Games to Teach Children How to Save Money

Teaching children about money from an early age helps them develop good financial habits that last a lifetime. However, simply talking about savings and budgeting can be boring or abstract for kids. That’s why using games and interactive activities is one of the best ways to make financial education fun and engaging.

This article explores some of the best games and activities to teach children the value of money, how to save, budget, and make smart financial decisions.

Why Use Games to Teach Kids About Saving Money?

Children learn best through play and hands-on experiences. Financial concepts can be difficult to understand, but games allow kids to:

• Practice decision-making in a safe environment.
• Experience real-world financial challenges in a simplified way.
• Learn from mistakes without real financial consequences.
• Develop a positive attitude toward money and financial responsibility.

By incorporating financial games into their routine, parents and educators can help children build a strong foundation for future money management.

1. The Savings Jar Game

Age group: 4–8 years

Skills learned: Goal setting, delayed gratification, saving habits

How to Play:

• Give your child a clear jar or piggy bank.
• Set a small financial goal, like saving for a toy or a fun outing.
• Every time they receive money from allowances or gifts, encourage them to put a portion into the jar.
• Track progress together and celebrate when they reach their goal.

This simple game teaches the value of saving over time and shows kids that small amounts add up.

2. The Three Jars Method

Age group: 6–12 years

Skills learned: Budgeting, financial planning, prioritization

How to Play:

• Label three jars as “Save,” “Spend,” and “Give.”
• Every time your child receives money, they must divide it among the jars.
• Discuss why each jar is important and help them decide how to allocate their money.

This game helps children balance spending, saving, and charitable giving, instilling lifelong budgeting skills.

3. The Allowance Budget Challenge

Age group: 8–14 years

Skills learned: Budgeting, smart spending, decision-making

How to Play:

• Give your child a weekly allowance and challenge them to cover their own small expenses (like snacks or entertainment).
• Offer them opportunities to earn extra money through chores.
• If they run out of money before the week ends, they must wait until the next allowance.

This real-world game teaches kids how to manage limited resources and helps them understand the importance of spending wisely.

4. The Grocery Store Budget Game

Age group: 7–12 years

Skills learned: Price comparison, budgeting, needs vs. wants

How to Play:

• Before going to the grocery store, give your child a small budget ($5–$10).
• Let them pick out healthy snacks or items they need while staying within the budget.
• Encourage them to compare prices and find discounts to maximize their money.

This game teaches kids about smart shopping, price awareness, and how to make financial trade-offs.

5. Board Games That Teach Money Skills

Age group: 6–14 years

Skills learned: Earning, saving, investing, decision-making

Some board games help kids understand money in a fun and interactive way:

• Monopoly – Teaches about money management, investing in assets, and risk-taking.
• The Game of Life – Simulates real-life financial decisions like career choices, savings, and expenses.
• Pay Day – Helps children learn about budgeting, expenses, and financial planning.

Playing these games regularly reinforces financial concepts while keeping children engaged.

6. DIY Money Matching Game

Age group: 5–10 years

Skills learned: Recognizing coins and bills, counting money

How to Play:

• Create flashcards with different money values (e.g., “$1.50”).
• Give your child real or play money and challenge them to match the correct amount to each card.
• Introduce simple math challenges, such as making change or adding up totals.

This activity helps young kids become comfortable with counting and handling money.

7. The Lemonade Stand Challenge

Age group: 8–14 years

Skills learned: Earning money, cost vs. profit, entrepreneurship

How to Play:

• Help your child set up a lemonade stand, bake sale, or small business.
• Discuss the costs of ingredients and supplies versus the price they charge.
• Encourage them to save a portion of their earnings.

This hands-on activity teaches kids about earning, budgeting, and business principles in a fun way.

8. The Online Savings Tracker

Age group: 10–16 years

Skills learned: Goal setting, long-term savings, financial tracking

How to Play:

• Use a simple spreadsheet or app to track savings goals.
• Encourage your child to set a financial target (e.g., buying a bicycle).
• Update the tracker each time they save money.

This game helps kids visualize their savings growth, reinforcing the benefits of long-term planning.

9. Needs vs. Wants Sorting Game

Age group: 6–10 years

Skills learned: Prioritization, financial decision-making

How to Play:

• Write down different expenses on cards (e.g., “rent,” “video game,” “groceries,” “ice cream”).
• Have your child sort them into two categories: Needs and Wants.
• Discuss why some expenses are more important than others.

This activity teaches kids the difference between necessities and luxuries, an essential budgeting skill.

10. Virtual Money Games and Apps

Age group: 7–16 years

Skills learned: Digital finance, financial planning, saving

Some great digital games and apps that teach kids about money include:

• PiggyBot – A virtual piggy bank to track savings and set financial goals.
• Bankaroo – Helps children manage virtual allowances and savings goals.
• Savings Spree – A fun app that teaches the impact of financial choices.

Using digital tools helps kids engage with financial concepts in a modern, interactive way.

Conclusion: Making Money Lessons Fun and Practical

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be boring. By using games, challenges, and real-world experiences, children can develop smart saving habits and learn how to budget, prioritize, and make financial decisions.

The key is to start early and make financial lessons a regular part of their lives. With the right approach, kids will grow up with the confidence and skills needed to manage money wisely.