🚶‍♀️How to teach kids to manage their pocket money

Plus: A free map to show their pocket money the way, play digital games - learn money skills, and how you teach ‘em about needs vs wants...

“It’s not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you, and how many generations you keep it for."

Robert Kiyosaki

Hey there, 

Welcome to another edition of Mini Millionaires. 

Keep those replies and DMs coming, it’s been amazing to hear about your mini millionaires’ journey. 

In this week’s edition: We talk about pocket money through a mindset to cultivate, a habit to form, and a tip to try. We’re also sharing our Money Map, a free, downloadable resource to print out and use to teach your mini millionaire where their pocket money should go. 

So, let’s get into it.

Game On

  • 💪 Work it: Teach kids how to manage their pocket money.

  • 👉 Direct it: The map to guide their pocket money. 

  • 👨‍🎓 Get it: Financial literacy in their school.

  • ☑️ Check it: The difference between needs and wants..

Money Smart

Why Pocket Money Matters

Pocket money isn’t just about handing over cash, it’s one of the most powerful, practical ways kids can learn how money really works. 

When they’re managing actual money in their hands (not just hearing about it from you), the money lessons you’re trying to teach them actually land in a more memorable way. 

And studies show that regular pocket money is linked to stronger financial literacy later in life. How about that?

1. A mindset to cultivate

It’s About Guidance, Not Control

Pocket money is a chance to coach your kids around money, not control them. 

We’re not micromanaging every cent here (or trying to turn them into a miniature accountant), but rather using the opportunity to guide them through safe, small-stakes decisions while they’re still learning. 

Mistakes made now, like blowing it all on sweets in one go, are valuable teaching moments, and conversation starters where you can ask open-ended questions like: “Was it worth it?” or “What would you do differently next time?”, can help them reflect on their decisions.

And this active learning of how to manage their pocket money goes beyond simply memorising money facts, theories, and lessons, but actually cultivates higher-order thinking skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.

Takeaway: You’re not just handing over cash; you’re handing over trust, responsibility, and room to grow.

2. A habit to form

Review the Spend

A quick weekly “money check-in” is a powerful habit to form. 

Sit down with your child and look back at how they used (note, not just spent) their pocket money that week. 

What did they buy? Was it worth it? What might they do differently next time? 

“Will this still be valuable to you in a week/month/year?” or ”What will this mean to you in a week/month/year?”

Keeping it light and curious (not critical) turns this into a bonding moment and helps kids build reflection and planning muscles: two money superpowers in disguise.

And this habit of reflecting can help enhance their ability to make informed decisions in the future.

Takeaway: Look back before you move forward.

3. A tip to try

Define the “Why” First

Before just handing over their pocket money, take some time to agree on what the pocket money is for. 

So is it just their regular allowance? Is it linked to specific chores around the house? Or is it a way to reward extra effort (almost like a gig economy)? 

There really is no single “right” way, since each family is different. What matters is that your approach is consistent and clear. So try chatting to them about what’s expected (like helping with dishes), and what might earn them a lil something extra. 

This sets healthy expectations and keeps pocket money connected to your family’s values, not just numbers on a chart.

Takeaway: Start with the “why,” not the wallet.

Your Thoughts…

How did you get pocket money growing up?

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Use This

Give their money a map on where to go

Before the first coin drops, use our Money Map to help your mini millionaire decide how to split their pocket money into Spend, Save, Share, and Sow buckets. 

And because for most budgets, the Spending part has multiple facets to it, you can help them unpack exactly what they will spend it on and how much each item costs, just like a real budget.

This simple tool helps them see where their money goes and why it matters. Having 4 jars or envelopes labelled with pictures can make it even more engaging, especially for younger kids. 

The goal here is to teach kids that money can do different jobs, not just one (which, for most people, is spending).

Mini Millionaires Money MapDownload our free, printable Money Map, laminate it, so you can use it over and over again, and help your mini millionaire show their money, exactly where to go. 806.17 KB • PDF File

Plus: Try This

Playing Games in Class?

Thank goodness we learnt about Pythagoras at school. It sure came in handy when completing our returns this Geometry season, right?

But seriously, no shade to triangles, but it’s wild how many of us learnt about the Pythagorean theorem (never to use it as a grown up). And yet we never got taught how to budget, save, or manage our pocket money. 

That’s why we love Fintr4Schools, our digital learning platform that brings money skills to life in the classroom. With superhero storylines, a CAPS-aligned curriculum, and gamified lessons, it’s everything we wish we learned about money growing up.

Talk to us about getting Fintr4Schools in your school (or the one your child attends), and let us build the next generation of financially empowered youth and teens.

The Tribe Has Spoken

Last week, we asked How do you explain the difference between Needs and Wants to your kids? And it looks like if you can die without it, it’s a need.

🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 💀 Can you die without it? Probably a need.

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🥴 My child needs to want everything.

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🍫 Chocolate is a want, until it’s a need (if you know you know).

⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🛍️ I don't take ‘em shopping, so never have to have that convo.

🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🫣 Still trying to figure it out myself, if I’m honest.

What you said: 

“If you cannot die without it, that means it is a want!” - Rose.

Keeping it nice and simple. We like it.

“Which only works until “But Dad, you don’t understand, I NEEED to have this…” 🤣 Thanks for the resource folks - adding it to the collection. Keep them coming. 💪- Jason

“But Dad” - You just know what follows is about to be wild. Hahaha. Thanks Jason. So glad the resources are helpful. And thanks for the great meme. 👇

Let’s Connect

Have you tried any of today’s featured exercises yet?

What worked, what didn’t? Or did one of them get you particularly excited?

We’d love to get your thoughts so please hit reply to this email and share your thoughts.

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