3 good money habits for kids – works for digital savers too!

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In an age when a drink can be bought with just the tap of a card, how do children learn the value of money? As parents have the greatest influence on a child’s attitude towards money, find out what you can do to inculcate healthy money habits in your child.


When it was announced in April this year that all school canteens and bookshops will accept digital payments by 2025, groans could be heard from some parents.

If a drink or an eraser could be bought with just the tap of a card or the wrist, will children be able to learn the value of money?

It is important for children to have the knowledge and skills to handle money because everyone makes decisions involving money every single day, from childhood till our golden years.

With proper financial education, our children will be better equipped to plan for their financial future and manage any financial issues that may come their way.

MOE promotes financial literacy by infusing key concepts into school curricula at all levels. For example, primary school students are taught basic concepts such as differentiating between needs and wants, spending within their means, as well as the value of thrift and accumulating savings through Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) lessons.

Secondary school students learn how to become responsible and discerning consumers through Food and Consumer Education, where simple financial planning, responsible use of credit, and knowledge of consumer rights are taught.  

These fundamental concepts of financial literacy are applicable whether digital or non-digital payment systems are used.

In an increasingly digital and cashless society, some students may find these concepts easier to understand in the form of digits that add up and go down as they save, spend, and receive their allowances.

With digital apps, parental controls are also possible, and possibly more efficient. For example, parents can place daily limits on spending and see expenses made in real-time. Not having to look for change for little wallets would be welcomed too.

Good money habits children can build on

Even though students are taught financial concepts in schools, a parent’s attitude and behaviour towards money tend to have the biggest influence on a child’s money habits, says the Institute for Financial Literacy (IFL). IFL is a collaboration between MoneySense (Singapore’s national financial education programme) and Singapore Polytechnic International.

Furthermore, research shows that a child’s money habits are set as early as seven years old. This means it is never too early for a head start.

Here are some good money habits and perspectives that parents can help impart to their children:

1.     Save regularly

To introduce the idea of regular savings, you can guide them to put aside a little bit each day and watch their eyes light up when they see the total sum at the end of the month. When unexpected family expenses pop up, show them how your savings come in handy to pay for them. Remember, the ability to delay gratification has also been proven to be a strong indicator of success later in life.

2.     Translate money into something they can picture

One parent told her daughter that if she receives $2 a day, and if she wants to buy a toy for $40, it would be equivalent to one month’s worth of pocket money. “After that, I would ask her if this toy is worth that price,” she said. Such examples would help children understand how much effort it takes to save before making purchases.

3.     Share as they save

“While saving is important, it is also important to cultivate a sense of sharing, as a way to show care for their loved ones and community,” said IFL trainer R. Sivanithy. With a portion of their savings, “you could ask your child if he would like to donate to a good cause or buy gifts for his grandparents or siblings’’.

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How parents can get help

If you’re feeling daunted about teaching financial literacy to your child, there is help at hand.

IFL runs free courses on financial literacy that parents can attend with their children, so they can pick up tips and tricks on healthy money management.

Titled “MoneySense for Your Child’’, the talks and workshops are structured with targeted content for parents of children in the following three groups – pre-school, primary school, and secondary school. Parents and children can learn together in hands-on exercises that demonstrate selected financial concepts. IFL will also conduct an Ask-Me-Anything (AMA) Facebook Live session where an expert from IFL will answer questions from parents.

You can browse through the list of IFL events and register here.

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Details of upcoming MoneySense for Your Child sessions in end-2022:

Session Type/Format

Time

Pre School

Primary

Secondary

Registration QR Code and URL links

Online Talks

7.30pm – 9.30pm

 

Wed, 23 Nov

Wed, 7 Dec  

Wed, 21 Dec

https://ifl.org.sg/modules/moneysense-for-your-child-talk/

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Online Workshops

3.00 pm – 5.30pm

 

Fri, 18 Nov

Fri, 9 Dec

Fri, 16 Dec

https://ifl.org.sg/modules/moneysense-for-your-child-workshop/

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Physical Workshops @ LLibrary

(Max capacity of 50 pax)

2.00 pm – 4.30 pm

Thur, 8 Dec

Sat, 17 Dec

Sat, 3 Dec

Footnote:
MoneySense is Singapore’s National Financial Education Programme and the IFL is a collaboration between MoneySense and Singapore Polytechnic International Pte Ltd. IFL provides free and unbiased financial education programmes to the public. We provide education and do not promote financial products. The free financial education programmes cover basic money management, financial planning and investment know-how. Find out more about MoneySense at moneysense.gov.sg and IFL at ifl.org.sg.

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