Beyond Piggy Banks and Lemonade Stands: How to Teach Young Kids About Finance (and They’re Never Too Young)

Frazier proposes that even preschoolers are old enough to begin learning financial concepts in this straightforward and supportive guide. Frazier, a certified financial planner, is also a parent; from both perspectives, she guides parents toward, among other things, helping their children develop a positive attitude toward managing money and understanding how to make and meet financial goals. Age-appropriate information and activities are offered for children from pre-K through fifth grade, as are reading lists and online resources for parents to use as they incorporate financial education into their kids’ lives, such as by setting limits on spending at events or creating milestones in savings. Making extra money and finding work outside the home are key subjects in Frazier’s plan, which emphasizes that dealing with one’s own hard-earned cash is a pivotal real-life learning experience. An exceptional chapter on sharing focuses on charity, generosity, and why knowing the good that money can accomplish is as important as understanding how it works. This approachable book should alleviate any anxiety parents have about teaching their kids how to handle money. (Sept.)