15 January 2026

This Spark is following on the January Financial Refresh from the 6th of Jan.

Today's Money Spark - Kids and Saving Money

Most parents want to protect their children from money stress. That makes sense. But keeping them out of every money conversation means they miss the chance to learn. Kids don’t need to know your bank balance or credit card debt (necessarily - maybe you are fine with this). They do need to see how financial decisions get made, and that “we can’t get it now” doesn’t mean never (unless it's a unicorn or a holiday home in Camps Bay). It just means not yet.

When kids feel included, they often rise to the occasion. They get creative. They surprise you. And they’re far less likely to complain about the boring felt-tip pens if they know the glittery ones are coming later, and possibly as a reward for picking up dog poop on a Saturday.

This is about giving your kids a role in the family finances and a sense that their choices and support count.

Here are some ideas to involve the kids in saving money

1. Let them exercise their choice

At the shops, give your child two options in the same price range and let them feel in charge of one small thing. Assign them the important job of choosing the bottle of pasta sauce or yoghurt tub. Discuss the role of branding in elevating costs. They might even eat what they buy!

2. Let them be the Bad Cop

Involve them in cutting back on the electricity bill. They can count how many lights are on. Ask them to be the “off-switch patrol” for the week. Most kids take the job very seriously. Discuss the role of the wattage of different appliances in driving up costs.

3. Get a piggy bank

Use a piggy bank — even just a jar — for saving up R5 coins towards something small but exciting. Let them see progress building, and the experience of delaying gratification.

4. Cooking Masterclass

Let them help plan one budget-friendly dinner. Choose a protein, a veg, and a carb together and look at costs per portion. Guide them on nutrition as you go. Then cook it side by side. This is exceptional training for the broke students they will be one day.

3. Freebie Fun

Swap a mall trip for something low-cost but high-fun. The local library, a park, a museum, or activities at home. We often default to outings which cost money, but there is a lot we can do with kids for free. Here is a list of kid-orientated freebies.

Freebie Alert! I have made a simple Family Money Game workbook for you to try with your younger children. It's not teaching children about budgets, but showing them how choices get made, and that fun doesn't have to cost a fortune. It also teaches about delayed gratification, and how we can make small sacrifices now in order to anticipate our savings goal purchase or experience.

"If you don't teach children what to do with their money, marketing and advertising will gladly show them how to spend it" - Linsey Mills & Andrea Stephenson

Enjoy the rest of your January, and let me know how your savings endeavors are going. I will happily answer any emails or WhatsApp messages if you need some quick money advice.