Teachable moments
Slip money talk into everyday life. For example, next time you're out shopping, rather than just pulling out your card and tapping it against a magic money machine, explain that money is coming out of your credit or debit account. If you have a banking app on your phone, you could even show them that money has come out after you've used your card.
Pocket money
Pocket money provides a bunch of opportunities to talk about income. Next time you pay their pocket money, talk to your kids about how this stacks up against the minimum or living wage.
Let them make spending decisions
Spending is an unavoidable part of a healthy relationship with money. If you think they're old enough to be let loose in the supermarket, let your kids practice this by taking charge of the grocery budget for a week. Will it be balanced meals or a week of chocolate? If this is a step too far, they can help you keep track of spending in-store, and hunt out cheaper alternatives.
Cash is sometimes still king
Seeing money makes it easier to connect the dots, especially for younger kids. Money boxes or piggy banks can help them develop the skill of setting goals and making sacrifices today to put them, and others, in a better position in the future.
Admit your mistakes
We all make money mistakes, this is how most of us learn about money. The next time you make one, like missing a credit card repayment, be brave and share this with the kids - it might help them avoid making the same mistake.
Learn the lingo
Understanding finance jargon is a big part of feeling confident about money. Introducing a new money word into the family vocabulary can generate questions, curiosity, and ultimately confidence, for everyone. Depending on your starting point, a money glossary like this one on the Sorted website might help you pick something new. You'll be talking about compound interest and risk profiles in no time.
Walk the walk
You're not only having money conversations with your words. Your kids are watching your actions and behaviours, and these will shape their financial future. Take the time to be deliberate in how you engage with money, and model something you're proud of.
Learn more about Banqer
Kiwibank has partnered with Banqer to enable classrooms around the country to access Banqer's financial literacy platform for free. More than 85,000 Kiwi kids are now learning about money, the economy and concepts like saving, interest, KiwiSaver, tax, real estate, and insurance. Learn more about our partnership, how Banqer works and how you could get it in your school.