Four stages of raising confident, money-smart kids
Long version
Good financial habits are a little like brushing your teeth. When you learn them early, they become second nature, and you carry them with you for life. And while money can feel complicated, especially today, the foundation starts simply.
Parents can begin the conversation with very young children, and young adults can build on those basics as they take on more responsibility. Step by step, these habits create confidence that helps build long term financial security and a more fulfilling life.
The following are the four key stages of financial growth.
Stage 1: For very young children, the goal is to make money feel simple and manageable. A great place to start is with three jars labeled “Spend,” “Save” and “Share.” When kids can actually see their money grow or shrink, the idea starts to make sense. Saving also introduces them to goal setting, and working toward paying for a small toy or outing teaches patience. Most important, you’re helping your children see money as a tool they can understand easily and use with confidence.
Stage 2: If you have tweens (children roughly 9 to 12 years old), they’re usually ready for slightly bigger financial ideas. This is a great time for them to earn money through chores or small jobs, helping them see the connection between effort and reward and building a sense of ownership. Conversations about needs versus wants also become more meaningful, because kids are now making real choices with money they earned themselves. Your tween may be ready for a simple savings account to watch their savings grow, or a reloadable cash card for spending.
Stage 3: By the time teens reach high school or young adulthood, budgeting becomes essential. This doesn’t need to be overly strict or complicated. A simple system that helps them track deposits and withdrawals can make all the difference. Whether they use an app, a paper notebook or a spreadsheet, the real goal is awareness. Teenagers also benefit from learning how credit works. Understanding how to build a healthy credit score and how to use credit wisely protects them from costly mistakes in later life.
Stage 4: Then come the early working years, when habits shift from learning to building. One of the smartest steps at this stage is paying yourself first. Automatic transfers to savings or retirement accounts help establish stability without extra effort. Even small retirement contributions matter more than most people realize, because time allows compounding to do the heavy lifting. This is also when young adults can start organizing their money into different buckets for rent, automobile payments, emergencies, retirement and everyday spending. These habits help lay the groundwork for financial freedom down the road.
Throughout every stage, the theme is confidence. Each small success creates a sense of control and each good habit makes the next one easier. Over time, these habits turn into a lifetime of financial security and fulfillment. When you start strong and stay consistent, money becomes a tool that helps your children support the lives they want.
This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.
Edward Jones, Member SIPC
Number of words: 503
Short version (radio/print/online)
PSA: Four stages of raising confident, money smart kids
TBA: April 6, 2026
Teaching good money habits starts early and grows through every stage of life.
With very young children, begin simply. Three jars labeled “Spend,” “Save” and “Share” can help them understand what money is and learn that saving for something special takes patience.
With tweens — or children between 9 and 12 — offer bigger ideas. They can earn money through chores or small jobs to connect effort with reward and a sense of ownership. Opening a basic savings account can also help build their confidence.
For high schoolers and young adults, budgeting becomes essential. Tracking what comes in and goes out through an app or spreadsheet helps them stay aware, and learning how credit works can offer benefits down the road.
In their early working years, paying themselves first and building good saving habits set the foundation for long term financial freedom.
When you start strong and stay consistent, money becomes a tool that helps your children support the lives they want.
This content was provided by Edward Jones for use by (FA’s NAME), your Edward Jones financial advisor at (branch address or phone number). Member SIPC
Number of words: 159 (excluding FA’s name, address/phone number)