Websites that Teach Kids About Money

Whether you are homeschooling, or just want to teach your kids about money and finances, there are several websites that have games, information, and present finances in fun, and interesting ways.

Allowing your kids to play the games, or do the activities, can add to the strong financial foundation that you are giving them.

Kidsbank is a fantastic, and kid friendly site. Various characters, like Penny, Interest Ray, and Dollar Bill guide your child through the site, giving them fun facts and important information on various aspects of banking, finance, savings, and economics. There is a game room, a quiz area, and a place for parents to read up on the various aspects of the website so that you can help your child get the most out of it.

Young Investor is an investment website for kids. Lots of information, interesting articles to read, facts and games about investing money and how stocks work. For example one of the pages is entitled, Different Investments for Different Goals, and discusses the carious types of investments and how much risk they carry. It helps children learn to define their investing goals to choose the best investment strategy for them.

The United States Treasury Department has a great website for kids that includes information, games, and teachers helps on the treasury department and other aspects of both personal and national finance. History of money, how it is minted, and how it is circulated are some of the features of this interesting site.

Savings Quest is an online flash game in which your child chooses a job, earns a paycheck, and chooses a savings goal. He must build a budget and handle other aspects of personal finances. Over a six month period (in the game, not in real life) he will have to work, handle expenses and save for a goal. This game can give your kids real life experience, it throws unexpected expenses at you just like in real life!

Savings Quest is from Wachovia, and has more links to other games on the main site. These are for a variety of ages, and include everything from online coloring pages to a game where you pick stocks and play the stock market.

Playing these games may not make your kid a financial genius but it will help him to have a better understanding of his personal finances and how they work. Being smart about money will help him succeed in the future, and who knows, he may be your retirement plan.