Teaching Kids About Money (So They Don’t Blow it on Trendy Jeans)

Picture this:
Your parents were hardcore savers. Designer jeans? Not happening. You were rocking the finest denim the clearance rack had to offer. Fast-forward to your first paycheck, suddenly you’re sprinting to the mall buying the jeans your parents once called “a waste of fabric.”
You strut into school feeling unstoppable, until the jeans itch, the fit is weird, and your family hits you with: “Did you pay extra for the holes?”
Yes. Yes, I did.
Lesson learned: money goes fast when you spend it on the wrong things.

We all have “teachable moments” like that. But instead of waiting for them to happen by accident, you can build those lessons intentionally (and maybe even have fun doing it). Let’s walk through four everyday ways to help your kids grow up financially savvy, with less stress, more laughs, and hopefully fewer overpriced trendy jeans.

1. Money comes from work, not just a wallet

Young kids often think money just exists, like it’s built into the house next to the thermostat no one in the family can touch. And not to quote every adult ever, but money really doesn’t “grow on trees.”

Start with simple chores. Kids will gleefully collect sticks in the yard for a dime each. Boom: you’ve got a clean lawn and a tiny landscaping crew working for 60 cents. It’s fun, but it’s also their first lesson in earning.

As they get older, encourage small jobs like babysitting or mowing lawns. The goal is simple: time + effort = income. Once they feel what it takes to earn a dollar, they’ll think twice about where it goes.

• Spend some, save some

Teaching kids to handle money is right up there with getting them to floss. Not glamorous, but worth it. Especially when you’re up against influencers pushing $40 tumblers and “must-have” LED strip lights.

For younger kids, use jars labeled “Spend” and “Save.” When they get birthday money or chore cash, sit down and walk them through what goes where. It’s a great way to show that money has a purpose, and it’s not all for slime.

You can then take that save jar into Crane Credit Union and have them put the money in a youth savings account. This is a great way to open the conversation about short-term vs. long-term goals

Pro-tip: Crane Credit Union even offers Youth Certificates with the option to make deposits throughout the term. These are perfect for introducing the idea of saving with the added bonus of higher interest rates.

• Know the difference between wants and needs

Understanding the difference between wants and needs is a lifelong struggle. Just ask anyone who’s ever justified a Stanley tumbler and a $9 cold brew as “hydration essentials.”

Make it visual: take a shopping trip. Yes, go ahead and tell your husband that today’s Target run is actually an educational outing! As you shop, ask your kids “Is this a want or a need?” Lego set? Want. Carrots? Need. That five-pack of decorative throw pillows? Definitely a want—but let’s not talk about it…

With teens, get real about priorities. Saving for a concert is great, but gas money to get home might be smarter. The earlier they learn to weigh short-term fun against long-term function, the better off they’ll be. Before you know it, you’ll be building decision-making skills even most adults wish they had (looking at you, late-night Amazon cart).

• Comparison shopping is smarter than it sounds

Think of it like The Parent Trap: sure, Hallie and Annie looked identical, but under the surface, they were totally different. Same goes for the stuff your kids want to buy. Not all toys, snacks, or gadgets are created equal, and neither are their price tags.

Start by pointing out the difference between the $1 toy that’s no fun after one use (anyone remember sticky hands?) and the slightly pricier version that actually lasts longer than a day. It’s a great chance to teach that cheaper isn’t always better.

This is also a natural time to bring up saving. If they spot something they really want, show them how to price compare, look for deals, and save up for the version that won’t end up in the trash before dinner. That way, when they finally do make the purchase, it’s a decision they feel good about, not one they regret halfway through opening the box.

While we all wish we could go back to a time when saving up for a RipStik was our biggest financial concern, being a money conscious person is important. These early conversations, fun, simple, and yes, sometimes painfully honest, can make a huge difference in how kids view money later.

If your little one has a piggy bank with big dreams, swing by Crane Credit Union. From youth savings accounts to kid-friendly certificates, we’ve got tools that help turn “maybe later” into “already started.” And yes, we promise it’s way cooler than the latest hydration accessory.