Most kids never get taught how money really works. And that’s a problem—because money affects everything.
Where you live. What you eat. What you can say yes to… and what you have to say no to.
So, let’s fix that.
Money isn’t magic. It’s not just for grown-ups. It’s a tool. And it’s something you can learn, use, and get good at—starting now. And the truth? The earlier you start, the more freedom you’ll have later.
Whether you’re earning a little from chores or stacking birthday cash, here’s how to make your money work for you—before your money disappears on junk food and random stuff.
Step 1: Know Where Your Money’s Going 📱
If you don’t know where your money is going, it’s probably going away.
Start tracking it. Write it down in a notebook. Use a free app with help from an adult. Or make your own chart on paper. The goal is to see it.
Did you really spend $12 on candy last month? Probably. Want to do that again? Maybe. Maybe not. The power comes from knowing.
Step 2: Set a Real Goal 🎯
Want a new skateboard? A pair of headphones? Cool. Set a goal. Be specific.
Say: “I want to save $60 in six weeks.” That’s $10 a week. Totally doable.
Break it down. Make a chart. Put a picture of what you’re saving for on your wall. It helps.
Step 3: Build a Budget 📝
This is where your money gets a plan instead of just vanishing.
A budget tells your cash where to go before it escapes your hands. Make 3 sections:
- Money coming in
- Money going out
- What’s left over for saving, spending, and giving
You’re the boss of this budget. Treat it like a game plan, not a prison.
Exclusive poster for WholeHearted Hub members! Available August 19th, 2025.
Step 4: Split Your Money Smart 💰
You don’t have to save everything. And you don’t have to spend it all either.
Here’s a smart way to split it:
- Save part
- Spend part
- Give part
That way, you still get to have fun now and save up for something awesome later.
Step 5: Get Curious About Saving and Investing 📈
This is the part most kids skip—and most adults wish they hadn’t.
Saving is step one. Open a savings account with an adult. Try putting in $5 a week. Watch it grow.
Then ask: “What’s investing?” It’s like planting a money seed. You leave it alone, and over time, it multiplies. Talk to someone who knows what they’re doing. You don’t need to invest yet. But if you can start to understand it, you will be so far ahead.
Step 6: Don’t Let Debt Drag You Down 💳
Borrowing money from a friend might seem easy—until it’s not.
If you borrow, pay it back fast. No excuses. If you can’t pay it back soon, don’t borrow at all. Owing people money locks you up.
Freedom means not being stuck. So avoid the “I’ll pay you back later” trap unless you really mean it—and can do it.
Step 7: Start a Side Hustle 💼
Yes, you can. You don’t need to wait until you’re “older.”
Start simple:
- Babysit
- Walk dogs
- Sell your art
- Shovel driveways
- Resell cool thrift finds
- Build a lemonade stand that actually makes profit
What matters isn’t how big it is. What matters is that you made it happen.
Want to level up? Track your time and your earnings. That’s how business owners think.
Exclusive poster for WholeHearted Hub members! Available August 19th, 2025.
Step 8: Be a Smart Buyer 🛍️
Want to waste less money? Stop buying things the second you want them.
Ask yourself:
- Do I need this—or just want it right now?
- Will I care about this next week?
- Could I get it cheaper or better somewhere else?
Pro tip: Wait 24 hours. Still want it? Cool. Buy it. Don’t? Even better—you just saved cash.
Step 9: Build an Emergency Stash 🚨
Things break. Things change. That’s life.
Having even $20 or $30 saved for emergencies puts you ahead of even some (ok lots) of adults. Keep it safe. Don’t touch it unless you really need it.
That tiny cushion can keep you from panicking when life throws something random your way (like your dog eating your earbuds).
Step 10: Talk to Smart People 💬
Want to learn about money faster? Talk to someone who’s already made smart choices.
Ask your parents what they wish they knew at your age. Ask your teacher, your grandpa, your neighbor who owns a business.
Most people want to share what they’ve learned—you just have to ask.
Bonus Power Moves
Make Saving a Game 🎯
Challenge a friend to see who can save $20 the fastest. Set a prize. Talk strategy.
The Envelope Trick ✉️
Label 3 envelopes: Save, Spend, Give. It’s simple, but it works. Try it for one month.
Look for Money Leaks 💸
Spending $3 here and there seems small—until it adds up to $50 you didn’t even notice. Track it for a week. Fix the leaks.
Get Paid to Learn 🧠
Ask your parents if they’ll match your savings. You put in $10, they add $2. That’s compound motivation.
Final Word
If you learn how to use money now—like really use it—you’ll be miles ahead later. Not just richer. Freer.
Because when you’re smart with your money, you don’t have to rely on anyone else to save you. You’ve already got it handled.
Start small. Stay sharp. And make your money work as hard as you do.
DISCUSSION BOX
Talk About It:
- What’s one money tip from this article you want to try
- Have you ever saved up for something on your own? How did it feel?
- What’s one smart money habit you’ve seen someone else use?
Write About It:
- Write about your dream side hustle. What would you sell, offer, or create—and how would you start?
- What’s something you want to save for—and what’s your plan to get there?
💸 What to Do When…
A Quick Guide to Making Smart Money Moves
You get money from a gift or allowance:
Split it up! Save a chunk, spend a little, and maybe stash some to give or share.
You want to buy something expensive:
Break it down. Set a goal and figure out how much to save each week to get there.
You’re not sure where your money goes:
Track every dollar for a week. You might find you’ve been snack-bombing your budget.
You want to earn extra cash:
Look for small jobs—chores, babysitting, pet care, yard help. Start small and build from there.
You hit your savings goal:
Celebrate! Then pick your next goal and start again—momentum is your superpower.
You keep running out of money too fast:
Time for a budget. Plan what to save, what to spend, and stick to it.
You’re saving for something fun:
Write it down. Make a countdown. Keep your goal where you can see it every day.
You need to spend less:
Check your habits. Are you buying stuff just because it’s “on sale”? Cut the fluff.
You’re tempted to blow your savings:
Pause. Picture what you’re saving for. Is that random thing worth giving up your goal?
You’re feeling unmotivated to save:
Remind yourself how awesome it’s going to feel when you buy that thing with your own money.
Ready to have some fun?
Spin the wheel and answer over 25 questions that help you increase your cash smarts! This is a super fun interactive game and social emotional lesson to teach kids about managing their money. This digital spinner is available exclusively for members of the WholeHearted Hub!
*Spinner will be available to download after August 19th, 2025.
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