Save Like a Pro: 5 Fun Ways to Teach Kids the Power of Saving

11 Apr

Written By Tyren .

Most of us didn’t learn about saving money until we were already spending it. But the earlier we teach kids how to save, the better shot they have at growing into financially confident, independent humans 💸

And here’s the thing: saving isn’t about being stingy. It’s about giving our kids choices, security, and a sense of control. It teaches them patience (hard when you’re 7 and want lollies now), goal setting, and that satisfying buzz when they finally reach their savings goal.

So how do we actually make saving fun — not a snoozefest?

Here are five tried-and-true activities that bring money lessons to life, without the lectures.

1. Set up three jars: Save, Spend, and Share

A classic — and for good reason.

Grab three jars (or envelopes, or boxes — anything see-through is even better). Label them Save, Spend, and Share.
Every time your child earns or receives money (e.g., pocket money, tooth fairy, birthday cash), help them divide it between the jars.

Save: For bigger goals like a new bike or a special outing.
Spend: For small things they can buy now.
Share: For a charity or cause they care about.

📍Hot tip: Let them decorate the jars so they feel theirs. The more ownership, the more buy-in.

2. Create a savings goal tracker

Kids love visual progress. So turn their savings goal into a poster chart or colouring-in sheet.

For example: if they’re saving $50 for a toy, draw 10 boxes worth $5 each. Every time they add $5 to their savings jar, they colour in a box.

This turns saving into a visual game — and gives that sweet hit of dopamine every time they get closer to the goal.

🎨 Want to level it up? Use stickers, glitter, or make a money mountain they climb as they save.

3. Play “Spend or Save?”

This game’s a winner in the car or at home.

You give them pretend scenarios like:

“You have $10. Do you buy a treat now or save for a $25 toy later?”
“You see something on sale — but it’s not what you originally wanted. Spend or save?”

They explain what they’d do and why. There’s no right or wrong — it’s all about sparking thinking.

🧠 Bonus: This helps kids understand trade-offs and impulse control (yes, even when it’s hard!).

4. Open a real savings account

Kids love feeling “grown up” — so take them to the bank (or jump online) and open a kids' savings account together.

Let them name it, choose a goal, and track their progress. Most banks offer no-fee kids’ accounts with fun features like goal setting and online access.

💻 Even better: set up a regular "money date" once a month to check the balance together and celebrate how far they’ve come.

5. Create a family challenge

Make saving a team sport!

Set a fun family goal — like saving for a fish and chips beach night or a weekend zoo trip. Use a visible chart to track your collective progress, and talk about the choices you’re making to get there.

This shows kids that saving is something everyone does — not just something they’re being told to do. Plus, it helps them feel included and proud when the goal is hit.

🏆 Pro move: Let them be the “Savings Tracker” with sticker duty each week.

Final thought:

Saving money isn’t just a skill — it’s a mindset. And the earlier we nurture it, the better prepared our kids are to navigate the big wide world of money.

Start small. Keep it fun. And remember: the goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress 💪

Tyren .