How to teach children to save: 5 practical methods that actually create habits
Does your child spend their allowance as soon as they receive it? It's not a lack of discipline—it's a lack of tools. Saving is a childhood financial skill that is developed early on with games, visual challenges, and educational stories.
“Don’t just teach your kids how to earn money—teach them how to keep it.” —Adapted from Warren Buffett
Does your child spend their allowance as soon as they receive it? It's not a lack of discipline—it's a lack of tools. Saving is a childhood financial skill that is developed early on with games, visual challenges, and educational stories.
Why teaching savings habits from childhood is essential
According to the CFPB's Early Childhood Financial Capability study, financial habits are formed before age 7. Saving with a clear purpose develops emotional control, personal planning, and delayed gratification.
5 Effective Strategies to Encourage Savings in Children (Included in Our Workbook)
- Tommy the Saver (p. 13): Story to teach financial goals and illustrated savings plan.
- Savings Path (p. 18): visual financial adventure to decide, save and compare prices.
- Visible personalized piggy bank: the power of what is seen and valued.
- Sticker tracker: visual reinforcement for consistency and motivation.
- Family savings: teaching by example and shared goals.
What does science say?
A study by the University of Kansas (2021) concluded that children with active savings habits between the ages of 6 and 10 develop economic resilience, self-esteem, and independence.
What your child earns (and you too)
| They learn… | You experience… |
| Wait calmly | Less tantrums and unnecessary purchases |
| Deciding between spending and objective | More conscious conversations |
| That saving is power, not punishment | Pride in his emotional maturity |
| Let your decisions create your financial reality | Security about your future |
Conclusion
Saving is more than just collecting coins. With Tommy the Saver and The Savings Journey, money becomes a tool for imagining a grounded future. Start today: one story, one step, one coin at a time.
