Teaching Kids About Money: Real-Life Lessons From a No-Nonsense Mom

Money isn’t a taboo topic in our house. It’s not whispered behind closed doors like some grown-up mystery. We talk about it — openly, regularly, and in ways that stick, kind of like cat hair on black leggings.

Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, it’s this: kids don’t just learn by listening. They learn by living it. And I want my daughter to grow up capable, generous, and grounded with money, not confused, intimidated, or entitled.

1. From Piggy Bank to Real Bank (With a Little Bribery)

It started with a classic piggy bank. Coins in, shake it like a maraca, feel rich. When she hit $500 in savings, I made her a deal: open a real bank account, and I’d match it with $250. She agreed. (Bribery? Maybe. But also… negotiation. 💅)

Now she gets a $15 weekly allowance, and I transfer it to her account each month. But here’s the kicker — she gives back $5 a week to help with cat expenses. (She wanted the cat. She contributes to the cat. That’s the deal.) 🐾

She’s not out here blowing money on slime or snacks. Sometimes, she even offers to chip in for takeout dinners or cover part of something we’re buying for the house. And when she wants something a little extra — like a fancy dress or sparkly, overpriced kids’ jewelry — she knows the deal: you want it? You pay for it.

2. We Don’t Do “Spoiled”

In our house, “I want this” turns into a conversation, not a tantrum.

She’ll ask for something, and I’ll explain whether it’s in the budget. She listens. She understands. No meltdowns, no guilt-tripping. Just real talk.

And honestly? That mutual respect around money has changed everything — for her and for me.

3. She Gives, Too — On Her Terms

Every year, she gives $50 to $100 to a charity of her choice. One time, it was a school fundraiser. Another time, it was a local animal shelter because the kittens looked sad (legit).

I don’t tell her where to give — she decides. That little bit of autonomy fosters empathy, a sense of ownership, and pride in the impact she’s making. And that, to me, is just as important as knowing how to save.

4. We Make Money Normal — Not Stressful

Money isn’t a stressor for her. It’s a tool. We talk about it the same way we talk about screen time or weekend plans — calmly, openly, and often with some level of bribery involved. (Hey, it works.)

She knows we skip takeout most weeks because we’re saving for other things. She knows what things cost. She sees us budgeting. She’s part of the conversation, and that’s the whole point.

The Big Picture? Capable, Not Clueless

She’s not perfect — she’s still a kid. But she’s not naive either.

She understands that money is earned, spent, saved, and shared. She doesn’t expect everything to be handed to her. And she’s learning that being financially responsible doesn’t mean being boring or saying no to fun — it just means knowing when yes is worth it.

And honestly, if she keeps going at this pace, she’ll be better at budgeting than most adults I know.

💬 Your Turn:

How are you talking to your kids about money? Are you still stuck in the “just save it” zone, or are you building those real-life lessons one transaction at a time?

Drop a comment or come hang out on Facebook — I want to hear your wins, flops, and all the in-betweens. 💸👊

-Fabi