Let’s face it—talking to kids about money isn’t always the most thrilling conversation. “Budgeting” and “compound interest” don’t exactly scream excitement to a 10-year-old. But what if you could teach your kids about personal finance without the eye-rolls and glazed-over looks? Better yet, what if you could sneak in some math skills while you’re at it?
The secret: gaming.
The Mortgage Calulator is your your secret weapon, a site full of personal finance advice but more than that there is a section of free games to bring maths, numeracy and personal finance alive.
Why Personal Finance Should Start Early
We teach kids to read and do math early because they’re foundational skills. But when it comes to money? Most of us wait until they’re teens—or worse, adults—before we start explaining how credit cards work or why saving is important. The result? Young adults entering the real world financially clueless.
Integrating personal finance early helps kids develop smart money habits, understand value, and make confident financial decisions later on. And if you’re thinking “How do I even start that conversation?”—the answer might be sitting on your living room floor or inside your tablet.
When I’ve asked my own teenagers what they wished that they had learnt at school but didn’t they have said practical money advice. They want to understand mortgages, compound interest, how stocks work amd the best ways to save.
Math: The Building Block of Financial Thinking
Money is math in the real world. Teaching kids to manage money is one of the best ways to show them how math works in daily life. Think about it:
- Budgeting involves addition, subtraction, and prioritizing.
- Interest uses percentages and multiplication.
- Investing requires understanding risk and reward (probability!).
- Saving goals mean calculating time, rates, and targets.
When kids connect math to real-world money decisions, the numbers suddenly matter more. They’re not just solving for “X”—they’re solving for “Can I afford that new LEGO set?”
Game On: Making Money Fun
Kids naturally love games—board games, video games, card games, you name it. So why not use that enthusiasm to sneak in some money smarts?
1. Board Games That Teach Money
- Monopoly / Monopoly Junior – A classic that introduces buying property, paying rent, and managing limited cash.
- The Game of Life – Covers jobs, salaries, taxes, loans, and life choices (hello, college debt!).
- Pay Day – Simple and effective at showing monthly budgets and unexpected expenses.
2. Digital Games & Apps
- Cashier Simulator is a game where players operate the cash register at a grocery store. When you are done ringing up all their items add the total bill.
Money Bubble Pop is a match 3 line drawing game where you pop bubbles by connecting them. Use the income used from experience playing the game to purchase power ups or to unlock additional bubble skins beyond the default real estate skin. Other skins include personal finance, financial markets, banking, cryptocurrency, and retirement.
3. DIY Challenges & Role Play
- Family Store: Set up a “store” at home where kids earn play money for chores and use it to buy toys, snacks, or screen time. Add tax and discounts to practice percentages.
- Budget Challenge: Give older kids a pretend monthly income and a list of expenses (rent, food, entertainment). Let them make a budget—and see if they can “save” for something big.
- Savings Race: Pick a savings goal (a toy, a game, a treat), and track progress together. Introduce concepts like interest or matching contributions (you can offer a “parent match” for every dollar they save).
Tips to Make it Stick
- Keep it age-appropriate: For younger kids, focus on simple concepts like earning, saving, and spending. As they grow, add budgeting, borrowing, and investing.
- Make it relatable: Tie lessons to their interests—whether it’s video games, sports, or candy.
- Let them make mistakes: It’s better to overspend on virtual ice cream now than max out a real credit card later.
- Praise smart decisions: Celebrate when they choose to save or budget well. Positive reinforcement goes a long way.
Final Thoughts: Raising Money-Smart Kids
Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be dry or dull. By combining math, games, and real-life examples, you’re not just teaching them numbers—you’re equipping them with confidence and skills they’ll use for life. Plus, you’re giving them a head start most of us wish we had.
So next time your kid asks for screen time or pulls out a board game, see it as an opportunity. You might just turn game night into a financial literacy lesson without them even noticing.
And that’s a win-win.
Got any favorite money games or math hacks for kids? Drop them in the comments! Let’s build a generation of money-savvy math ninjas together.
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