Most kids leave high school without taking any kind of course about managing their own money. According to the Council on Economic Education, just 17 states require high school students complete a personal finance course.
And, when kids don’t learn about how to use credit cards or make a budget, studies show they face a higher risk of having low credit scores and developing financial issues in their adult lives.
That means, in most cases, it’s up to parents to guide them to healthy future financial lives. Adults can do that daily by modeling good choices and healthy money habits. But, thankfully, there also are many personal finance games and apps to do just that too—keeping kids engaged while they learn a little something about how to make smart money moves.
Here are seven personal finance games and apps just for kids
World of Cents
From the National Credit Union Association, World of Cents, available through the App Store or Google Play, is designed for kids ages 5 to 10. They’ll learn about earning, saving and spending money and practice some basic math too. In one game, for example, they design a playground as they earn money to add new play pieces and to maintain what they’ve already built. Cost: Free
Savings Spree
Savings Spree is an award-winning app that’s designed for kids ages 7 and up and is available in the App Store. The game, according to its website, is designed to demonstrate how daily lifestyle choices can add up to big savings or big expenses, depending on how you use your money. Cost: $5.99
Bankaroo
Developed by an 11-year-old, Bankaroo is a virtual bank where, according to its website, kids can learn about money, budgeting, setting goals, saving and being accountable for their decisions. Kids with basic reading skills can navigate the site; most of its users are between the ages of 5 and 14. Its goal is to improve communication between children and parents and teach kids the basics about money management. It’s available in the App Store, Google Play and at Amazon. Cost: Free
Star Banks Adventure
Offered by T. Rowe Price, the investment management firm, Star Banks Adventure takes kids ages 7 and up on an intergalactic journey as they attempt to save their galaxy from financial chaos. They’ll solve puzzles, answer quiz questions and take part in other personal finance-related activities. It’s available in the App Store. Cost: Free.
Peter Pig’s Money Counter
Developed by Visa, Peter Pig’s Money Counter lets young kids, ages 5 to 8, learn some basic money skills, including how to count and sort coins, make purchases within a budget and save. It’s available for iPhones and Androids. Cost: Free
Financial Soccer and Financial Football
For sports-loving kids, Visa has designed soccer and football-themed personal finance games that focus on money management skills. Best for tweens and up. Cost: Free.
Gen i Revolution
The online game, built by the Council for Economic Education, is intended for middle school and high school students, who play and compete against classmates and friends. Gen i Revolution involves 16 missions where players help various people in financial trouble. They learn about the benefits of building wealth over time, budgeting, credit and more. Cost: Free
Talking about money can be tricky, especially for families who may be struggling with their own finances. Giving kids the opportunity to learn about these important lessons with personal finance games and apps in a fun and engaging way can be the recipe toward launching them into a lifetime of solid financial health.
Consumer Education Services, Inc. (CESI) is a non-profit committed to empowering and inspiring consumers nationwide to make wise financial decisions and live debt free. Speak with a certified counselor for a free debt analysis today
