Whilst reading enriches our vocabulary, it can fall into the chore category if the topic is complex, like money and finances.
Money management skills are essential for children and young people. And since adult money habits form from age 7, the earlier they include financial education in their everyday lives, the better!
For World Book Day, we’ve gathered a list of 10 books to kick off money conversations.
For the younger ones:
- Spend it!: Learn simple money lessons – A Moneybunny Book by Cinders McLeod
Set in a world where carrots are the currency, Sonny the rabbit gets a weekly carrot allowance that he wants to use to buy everything, from a toy rocket to a bouncy castle. He finds out he doesn’t have enough to buy everything he wants so needs to decide what’s more important to him. Great to teach younger children about needs versus wants and delaying spending gratification.
- It’s a No-Money Day by Kate Milner
A parent is struggling to afford food, so visits the local foodbank. Although she is ashamed of having to rely on others and their kindness, her younger daughter can still see the positives of her day. This book tackles the difficult topics of foodbanks and poverty and puts them into perspective for a young child, helping develop understanding and empathy.
For children and teenagers:
- Grandpa’s Fortune Fables by Will Rainey
Gail’s Granddad is one of the richest people in the country, who grew a fortune forest on a faraway island, leading him to discover secrets of money. When Gail makes a new friend, she tells them Grandpa’s stories, teaching them how to earn, save and grow money. Seeds and trees are used to represent money, making the stories visual and easy to remember. The stories can be applied to real-life money situations like starting a business and investing. They teach children how to use money to its full potential.
- Managing Your Money – Usborne Life Skills by Holly Bathie and Jane Bingham
This guide is filled with practical advice on a range of financial topics, from budgeting to student loads and mortgages. It equips children and teenagers with money management skills they can use in the present day and in future.
- Cash: How to Earn It, Save It, Spend It, Grow It, Give It by Rashmi Sirdeshpande
Taking a big, meaty topic like money and making it easy to understand for young readers, this book explains the ins and outs of the financial world, whether readers want to be a savvy shopper or an entrepreneur.
- The Teenager’s Guide to Money by Jonathan Self
This guide simplifies and demystifies aspects of money and money management, covering topics such as budgeting, credit cards and coping with money at university.
- Cash is Queen: A Girl’s Guide to Securing, Spending and Stashing Cash by Davinia Tomlinson
This is the world’s first money book written exclusively for girls. Without being too preachy or pushy, it gives guidance on instilling positive financial habits that will have a positive impact on their financial futures. It aims to teach girls to have a good relationship with money.
For young adults:
- Five Steps to Financial Wellbeing: How changing your relationship with money can change your whole life by Clare Seal
Do we control our finances, or do our finances control us? This book covers the basics for having a healthy relationship with money, including topics such as debt, saving and investing as well as tackling consumerism.
- Money: A User’s Guide by Laura Whateley
Written for millennials and Gen Z, this book takes you on a money journey, from student loans all the way to investments and pensions as well as all the things that accompany you through this journey, like online banking. A great starting point for young people.
- Manage Your Money Like a F***ing Grown-Up by Sam Beckbessinger
A way of preparing you for adult life when it comes to money management. Along with covering topics like the importance of investing, assets and compound interest, the author also recounts her own money mistakes and experiences.
Happy Reading!
