April is Financial Literacy Month, and MNSAVES, Minnesota’s 529 College Savings Plan, has
some tips to share with parents to help raise money smart kids.
The JA Teens Personal Finance Survey (2025), conducted by Junior Achievement and
MissionSquare Retirement Foundation, shows that while more high school students are gaining
access to financial literacy courses, substantial gaps remain in the curriculum, leaving many
teenagers underprepared for their financial futures.
Like most learned skills, the key is starting early. Sharing basic financial concepts with a child in
a fun and engaging way can help build smart money habits down the road, including reduced
debt, improved decision-making and increased independence.
So, what’s the best age to start talking to your kids about financial literacy? Many experts say
between three and six years old. This may seem early, but kids at this age are already grasping
the concept of money, its value and how it is used to buy things.
Here are some fun games and activities to teach young kids about financial literacy:
- Play Store – Purchase play money and set up a grocery store where your child can
purchase items, run the register, sort money and hand out change. This fun activity
teaches basic adding and subtraction and what items cost. - Save, Spend, Give Jars – Grab three jars and label them Save, Spend, Give. Have your
child sort their money based on things they want now, while the remaining is left in the
Save and Give jars. This is also a great way to teach your child about giving and helping
others. - Piggy Bank – A classic piggy bank is a great way to teach the concept of savings. Place
extra money in the piggy bank and watch it grow over time. Take money out only when
needed or for special purchases. - Coin Sort – Spread coins on a table and sort them by type. Name the coins and colors to
identify what the coin is and how much it’s worth. - Family Financial Fun Pack – This Family-At-Home Financial Fun Pack from the Council of
Economic Education is a curated set of materials well-suited for families to enjoy at
home together. Explore family activities, games, worksheets and suggested books for
children or adults.
As your kids grow older, the actives may change – like converting the piggy bank to a savings
account at a local bank – but the concept of discussing financial literacy should never be
ignored. Open, honest communication can help your kids avoid financial pitfalls like high-
interest credit cards, student loans, overspending, lack of savings and no financial planning for
the future.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a “Money as You Grow” program designed for
parents to teach kids financial habits at every age. It also has tools for budgeting, credit and
debt.
During the month of April, parents are encouraged to talk with their kids – no matter their age
– about financial literacy.
For more information about MNSAVES and saving for college, visit MNSAVES.org.
To learn more about the Minnesota College Savings Plan, its investment objectives, risks, and
charges and expenses see the Plan Description at mnsaves.com before investing. Read it
carefully. Minnesota taxpayers can reduce their state taxable income up to $3,000 if married filing
jointly ($1,500 filing single) for contributions made into a Minnesota College Savings Plan, or may
be eligible for maximum credit amount up to $500, subject to phase-out based on certain federal
adjusted gross income thresholds. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor guaranteed
and there is the risk of investment loss. Investments in the Plan are neither insured nor
guaranteed and there is the risk of investment loss. TIAA-CREF Individual & Institutional Services, LLC, Member FINRA, distributor and underwriter. 5404972
(Disclosure: This sponsored post was submitted by MNSAVES; while not authored by me, it has been reviewed and approved for publication.)
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