Back-to-School Money Skills- Essential Guidance for Parents and Children
As the back-to-school season approaches, it’s the perfect time to focus on your family’s financial education. In this edition, we’ve gathered valuable resources and tips to help you and your children start the school year strong, including must-read books, top online tools, informative podcasts, updates on financial literacy initiatives in California, etc.
BOOKS FOR PARENTS
Ron Lieber’s book, The Opposite of Spoiled– offers a practical guide for parents to address children’s awareness and questions about money, covering essential financial topics and instilling virtues like modesty and generosity to raise financially wise and grounded young adults
Raising Financially Fit Kids by Joline Godfrey – This combination of parenting and personal finance books equips parents to teach their children essential money skills like saving, budgeting, and investing, through age-appropriate stages and activities.
BOOKS FOR CHILDREN
AGE: 4-7
Anthony C. Delauney created a series of books teaching children practical financial lessons. Here a few to start with:
Larry the Bunny Saves His Money by Jim DeGaetano Jr. – This has been one of Anna’s son Liam’s favorite books. It not only helps children learn how to count but also introduces basic concepts of spending, saving, paying taxes, and enjoying their money.
AGE 8-13
Money Skills for Kids by Fern Browne – Packed with practical advice, real-life examples, and interactive activities, this book makes understanding money fun and engaging for kids aged 8 to 13, guiding them to become savvy savers and wise spenders.
AGE 13 -18
Money Skills for Teens: These Are The Things About Money Management and Personal Finance You Must Know But They Didn’t Teach You in School by Emily Carter – A comprehensive guide to help your teen achieve financial mastery, covering everything from earning and saving to investing and budgeting.
ARTICLES WRITTEN BY THE MAINSTREET TEAM
- Four Things I Want My Daughter to Know by High School Graduation
- Money Habits to Teach Children
- Money Tips for Young Adults
- Becoming a Financial Grown-Up
PODCAST BY ANNA SERGUNINA, CFP®
Anna has curated a private playlist called “Kids & Coins” featuring her top episodes on a variety of financial topics for children. The collection covers everything from setting up the “Three Jars” (Save, Give, Spend) and deciding on allowances, choosing the best savings and investment accounts, and recommending books and other resources for teaching kids about money.
