Talking about money with your children is an important step in helping them develop financial literacy. But financial conversations shouldn’t be a one-time discussion—they should be ongoing. By keeping these discussions open, your children can see how financial decisions are made and learn to make thoughtful choices themselves. 

Keeping the Conversation Going 

Here are some simple ways to build on your initial conversations and keep the discussion relevant for all ages: 

1. Make It Part of Everyday Life

Use real-life moments to spark discussion. Grocery shopping? Talk about budgeting. Planning a family outing? Discuss how to balance fun and cost. Teens saving for a big purchase? Encourage them to compare prices and consider needs vs. wants. 

2. Set Family and Individual Goals

Encourage each family member to set a financial goal, whether it’s saving for a toy (younger kids), an experience (preteens), or a long-term investment like a car or college fund (teens). As a family, consider a shared savings goal—perhaps for a trip or a fun experience together. 

3. Practice Smart Decision-Making Together

When making financial choices, involve your children in the process. If you’re deciding between two family activities, discuss how cost, value, and priorities play a role in the final choice. This helps children see decision-making in action. 

4. Talk About Giving and Gratitude

Discuss how your family can give back—whether through donations, volunteering, or helping a neighbor. This reinforces the idea that money isn’t just for spending, but also for making a positive impact. 

5. Revisit and Reflect

At dinner, during car rides, or in a family meeting, take time to check in. What financial decisions have you made recently? What went well? What could be improved? Keeping the conversation reflective and ongoing helps everyone learn and grow. 

A Family Challenge: Money Mindset Check-In 

This week, choose one of these questions to discuss as a family: 

• What does “being responsible with money” mean to each of us? 

• What’s something we’ve saved for that we’re proud of? 

• How do we decide what’s worth spending money on and what’s not? 

• What makes something a ‘yes, I want that!’ or a ‘no, I’ll wait’? 

The more you keep these conversations open, the more confident and prepared your children will be to navigate financial decisions in the future.