Money can be one of the most difficult and most important topics to talk about with your children. Whether your kids are in kindergarten or college, the way you introduce financial conversations can shape their future confidence, habits, and values around money.
At Feliciano Financial Group, we believe that talking about money early and often is one of the most powerful gifts you can give the next generation. Here’s a guide to how to start (and continue) the conversation at any stage.
Start with Your Values, Not Just the Dollars
Kids learn by watching. They pick up on how you spend, how you save, and even how you talk (or avoid talking) about money. Instead of focusing just on how much something costs, focus on what you value: generosity, responsibility, saving for the future, or investing in experiences over things. Let them see those values in action.
For Young Children (Ages 3–8)
- Introduce simple concepts like needs vs. wants.
- Use cash or coins for learning, let them “pay” at the grocery store.
- Explain what items cost when shopping online
- Fill Easter eggs with different coin and dollar amounts to create savings.
- Encourage saving with a clear jar or piggy bank.
- Use books and stories to talk about choices and sharing.Tip: Keep it visual and hands-on. Children at this age love to “play store” and respond well to routines.
For Tweens (Ages 9–12)
- Talk about earning money, allowance, chores, or small jobs.
- Introduce budgeting: if they earn $10, how much goes to saving, spending, giving?
- Start setting simple savings goals: a toy, a gift, or a class trip.
- Create Online account for gaming purchases
- Discuss advertising and media influence on spending.Tip: Give them the opportunity to make small financial decisions, even mistakes, while the stakes are low.
For Teens (Ages 13–18)
- Help them open a bank account and track spending.
- Discuss credit, interest, and how loans work.
- Let them budget for back-to-school shopping or other real-life situations.
- Share your own stories: financial wins, regrets, and lessons learned.Tip: Include them in family financial discussions when appropriate. Transparency builds trust.
For Young Adults (College & Beyond)
- Talk about student loans, credit scores, and budgeting on their own.
- Discuss insurance, taxes, and retirement savings, even if it seems early.
- Encourage financial independence while offering support and guidance.Tip: Respect their autonomy. Be a sounding board, not a lecture podium.
A Generational Investment
These conversations don’t have to be perfect. What matters is that you start. By normalizing money talk in your family, you’re setting up your children to feel confident and in control as they step into adulthood and that’s one of the best legacies you can leave.
Want help creating a family financial game plan? Our team can guide the conversation and provide resources for every age group.
Start the conversation today. Book a consultation to create your custom family finance strategy, the Feliciano Financial Blueprint.
Organize. Simplify. Clarify. Protect with purpose.
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This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult a qualified attorney for legal recommendations. Tax and legal services are not offered by Integrity Alliance, LLC. Securities and investment advisory services offered through Integrity Alliance, LLC, Member SIPC. Integrity Wealth is a marketing name for Integrity Alliance, LLC. Feliciano Financial Group is not affiliated with Integrity Wealth.
