These board games are wonderful tools for introducing children to financial concepts in a fun and interactive way.
Want to see your kids flee to another room? Start lecturing them about finances. If they miss out on the fundamentals of saving and investing, they may face challenges down the road. Currently, many kids are lagging behind: the average score on a National Financial Educators Council financial literacy assessment for ages 15 to 18 was a disappointing 63%.
Even if discussing finances feels uncomfortable, it’s crucial to engage our kids in money matters. Consider turning family game night into a financial learning experience. (Just keep the name change to yourself!)
Here’s a selection of board games that promote financial skills for kids of all ages. Let the games begin!
Preschoolers
This game is adored by preschool and early elementary educators for teaching money counting. It's simple to grasp and can be played with small groups or just one-on-one. While geared toward kids five and older, younger children can join with some assistance.
This enjoyable game adapts as kids grow, teaching various money skills along the way. For preschoolers, it focuses on taking orders, making sandwiches quickly, and collecting payment for services rendered. Plus, kids get to ring a bell and shout "Order Up!"—so cute!
This game is ideal for the youngest players. In Counting Money, kids practice matching coins to their values, mastering basic money concepts. The self-correcting puzzle pieces are designed for little hands. Once your preschooler understands coin and dollar values, they can tackle more advanced sets.
Elementary Kids
This shopping game introduces coin and bill recognition, change-making, and adding skills. In Buy It Right, kids buy and sell items, set prices, and practice making change. While it includes a calculator, parents can opt for mental math practice instead.
This game challenges kids to earn money by completing chores—sorry, parents, these chores are just on the board. Players learn about dollar values, making change, and exchanging money while deciding which tasks to tackle, like opening a lemonade stand or setting the table. The player who earns the most wins.
Originally released in 1975, this classic has been updated but still imparts essential money management lessons in a fun format. Pay Day revolves around smart spending and saving. Kids learn how to manage their finances and find bargains while avoiding bankruptcy before the next payday. Players can choose to play for one or several “months,” making it suitable for quick or extended sessions.
This lively board game instructs kids on spending, saving, and budgeting. Players earn money by landing on jobs and chores, then spend it on treats like ice cream or movie tickets. They can even earn interest from the bank, but overspending could leave them broke—an important lesson!
Dust off this classic family game or explore the updated versions, including The Game of Life Junior or the one featuring electronic banking. The objective remains the same: the player who gathers the most money through various life stages wins. It’s a fantastic way to spark conversations about spending habits and the benefits of saving.
Tweens and Teens
This immensely popular game invites players to lead settlers in constructing communities in the new land of Catan. It's an excellent strategy game for all skill levels to explore resource maximization. Although it doesn’t involve direct money management, it teaches essential principles of supply and demand, trading, and resource allocation. Engage your kids in discussions about income diversification and long-term financial planning.
This beloved classic teaches kids about investments and income generation. Choose the original version or a variant that suits your tween or teen, such as Monopoly Speed, which can be completed in just ten minutes, or the Ultimate Banking Version that utilizes digital banking methods.
In this dynamic strategy game, players enhance their financial decision-making skills while weighing career, education, and future options. Each player faces limited energy, requiring thoughtful planning to maximize Franklin's fortune.
Introduce your kids to stock market principles during family game night with The Stock Exchange Game. This game teaches players how to build portfolios, trade stocks, and navigate mergers and acquisitions. With varying rules for different skill levels, it’s perfect for beginners exploring the stock market.
