“Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves.”
Hey there,
Welcome back to another edition of Mini Millionaires.
In this one, we’re following on from last week’s newsletter: how to teach kids smart spending habits, with how to teach kids to track their spending this week.
As always, we have a mindset to cultivate, a habit to form, and a tip to try, not to mention a whole host of things to help you impart smart money skills to your mini millionaires.
Thanks for getting in touch with us about your mini-millionaires’ journey so far. Keep those replies and DMs coming.
Let’s get into: How to teach kids to track their spending.
Game On
🧘♀️ Tracking Spend: No regret, just reflect.
🔎 Money Map Going Out: Where’s it going?
🎮 Play the game: Learn the (money) skills.
💬 You said it: Their biggest spending lessons.
Money Smart
Where does the money go?
It’s a question we should be asking ourselves as adults. And one that kids can start asking as soon as they start getting money to spend.
This week, we’re diving into the habit of tracking spending: not as a chore, but as a tool for reflection. When kids understand how they spend, they become more mindful, more confident, and more in control of their spending choices.
And the best way to teach it? Make it real. Start small. And start together.
1. A mindset to cultivate
Every Rand Has a Story.
We often tell kids where money comes from. From birthday gifts, savings jars, and even chores.
But we rarely show them where it goes.
Tracking spending isn’t about guilt or control. It’s all about awareness. It helps kids connect the dots between what they value, and how they spend (whether that’s on bubble gum, a pair of boots, or a new book).
By tracking each and every expense, it helps them to know their spending tendencies, and this is going to allow them to feel confident about those purchases they actually need.
Takeaway: Money is like a friend: you want to know where it’s been and what it’s been up to.
2. A habit to form
Reflect Before You Regret.
The habit starts simple: each time money is spent, write it down.
Not later. Not “when you remember.” Right after.
This tiny moment creates a pause. A chance to think. Over time, it trains kids to ask:
“Was it worth it?”
“Would I buy it again?”
“Did I get joy from it?”
And when children write things down in their own words, they’re forced to process the information more deeply, making it easier to recall.
Takeaway: Teaching kids to track their spending is teaching them to reflect, not regret.
3. A tip/trick to try
“Let Me Tell You What I Spent Money On.”
One of the easiest ways to teach kids to reflect on spending is to go first.
“Today I spent this much on this item. I’m not sure if it was worth it. What do you think?”
Or:
“I was tempted to buy this item, but I’m saving for that item. Have you ever felt like that?”
This isn’t a lecture. It’s a story. And kids listen when it’s real.
Talking about your own spending helps them:
See that money involves choices, not just rules.
Understand that even adults reflect (and sometimes regret).
Feel safe talking about their own spending decisions.
Takeaway: It’s not about being perfect. It’s about being open.
Your Thoughts…
What’s the most important spend to track?
Use This
Track that spend.
Use our Money Map Going Out free, downloadable resource to help your mini millionaire track their spending, saving, sharing, and sowing.
Each time they use any money (going out of their account, or piggy bank), they should write down what it was for, and how much it was. At the end of the week, let them total how much money they used for each category, rank the categories from most to least money used, and reflect on how they felt using their money in that particular way that week.
It’s a great opportunity to keep those all-important money conversations going.
Plus: Try This
Game On for Smart Spending
What if students could learn to make smarter spending choices and have fun doing it?
Fintr4Schools is a gamified digital platform that brings financial literacy to life, turning every lesson into a money-powered adventure.
Aligned with the CAPS EMS curriculum and with the Education Alliance Finland’s stamp of approval, Fintr teaches kids how to earn, save, spend, and track their money with confidence.
From fighting money villains to unlocking spending superpowers, learners won’t just understand money, they’ll live smart money lives.
Get Fintr4Schools for your school.
The Tribe Has Spoken
Last week, we asked What’s the biggest lesson you want your child to learn about spending? And most of us want to teach them about delaying gratification.
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 💸 How to avoid impulse buys
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 📉 How to spend within their means
🟨🟨⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🛍️ How to buy what they truly value
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 ⏳ How to delay gratification
⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️⬜️ 🍭 Spending all their money on sweets isn't a long-term strategy
What you said:
“The ability to wait intentionally is such an overall life superpower I want for my kids one day!”
That’s a big one, as it spills over into pretty much all areas of our lives, well beyond money and spending.
Let’s Connect
What’s one of today’s mindset, habit, or tip you want to try this week?
What worked, what didn’t? Or is there something that’s got you and your mini millionaire excited?
We’d love to get your thoughts, so hit reply to this email and let us know what's on your mind.
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