Financial Literacy: The Easiest Top of Your To-Do List

As the school year continues, most parents are busy checking off the usual to-do list—buying new clothes, getting ready for the holidays, helping with homework, signing up for after-school activities, and preparing for academic success. But there’s one important lesson that often slips through the cracks: financial literacy.

Money affects nearly every part of our lives—from daily spending decisions to planning for the future. That’s why it’s so important for kids to understand how money works before they head off to college or start their first job. And what better time to begin those lessons than today?

Teaching your children about money early on gives them the tools to make confident, responsible choices later in life. Studies show that students who learn about personal finance and economics are more capable of managing their money—whether that means saving for the long term or sticking to a monthly budget. In fact, experts say that core money habits often start forming as early as age seven, so there’s no such thing as starting too soon.

The best part? Learning about money doesn’t have to be boring. It can actually be fun and hands-on! We know your to-do list seems to be growing quicker than you can get through it. Luckily, financial literacy can be your next step with an easy check-off. Here are a few simple ways to get started:

1. Build a Budget Together: Sit down with your child and make a list of everything they’ll need —books, supplies, clothes, and so on. Add up the total cost to show them how budgeting helps plan and prioritize spending. This is also a great opportunity to demonstrate differences between wants and needs. Sometimes, we have to make tough decisions on what to prioritize our spending on.

2. Offer an Allowance with Purpose: Think of it as a mini “job.” Paying your child an allowance gives them a chance to earn, save, and even practice waiting to buy something they really want—an early lesson in delayed gratification. Financial literacy isn’t about how much money you have—it’s about making thoughtful choices. This can also be a great way for them to relate to larger spending decisions you previously discussed. Set the wants aside that maybe didn't make the shopping cart this week as new savings goals.

3. Think of Where to Save: Starting with a piggy bank or a savings account can help kids understand how money grows over time through saving and interest. Learning to balance spending, saving, and even giving back sets the stage for lifelong financial confidence.

Once they’ve mastered the basics, encourage your kids to keep exploring. Talk about different careers and how managing money plays a role in each. Try a free online course from FitMoney together to continue learning and building those skills. By taking time now to teach them about money, you’re helping them build confidence, independence, and smart financial habits that will last a lifetime.

One great option is FitMoney’s $uperSquad—a free, interactive program for grades K–6 that turns financial education into an adventure. Kids join the $uperSquad on their journey through Fitonia, where they learn about earning, saving, and smart decision-making while having fun.

For older students (Grades 9-12), the Financially Fit Certificate is now available in both English and Spanish. Explore 12-16 modules on personal finance foundations from budgeting, to credit scores, to payment apps, and much more. Pass a final assessment to earn your Certificate for college or job applications.