Simple Ways to Teach Kids How to Save Money

How to Teach Your Child to Save

Key Takeaways

Teaching children to save builds lifelong financial confidence.
Visual tools like jars or piggy banks make saving feel real and rewarding.
Goal-setting helps kids understand the value of planning and patience.
Games and roleplay make learning about money fun and age-appropriate.
Custodial savings accounts can support long-term saving with flexibility and control.

Children learn by watching — and when it comes to money, the lessons we teach early can shape how they spend, save, and invest for years to come. In honor of Teach Children to Save Day, we’re sharing saving tips for kids that are easy to implement and designed to grow with them.

1. Make Saving Visual

Young children are very visual learners. Instead of just telling them to save, give them a physical way to see it happen.
A clear jar, piggy bank, or envelope helps them watch their money grow. Each coin or dollar they add becomes a small, exciting win.

2. Set a Simple Goal

Saving is more motivating when there’s a purpose behind it.
Talk with your child about something they’d like to work toward — a toy, a book, or a fun activity.

Then, help them figure out how much it costs and break it into smaller steps.
Reaching that goal shows them that saving has real results — and builds patience, planning, and pride.

3. Talk About Everyday Money

Financial lessons don’t need to wait until adulthood—or even high school. Everyday moments offer valuable teaching opportunities:

Store Trips: Compare prices at the checkout to show value differences.
Family Outings: Discuss budgeting for a meal or activity.
Online Purchases: Explain how electronic payments work.

These simple, daily conversations help children understand the role of money in everyday life and plant the seeds of financial literacy from an early age.

4. Enhance Learning with Children’s Books

Books can bring abstract money concepts to life in fun and engaging ways. Consider these recommended titles for different age groups:

Ages 4–7: The Money Tales series by former FDIC Chair Sheila Bair introduces basic money concepts through relatable stories with charming illustrations.
Ages 8–12: Books like The Everything Kids’ Money Book, Make Your Own Money, and Money Matters help kids understand earning, saving, and spending in ways that feel empowering and fun.
For teens: Money Skills for Teens covers budgeting, saving, credit, and investing — all in a straightforward tone that teens can relate to.

These resources are a great way to supplement everyday conversations and build financial awareness over time. A book at bedtime could turn into a conversation that lasts a lifetime.

5. Use Games to Build Awareness

Learning about money doesn’t have to be serious.
Games and roleplay can turn abstract concepts into engaging experiences.

Set up a “pretend store” at home to teach counting, change-making, and budgeting.
Classic board games like Monopoly Junior™ or The Game of Life™ offer playful ways to explore spending, saving, and the concept of income.
Explore free, educational games from the U.S. Mint’s Coin Classroom, designed for kids of all ages. From coin-matching games to interactive savings challenges, these online resources turn learning about money into screen time you can feel good about.

Games make financial literacy feel approachable — and enjoyable — no matter your child’s learning style.

6. Lead by Example

Children learn more from what we do than what we say.
Let your child see how you save, plan, and spend responsibly. Involve them in simple decisions
like choosing between brands, comparing prices, or delaying a purchase to wait for a better deal.

These moments model smart habits — and show that thoughtful money management is part of everyday life.

7. Consider Opening a Custodial Account

If you’re ready to take the next step, opening a custodial savings account can turn everyday lessons into lasting impact.

A custodial account allows a parent, grandparent, or guardian to manage money on behalf of a child until they reach adulthood.
In California, these accounts are typically set up under the Uniform Transfers to Minors Act (UTMA), which allows adults to make financial gifts to a minor while keeping control of:

how the funds are invested
when and how the money is used
ensuring decisions are made in the child’s best interest

Once the child reaches the age of majority, the account is transferred to them. The funds can be used for educational or personal needs — and at New Omni Bank, we offer these accounts with no monthly service fees.

It’s a thoughtful way to give a gift that grows over time and builds a foundation for lifelong financial confidence.

Learn more about what a California UTMA account is and how it works.

Final Thoughts

Saving money is more than just a habit — it’s a mindset. When you teach kids how to save money, you’re not just building a habit — you’re nurturing financial confidence for life.

Start small. Stay consistent. And remember: the most valuable lesson you give may not be about dollars — but about confidence, responsibility, and independence.