The Best Way to Save Money for Kids: A Comprehensive Guide

Modak
December 13, 2024

Teaching kids about money and how to save is a vital life skill that can help them build strong financial habits for the future. But what are the best ways to save money for kids? This guide will explore practical strategies, fun budgeting activities, and engaging games that can help children learn the importance of saving money.

Also, we’ll dive into how teens can save money and set financial goals using the Modak app and how they can use their Visa® debit card1 designed for kids and teens and payment link to receive earnings from side hustle activities without any monthly subscription fees4.

Why Teach Kids About Money?

Before diving into the methods and activities, it’s important to understand why teaching kids about money is crucial. Financial literacy from a young age helps children develop good money habits, understand the value of money, and make informed financial decisions as they grow older.

Parents teaching their kid about money

Benefits of Early Financial Education

  1. Responsibility: Children learn to be responsible with their money.
  2. Financial Independence: Helps them achieve financial independence sooner.
  3. Goal Setting: Teaches them to set and achieve financial goals.
  4. Money Management: Improves their ability to budget and manage finances effectively.

Effective Ways to Save Money for Kids

There are numerous ways to help kids learn to save money. Here are some of the best methods:

1. Setting Up a Savings Account

Opening a savings account for your child is a great way to introduce them to the concept of saving. It provides a safe place to keep their money and teaches them about interest and banking. With Modak, you can easily set up a savings account that offers features designed specifically for kids and teens5.

How to Get Started

  • Choose Modak for a child-friendly banking experience with no fees4.
  • While Modak is not a savings account, it allows parents and children to set aside money to save for specific goals. You can explain how the account works and highlight the benefits of saving together!
  • Set savings goals and track progress together using the Modak app5.

2. Use a Piggy Bank

A piggy bank is a simple and effective tool for younger kids to start saving money. It helps them see their savings grow physically, which can be very motivating.

Tips for Using a Piggy Bank

Pink piggy bank
  • Encourage regular deposits, even if they are small.
  • Set a clear goal, such as saving for a toy or a special outing.
  • Use transparent piggy banks to visually track progress.

3. Teach Through Allowance

Giving an allowance is a practical way to teach kids about earning, spending, and saving money. It provides hands-on experience in managing money.

Effective Allowance Strategies

  • Give a regular, consistent allowance.
  • Encourage a portion to be saved, spent, and donated.
  • Discuss their spending and saving decisions regularly.

4. Setting Financial Goals

Financial goals provide a roadmap for saving. By setting clear, achievable goals, kids can stay motivated and understand the purpose of saving money.

Examples of Financial Goals

  • Short-Term Goals: Save $50 for a new video game, $100 for a concert ticket.
  • Long-Term Goals: Save $500 for a new phone, $1,000 for a laptop.

5. Matching Contributions

To further encourage saving, consider matching your child’s contributions. For every dollar they save, you add a dollar (or a percentage). This not only boosts their savings but also incentivizes them to save more.

Fun Budgeting Games and Activities

Making learning about money fun can help keep kids engaged. Here are some budgeting games and activities that can teach kids about money management.

Budgeting Games for Kids

Budgeting game for kids
  1. Monopoly: This classic board game teaches kids about buying property, paying rent, and managing money.
  2. The Game of Life: Simulates real-life financial decisions, including careers, salaries, and expenses.
  3. Pay Day: A game focused on budgeting monthly expenses and managing unexpected costs.

Budget Activities

  1. Grocery Store Challenge: Give your child a budget and let them plan a meal or shop for groceries within that budget.
  2. Savings Goals Chart: Create a visual chart to track savings progress toward a specific goal.
  3. DIY Bank: Have kids make their own piggy banks or savings jars to personalize their savings experience.

How to Save Money as a Kid

Kids can also learn to save money through practical and everyday activities.

Practical Saving Tips for Kids

  1. Earn Money Through Chores: Assign paid chores around the house to teach the value of earning money.
  2. Birthday and Holiday Gifts: Encourage kids to save a portion of money they receive as gifts.
  3. Sell Unused Items: Have a garage sale or use online platforms to sell toys or clothes they no longer use.

How to Save Money as a Student

Students have unique opportunities to save money through school and part-time jobs.

Woman doing a part time job

Tips for Students

  1. Part-Time Jobs: Encourage teens to take up part-time jobs or summer jobs.
  2. School Savings: Use student discounts and save money on school supplies.
  3. Budget for Expenses: Help them create a budget for personal and school-related expenses.

Answering Common Budgeting Questions

What Can a 12-Year-Old Save Up For?

A 12-year-old can save up for items like:

  • A new bike
  • Video games or electronics
  • Special outings or activities
  • Sports equipment

Should a 14-Year-Old Save Money?

Yes, a 14-year-old should save money. Saving money helps them learn financial responsibility and prepares them for future expenses, such as driving lessons, college, or personal hobbies.

How to Make Money as a 10-Year-Old?

A 10-year-old can make money by:

  • Doing extra chores around the house
  • Babysitting younger siblings or neighbors
  • Selling handmade crafts or baked goods
  • Doing yard work or pet sitting

Why Is It Hard for Kids to Save Money?

Kids often find it hard to save money because they might not understand the long-term benefits of saving. They also face temptations to spend money on immediate gratifications, like toys and snacks. Teaching them the value of saving through practical examples and rewards can help overcome this challenge.

How Modak Helps with Budgeting and Earning Money

At Modak, we understand the importance of teaching kids and teens about money management. Our app offers a range of features that can help your family with budgeting and earning money.

Mom and son spending time together

MBX Rewards and Challenges

With Modak, kids and teens can earn MBX, our in-app reward point system, through various activities. By walking 5,000 steps every day, they can earn 10 MBX per day(2)(3). Completing challenges in the app can also help them earn more points. These points can be converted into dollars and spent using their Modak Debit Card. By walking, children can earn up to 70 MBX per week, which translates to an extra $8 per week just by staying active.

Managing Chores and Payments

Parents can easily manage chores and payments within the Modak app. They can set up custom chores with due dates and payment amounts. When kids complete their chores, they can mark them as done in the app and receive their payments directly into their Modak account. This feature helps teach kids the value of hard work and financial responsibility.

Creating Savings Goals

Both parents and kids can create savings goals in the Modak app. These goals can be for anything – a new bike, a video game, or even a college fund. By contributing to these goals, kids learn the importance of saving and planning for the future.

Payment Links and Direct Deposits

Teens can create payment links within the Modak app, making it easy for anyone to pay them for gigs or part-time jobs. Additionally, direct deposits can be set up for teens who work, allowing their earnings to go directly into their Modak account.

24/7 Customer Support

Modak offers 24/7 customer support with real agents who respond in under three minutes. Whether you have questions about the app or need assistance with a transaction, our support team is always available to help.

Conclusion

Teaching kids about money and how to save is one of the best gifts you can give them. By using tools like savings accounts, piggy banks, budgeting games, and practical saving tips, you can help your children develop strong financial habits that will last a lifetime. For parents looking to support their children's financial education, Modak offers a comprehensive solution that combines budgeting, saving, and earning rewards5.

Ready to help your child take control of their finances and learn valuable money skills? Download the Modak app today and start your loud budgeting journey!

  1. Modak is a financial technology company and not a FDIC-insured bank.Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
  5. The savings goals feature is intended to assist you in planning and tracking your savings progress. It does not imply or guarantee any interest earnings.

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