AND FAMILY together! BeFree for KIDS makes learning about money EXCITING, EASY TO LEARN, AND QUICK TO PLAY, keeping everyone engaged and entertained!

BIG DREAMS & SMART CHOICES – SPEND OR PLAN? Kids set a BIG DREAM GOAL and choose a financial strategy: Spend freely today with no risks or Plan, save, invest, and build a secure future. The perfect way to learn CASH FLOW, MONEY MANAGEMENT, and FINANCIAL PLANNING through fun decision-making!
EARN, SAVE & SPEND – LEARN REAL MONEY SKILLS! Understand ALLOWANCE, COUNT MONEY, working for money, PLAY MONEY, and investing. Kids learn financial literacy through real-life MONEY MANAGEMENT, smart decision-making, and understanding PRODUCTIVE vs. NON-PRODUCTIVE expenses!
THE PERFECT GIFT FOR LOVING PARENTS & SMART KIDS! A must-have for parents who want to teach MONEY SMART KIDS! The perfect EDUCATIONAL BOARD GAME for birthdays, holidays & family fun. Help your child build lifelong MONEY SKILLS in a fun and engaging way!

Bestseller No. 8

School Zone Time & Money Flash Cards: 56 Cards, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, Telling Time, Reading Clocks, Counting Coins, Coin Value, Coin Combinations, Ages 6+

These are a great way to help your child learn while making it fun
This package contains one box of flashcards
Colorful, easy-to-read numbers and words

Available in a variety of different age groups and subject options; each sold separately
Made in the USA

Bestseller No. 9

Kasfalci 60 PCS Magnetic Money for Kids for Learning, Math Manipulatives, Learning & Education Toys for Classroom, Pretend Play, Math Games for Toddler, Teacher and Homeschool Supplies

【Master money Identification】 Our set includes: 8*pennies, 8*nickels, 8*dimes, 8*25 cents, 8*half dollars, 8*dollar coins, 2*$1 bills, 2*$5 bills, 2*$10 bills, 2*$20 bills, 2*$50 bills, 2*$100 bills, 10*Magnetic Picture Cards, 2*dry erase markers and 1*dry erase mat. Our magnetic money is not the actual size of money, but its size is more suitable for children’s hands to manipulate. This set helps children identify bills and coins, and grasp the value of each bill and coin.

【Develop Math Skills and Make Change】 Parents place the item card or write the name of the item in the “I am buying” box, then write the price and have your kid place the magnetic bills and coins in the “exact” box or ask him to give higher than that amount of item in the “I Pay” box and make change in the “My Change” . This process requires kids to count money and use addition and subtraction to calculate the corresponding price. A great tool to develop children’s math skills and making change.
【Magnetic Money for Parent-Child Interaction】This set extends learning into role-playing games. Parents pretend to buy items in the store with your child. They can experience buying and selling goods, making payments, and receiving change. It is a great toy for parent-child interaction. It can also develop children’s social skills and early financial awareness. This interactive learning method is not only fun but also helps children better understand and apply money concepts in daily life.
【Wide Application】Both the dry erase mat and the magnetic money have strong suction. They can be firmly adhered to any magnetic receiving surface, such as refrigerators, iron doors and magnetic whiteboards. You can also use them on your desk. Dry erase mat is easy to write on and wipe clean without leaving stains. The dry-erase design and scratch-resistant protective surface make this product reusable.

【Perfect Toy for Boys & Girls】 Magnetic money is an excellent toy for students and their families, teachers and educators. Great Money Learning Tool for the Classroom, Kindergarten, or homeschooling! This is a great educational toy for kids. Let kids learn about money while having fun.

Bestseller No. 10

Learning ADVANTAGE-4373 Budget – Budgeting Game for Kids – Teach Money, Math and Critical Thinking

HELP KIDS BECOME BUDGETING BRAINIACS — In this fun game, kids need to make tough financial decisions as they stick to a budget. The winner has the most money at the end of the game!
TEACH MATH WITH BANKING — Players plan a budget and earn $2, 000 before each trip around the game board. They can use the money to buy a home, pay insurance, make investments, buy groceries and for other real-life scenarios. If their budget projection is reasonably accurate, they receive a bonus on payday!

LEARN REAL WORLD BUDGET SKILLS — Players will learn to balance their wants vs needs as they manage their wages and construct a budget.
GREAT FOR PRACTICAL AND SOCIAL LEARNING — Budget caters to children who need to hold physical learning tools, rather than learn through textbooks. It’s a highly useful, hands-on finance game, which will keep kids motivated to learn!
EDUCATIONAL FAMILY FUN — Create lasting memories for your family. Everyone can learn (or relearn) budgeting concepts along the way!

Wrapping Up…

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated. And it also doesn’t have to wait until they’re older. By weaving money lessons into everyday life, you’re helping your child build confidence, patience, and smart decision-making skills that will last a lifetime.

The Bear Bucks Rewards System is a great way to start these conversations early in a way that feels fun and motivating. Kids love earning, saving, and spending their Bear Bucks, and parents love watching those lightbulb moments when everything starts to click.