Teaching Kids About Money - Christa Mathews on AfternoonLIVE

Christa Mathews on AfternoonLIVE – Teaching Kids About Money

Money isn’t just about numbers—it’s about mindset. In today’s world, where transactions happen with a tap of a card or a click on a screen, kids are growing up with a very different relationship to money than previous generations. That’s why financial literacy from an early age is critical to setting them up for future success.

Recently, AfternoonLIVE on KATU2 ABC featured Christa Mathews, co-author of HowMoneyWorks for the Next Generation: Act Now or Pay Later, to discuss how parents can instill smart money habits in their children.

The New Money Mindset in a Cashless World

One of the biggest challenges parents face today is teaching kids about money when they rarely handle cash. With digital payments and auto-pay making transactions nearly invisible, children don’t always grasp the value of money.

Christa explains:

“We have to make sure we’re instilling that financial foundation early on. It shapes their money mindset as adults.”

The key? Teaching financial habits at the right age to ensure kids understand earning, saving, and investing before they become financially independent.

Age-Appropriate Money Lessons for Kids

Christa shared simple, practical ways parents can introduce financial concepts at different ages:

• 6-8 years old: Introduce the idea that money is earned, not given by tying allowances to small chores like mowing the lawn or feeding a pet.
• 6-9 years old: Use jars or envelopes for saving, spending, and giving. Kids absorb financial habits based on how money is talked about at home.
• 10-13 years old: Help kids learn delayed gratification by setting savings goals for big purchases like video game consoles or new sneakers.
• 14+ years old: Before leaving home, teens should understand credit, budgeting, and long-term saving—consider part-time jobs or small business ventures.

The Power of Starting Early

It’s never too early—or too late—to start learning about money.

Christa emphasizes:

"Time is the greatest asset young people have when it comes to building wealth."

Even small financial habits can compound into major financial security over time. For parents who feel they missed out on financial education, Christa reassures that it’s never too late to learn, make adjustments, and work with a financial professional to get on track.

Watch the Full Interview

Want to hear more insights from Christa Mathews on raising financially savvy kids? Watch the full interview and start the conversation with your family today.

🔗 Watch Here on KATU.com

🔗 View This Asset on WWONE

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