Money can be a sensitive subject for adults, so bringing children into the discussion can be scary for parents. Whether you have a good history with money or are on shaky ground with your finances, it is imperative to give your children a head start. Using a kid-friendly book is a great way that parents can bond with their child while imparting important life lessons. Lessons around budgeting, saving, and investing are personal finance must-haves to start discussing with your children as early as possible.
'The Shiny Penny' by Bob Gold
Teaching the value of an object can be hard to explain. ‘The Shiny Penny’ tells the reader that even small things can have a major impact. The value of an item, like a small penny, depends on the person. This bedtime story shares the greater lessons of value, impact, and understanding how much difference each penny can make.
To buy: The Shiny Penny, $14.36; amazon.com
'A Boy, a Budget, and a Dream' by Jasmine Paul
Kass and her brother Joey have different views on money. When Joey realizes he needs to save more money for a particular item he wants, he learns that budgeting is the way to have the things he dreams about. This book teaches financial literacy and money management to children ages 4 to 8 years old.
To buy: A Boy, a Budget, and a Dream, $12.99; amazon.com
'Business Basics for Kids: Learn with Lemonade Stand : Profit and Loss' by Fintek Cafe
If your kids are looking for ways to earn more money, they may consider starting a business. Business Basics for Kids is a series of books that explains basic business concepts through illustrations for kids ages 5–9. The authors use the example of a lemonade stand, something that children can easily grasp and might actually start one of their own one day.
To buy: Business Basics for Kids: Learn with Lemonade Stand : Profit and Loss, $9.99; amazon.com
'How to Sell a Rock: A Fun Kidpreneur Story About Creative Problem-Solving' by J.K. Coy
Sebastian wants a skateboard, so he goes on a journey to discover how to make his ideas a reality. Throughout this illustrated book, kids will learn to work for what they want, create business ideas, and become flexible as things change.
To buy: How to Sell a Rock, $10.95; amazon.com
'The Plastic Rectangle: A Children's Book About Money' by Katie Friedman
This book playfully shares how money works in a way that even young kids will understand. It’s especially great for children with learning differences since this book is printed for people with dyslexia to read more efficiently.
To buy: The Plastic Rectangle: A Children’s Book About Money, $9.99; amazon.com
'How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Save! Invest!' by James McKenna
Concepts like earning, saving, and investing money can be hard for younger minds to grasp. But kids often understand the desire to become a millionaire. This book shares simple strategies and concepts about money to help kids get started toward their first million dollars.
To buy: How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000: Earn! Save! Invest!, $10.39; amazon.com
'The Everything Kids Money Book' by Brette Sember
Raising financially responsible adults starts with helping your children understand the value of money. The Everything Kids Money Book breaks down how coins and bills are made, how children can save their allowance, how to explore financial technology, and more.
To buy: The Everything Kids’ Money Book: Earn It, Save It, and Watch It Grow, $8.99; amazon.com
'Money Ninja' by Mary Nhin
Money Ninja is a journey of saving, investing, and donating mixed with comedy.
Ninja Life Hacks was created to help children learn valuable life skills that can keep adults entertained as well. Targeted at kids ages 3–11, this colorful book makes money skills accessible and easy to figure out.
To buy: Money Ninja: A Children’s Book About Saving, Investing, and Donating (Ninja Life Hacks), $11.99; amazon.com
'Save It!' by Cinders McLeod
Save It! is a story that follows Honey, a rabbit who earns two carrots a week for taking care of her five siblings. With her money accumulating, she decides to create a savings plan, which causes her to sacrifice a little so she can attain her dream of having her own playhouse.
To buy: Save It!, $7.52; amazon.com
'The Survival Guide for Money Smarts' by Eric Braun
A money survival guide will come in handy as your child starts to ask questions
about money. Using this guide can help to explain the basics of financial literacy and money management in the areas of earning, saving, spending and donating.
To buy: The Survival Guide for Money Smarts: Earn, Save, Spend, Give, $13.70; amazon.com
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