Let’s be honest—trying to teach kids how to save money is about as exciting as asking them to eat steamed broccoli. They’d much rather spend every cent on toys, candy, and yet another Roblox upgrade than think about the distant future where they might actually need money for, you know, life.
So, how do we make saving money fun, engaging, and actually stick?
With books, movies, and interactive resources that sneak financial wisdom into their little brains without them realizing they’re learning.
This guide breaks down the best age-appropriate books, movies, and apps to teach kids how to save money—without sounding like a boring old finance professor.
Ages 3-6: The “Money is Magical” Phase
At this age, kids think money just appears in Mom and Dad’s wallet like magic. It’s the perfect time to introduce basic concepts like saving, spending, and the fact that ATMs don’t just give out free cash.
📚 Best Books for Ages 3-6
1. “Bunny Money” by Rosemary Wells
💡 Why it’s great: Max and Ruby (yes, those Max and Ruby) go on an adventure and learn that spending too much means not getting what you really want. A great intro to why saving matters.
2. “Curious George Saves His Pennies” by Margret & H.A. Rey
💡 Why it’s great: George really, really wants a toy train, but he has to save up for it first. A simple, fun story that makes kids excited about putting money aside for something special.
🎬 Best Movies for Ages 3-6
1. “Sesame Street: For Me, For You, For Later” (FREE!)
💡 Why it’s great: This 30-minute special, starring Elmo (because kids will listen to Elmo over anyone), teaches spending, saving, and sharing in a super fun way.
2. “The Berenstain Bears: Trouble with Money” (TV Episode)
💡 Why it’s great: Brother and Sister Bear learn the hard way that spending all your money leaves you with nothing(relatable, right?).
Ages 7-10: The “I Want to Buy EVERYTHING” Phase
At this stage, kids start noticing money more—especially when they don’t have enough for that thing they must have. It’s the perfect time to teach delayed gratification, budgeting, and why impulse spending is the enemy.
📚 Best Books for Ages 7-10
1. “Rock, Brock, and the Savings Shock” by Sheila Bair
💡 Why it’s great: Twin brothers earn money, but one spends it immediately while the other saves. Spoiler: The saver ends up rich. A must-read for kids who think money is for spending only.
2. “Lemonade in Winter” by Emily Jenkins
💡 Why it’s great: A brother and sister set up a lemonade stand in winter (questionable business choice), but they learn about earning, spending, and saving in the process.
🎬 Best Movies for Ages 7-10
1. “Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory” (1971)
💡 Why it’s great: Charlie saves his money to buy a chocolate bar. Everyone else blows their wealth on greed and excess—and guess who wins in the end? The kid who values what he has.
2. “Richie Rich” (1994)
💡 Why it’s great: A hilarious way to show kids that money doesn’t buy happiness—but being smart with it can make life a lot easier.
📱 Best Apps for Ages 7-10
1. Bankaroo
💡 Why it’s great: A kid-friendly budgeting app where they can set savings goals, track spending, and see their “bank account” grow.
Ages 11-14: The “I Need Money for Cool Stuff” Phase
This is when kids start wanting real money for gadgets, clothes, and whatever TikTok trend is hot this week. Teach them how to save for big goals (and avoid wasting it on nonsense).
📚 Best Books for Ages 11-14
1. “How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000” by James McKenna
💡 Why it’s great: A kid-friendly guide to earning, saving, and investing—written in a way that’s actually fun to read.
2. “The Everything Kids’ Money Book” by Brette Sember
💡 Why it’s great: Covers saving, earning, and investing with games, quizzes, and activities to keep kids engaged. This book is one of our favorites for teaching your kids how to save money. Highly recommend!
🎬 Best Movies for Ages 11-14
1. “The Pursuit of Happyness” (2006)
💡 Why it’s great: A powerful lesson on hard work, perseverance, and why managing money wisely matters.
2. “Shark Tank” (TV Show)
💡 Why it’s great: Watching real people pitch business ideas teaches kids the value of money, investing, and smart spending.
📱 Best Apps for Ages 11-14
1. Greenlight
💡 Why it’s great: A debit card for kids with built-in saving and budgeting tools. Parents can set up automatic allowances and track spending, which is a great tool when teaching kids how to save money.
Final Thoughts: Making Money Lessons Fun for Kids
Kids don’t need boring lectures about saving money—they need engaging books, fun movies, and hands-on tools that make financial literacy exciting.
By introducing them to these books, movies, and apps, you’re setting them up for a lifetime of smart money habits(and hopefully, fewer “Can I borrow $20?” texts when they’re older).
💡 What’s your favorite money lesson book or movie for kids? Drop a comment below! 👇
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