Money Skills for Kids

Everyone needs money for the essentials of life. Individuals, however, get to decide how to use money-and not everyone is good at it! This book presents readers with clear explanations of financial goal setting and budgeting. Practical tips readers can use today and later in life emphasize prioritizing necessities and keeping track of what is spent in order to live within a budget. Simple economics are blended with citizenship through sections about giving to charity and finding ways to use money for good.

Perhaps the most difficult decision anyone makes when money is involved is whether to spend or save. From birthday money from Grandma to a paycheck made from a paper route, the money young people make is no different. This volume covers the most basic concepts of money-including income, budgets, and taxes-in language appropriate for an audience just beginning to be concerned with these matters. Additionally, the main content covers the many ways one can save money, including for long-term goals such as retirement. Sidebars and fact boxes contribute further detail and examples about difficult concepts.

Anyone who owns stock in a company owns a little piece of that company. However, since many people don't handle their own investments, they likely don't know what company they own a part of! In fact, they might not even know how their investments are moved around or how to define a "stock" at all. This book introduces the topic of stocks and bonds, including the risks of investment. Written in clear, accessible language for readers just starting to learn how their personal economy works, the main content will instill financial literacy to everyone who reads it.

One of the first steps toward good money management is opening a bank account or two. How debit and savings accounts work, how to get cash from these accounts, and more are covered in this introductory volume on using money. Practical tips such as shopping around for a good deal and credit card management are woven through basic economic concepts of spending, budgeting, and saving. Written in understandable language with age-appropriate information, the main content, sidebars, and fact boxes ready readers for the beginning of their long financial lives.

Borrowing $20 to go to the movies might not seem like much-unless the person you borrow from charges interest! This concept can be a difficult one for young people to grasp until they face this situation themselves. Luckily, this book clearly breaks down credit, loans, interest, and debt to help readers understand one of the hardest financial areas to manage long before they truly need the help. Sidebars and fact boxes supplement sections on credit cards, bankruptcy, and even national debt to explain especially tricky topics.