5 Best Holiday Money Lessons Our Kids Should Know

Dec 08, 2022 Family & Finances, Holidays

It's the season of joy and spending time with family & friends; you can also use it to teach your children valuable money lessons.

A woman and a young girl looking at Christmas decorations.

Children are counting down the days until the arrival of the man on the sleigh. While there may be a gift or two waiting under the tree, there’s one valuable gift no child should go without – learning the value of money.

Try these lessons at home with your kids to help them learn more about budgeting and spending.

Five Money Lessons For The Holidays

Lesson #1: Stay Focused

It’s clear that stores want us to spend more money during the holiday season. Ads and stores will appeal to our senses to make displays look, smell, feel, taste, and sound like the holidays. To make things worse, sales are always for a limited time only.

Money lessons for kids:

Lesson #2: We Can’t Have Everything We Want

Kids (and adults) learn this lesson the hard way, but even Santa has limited resources. When it comes to the holidays, it’s important to remind your children that choices will need to be made to stick to the budget.

Money lessons for kids:

Two young girls playing on a playground.
Life Guidance for:

Raising Money-Smart Kids

Talking to kids about money is not only acceptable but also encouraged. Use our tips to help your child understand and practice age-appropriate money management skills.

 

Lesson #3: Get Creative

We’re often encouraged to get creative to get the most out of our limited resources. Your child should be encouraged to do the same. You don’t have to sacrifice your wish list if you find ways to do more with less.

Children should realize saving money doesn’t always have to involve putting more money in a piggy bank. When you’re kids want to do something during their break for the holidays, take the time to brainstorm fun things you can do with little to no money.

Make a suggestion to spend time, not money, together. Some ideas include:

Lesson #4: Find The Best Price

Do your kids know how much the items on their wish list cost? If Santa had to buy these gifts where would he find the best deal? Learning how to research prices and comparison shop can help your children save money now and down the road.

Money lessons for kids:

Lesson #5: Online Safety

Everyone knows Santa but do you know the Grinch? There’re some bad people out there. At a young age we’re taught to avoid strangers; children should also be taught how to be safe online.

Money lessons for kids:

Summary

The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and spending time with family and friends; it can also be a time to teach your children important money lessons.

A woman staring into a window, there are holiday lights behind her.

Holiday Spending Survival Guide

Use our free Holiday Spending Survival Guide to easily keep track of your budget and following these steps.

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