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3 Easy Steps to Help Your Kid Save, Spend & Share

Posted March 3, 2025 in Articles
Photo of Paul Styron
by Paul Styron
Creative Director

3 Easy Steps to Teach Your Kids About Money

Try this fun and easy activity that helps kids think about saving, spending, and sharing. All while having a great conversation with you!
1

Set Up the Save, Spend & Share Jars

Learn how to organize money into three jars to build smart financial habits.
2

The “What Would You Do with $10?” Game

Try this quick money game to teach kids how to divide and manage their money wisely.
3

Connect the Game to Real Life

Turn these lessons into real habits kids can use every day.

Step 1: Set Up the Save, Spend & Share Jars

Before jumping into the game, make sure your child has a simple way to divide their money. The Save, Spend, and Share jar system is a great tool for kids to learn how to manage money wisely. Here’s how to set it up:
  • Find three jars, envelopes, or containers. They can be clear jars, so kids can see their money grow, or labeled envelopes if you prefer something simple.
  • Label each one clearly:
    • Save Jar: For money set aside for a bigger goal (like a toy, game, or fun experience).
    • Spend Jar: For small purchases they can enjoy now (like a snack, stickers, or a small toy).
    • Share Jar: For giving to others (charity, helping a friend, or surprising someone with kindness).
  • Introduce the concept to your child: Explain that when they get money (from allowance, gifts, or chores), they can divide it among the three jars based on their choices.
Once your child has their money jars ready, they’re set to play the 5-minute money game!

Step 2: The “What Would You Do with $10?” Game

This quick game gets kids thinking about how they would manage money if they had it right now.

How to Play:

  1. Ask your child: “If I gave you $10 right now, how much would you put in Save, Spend, and Share?”
  2. Have them explain why. If they say, “I’d put $5 in Spend because I really want a toy,” ask what they’re saving for in their Save jar or who they’d want to help with their Share jar.
  3. Flip the game! Let them ask you the same question. Kids love hearing how grown-ups make money choices too!
  4. Compare answers and discuss. Do you both put more in Save or Spend? What do you value most? This is a great way to show that everyone makes different choices with money.

Step 3: Connect the Game to Real Life

After the game, take a moment to reinforce smart money habits:
  • If they put a lot in Spend, talk about why saving for bigger goals can be exciting.
  • If they put everything in Save, praise their patience and ask what they’re working toward.
  • If they put money in Share, discuss why generosity is important and how they want to help others.
Over time, this game helps kids understand money choices, set goals, and feel confident managing their own money—all in just 5 minutes! Try this game at your next allowance day or anytime you want a fun, meaningful money talk with your child!