What you'll learn:
➤ Best finance books for kids
Many find discussing money challenging, particularly within families.
A T. Rowe Price survey in 2021 revealed that 36% of parents with children under 18 were very or extremely reluctant to talk about financial matters.
Add the 26% somewhat hesitant, and it’s a staggering 62% majority of Americans.
Reasons varied; 56% believed their kids were too young to grasp the concepts, 41% felt overwhelmed by other concerns, and 28% were embarrassed about their own financial situation.
Thankfully, for parents seeking resources to broach these topics, a plethora of books cater to different age groups.
Sharing a book becomes an effortless way to initiate conversations, even tackling difficult situations like parental job loss or being unable to afford desired items.
How young is too young to start learning about money?
Research by child development experts at the University of Cambridge suggests that by age 3 or 4, most kids understand money’s purchasing power, though grasping coin values might take until age 5 or 6. By age 7 or 8, many comprehend complex concepts like credit cards.
In this guide to the best finance books for kids, we’ve curated titles suitable for various developmental stages.
We commence with selections ideal for pre-readers, gradually progressing to books tailored for independent reading.
| Best Finance Books for Kids | Target Age |
|---|---|
| The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense | 3-7 |
| The Four Money Bears | 3-7 |
| The Moneybunny Books | 3-5 |
| If You Made a Million | 4-8 |
| Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock | 8-9 |
| Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss | 8-12 |
| How To Turn $100 Into $1,000,000 | 6-12 |
1️⃣ The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense (For Early Readers)
Sid and Jan Berenstain’s series, aimed at kids aged 3 to 7, offers insightful lessons about money management.
The Berenstain Bears’ Dollars and Sense explores budgeting, while The Berenstain Bears’ Trouble With Money delves into working, saving, and resisting greed.
2️⃣ The Four Money Bears (For Basic Money Lessons)
Authored by Mac Gardner, this book for ages 3 to 7 introduces Saver Bear, Spender Bear, Investor Bear, and Giver Bear, using relatable content to illustrate various financial personalities and their collaboration.
3️⃣ The Moneybunny Books (For Preschoolers)
Written and illustrated by Cinders McLeod, this charming series—Earn It!, Save It!, Spend It!, and Give It!—set in Bunnyland, uses carrots as currency, making financial concepts relatable to 3 to 5-year-olds.
4️⃣ If You Made a Million (Intro to Money Math)
David M. Schwartz’s award-winning book explains money and counting concepts to 4- to 8-year-olds through Marvelosissimo the Mathematical Magician, detailing various money combinations and introducing the concept of interest.
5️⃣ Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock (Motivating Young Savers)
Sheila Bair’s book, ideal for 8 to 9-year-olds, narrates the story of twin brothers, one a spender and the other a saver, emphasizing the value of saving and the magic of compound interest.
6️⃣ Finance 101 for Kids: Money Lessons Children Cannot Afford to Miss (For Independent Reading)
Authored by Walter Andal, this book caters to middle schoolers aged 8 to 12, offering comprehensive yet accessible lessons on earning, saving, investing, and more.
7️⃣ How To Turn $100 Into $1,000,000 (Ideal for Pre-Teens)
Targeted at ages 6 to 12, this book by James McKenna, Jeannine Glista, and Matt Fontaine focuses on financial goal setting, budgeting, saving, and the realistic path to wealth.
➤ Final Thoughts
In conclusion, from early learners enjoying bedtime stories to older kids navigating financial independence, a range of engaging money-related books exists.
For younger ones, the timeless Berenstain Bears series remains a favorite, while the inspiring How to Turn $100 Into $1,000,000 suits older kids seeking both knowledge and motivation.
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🔥 Daily Inspiration 🔥
“Invest with the end in mind.”
– Joe Saul-Sehy
