10 Ways to Teach Kids About Money (Through Faith)

Money and faith might seem like two very different topics – but as parents, we know they’re deeply connected. How we view money shapes how we use it, and how we use it reflects what we believe about God’s provision, stewardship, and generosity.

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Our kids learn about money long before they can count. They notice when we pay for groceries, talk about saving, or give to our church. Even small moments – like dropping a few coins into a jar or praying over dinner – become opportunities to teach what we value most.

As a Christian mom, I want my girls to grow up knowing that money is a tool – not the goal. It’s something God entrusts to us to manage wisely, give generously, and use for His glory. Whether your child is still in diapers or starting to ask for allowance, these ten faith-based lessons will help your family build a healthy biblical relationship with money from the start.

Start with Gratitude Before Spending

Before we talk about dollars and cents, we start with thankfulness. Teaching gratitude helps kids see that everything we have – every meal, toy and cozy home – is a gift from God.

You can weave gratitude into everyday life in simple ways: saying a prayer after grocery pickup, thanking God when a paycheck comes in, or talking about how He provides what our family needs. Gratitude shifts the focus from “I want” to “I’m thankful.

When kids learn that money and blessings come from God’s hand, they develop contentment and a deeper sense of trust.

”Every good and perfect gift is from above.” – James 1:17

Teach the “Three Jars” Rule: Give, Save, Spend

This is one of my favorite visual ways to teach kids about money. Take three jars and label them Give, Save, and Spend. Whenever your child receives money – whether it’s from chores, birthday gifts, or the tooth fairy – they divide it between the jars.

• Give: Goes to God or someone in need.
• Save: Goes toward a bigger goal or something they’ve been waiting for.
• Spend: Is for fun or everyday items.

This method makes abstract ideas tangible. Kids can see their giving grow, watch their savings build, and experience the results of wise spending.

When my three-year-old dropped a few coins into her “Give” far before church one Sunday, it sparked such a sweet conversation about why we give back to God – because He gives so much to us.

”Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give…for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Talk About Tithing in Simple Terms

Tithing is one of the most beautiful ways to teach obedience and faith. Even at a young age, kids can grasp the idea of giving the first portion of what we earn back to God.

If your child earns $10, explain that $1 belongs to God as a way of honoring Him and showing trust that He’ll provide the rest. This is a great opportunity to show that giving isn’t about rules – it’s about relationship.

We can model this by letting our kids see us tithe, talking openly (but simply) about how giving is part of our family’s rhythm. It’s an act of gratitude, not obligation.

”Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven.” – Malachi 3:10

Let Them Help with Small Purchases

Kids love feeling included, and letting them help with real-life spending teaches practical decision-making.

When we’re at the grocery store, I’ll hand my daughter a few dollars and let her pick which fruit or snack fits the budget. She quickly sees how fast money goes and learns to make thoughtful choices.

You can also practice this at home – comparing prices online, setting spending limits for family outings, or saving up for a toy instead of buying it immediately.

These small moments build confidence and teach responsibility, long before they ever open a bank account.

”Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.” – Luke 16:10

Use Everyday Moments as Mini Lessons

The best money lessons aren’t formal – they’re woven into daily life.

When you pay bills, talk about how being responsible honors God. When you grocery shop, explain why you choose one item over another. When you donate, share how generosity reflects God’s love.

Kid’s don’t need long lectures; they need consistent modeling. Even a five-second comment like “We’re saving for this because it’s wise” plants seeds of stewardship.

Consider keeping a few faith + finance conversation cards at the table – simple prompts like “What’s something we’re thankful for this week?” Or “How can we bless someone else with what we have?” It keeps these values front and center.

Model Generosity Beyond the Church

Tithing is important, but generosity doesn’t stop there. It’s not about how much we give – it’s about our hearts while giving.

Show your kids how generosity can take many forms: donating toys, sponsoring a family at Christmas, baking for a neighbor, or filling Operation Christmas Child boxes together.

Explain why you’re giving: to bless others as God has blessed you. Kids love to feel like part of something bigger, and giving together builds empathy, compassion, and joy.

”It is more blessed to give than to receive.” – Acts 20:35

Talk About Needs vs. Wants

Even toddlers can start to understand this one. When your child asks for something, pause and ask: “Is it something we need, or something we want?”

We talk a lot about this at home – how needs are things that help us stay healthy and safe (food, water, clothes), while wants are things that are nice to have but not essential.

This conversation opens the door to contentment. It teaches that more stuff doesn’t mean more joy – and that gratitude grows when we recognize how much we already have.

”I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” – Philippians 4:11-12

Teach Them to Wait

Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to money. Teaching kids to wait for something they want builds character and financial wisdom.

When my oldest wanted a new toy, I encouraged her to save her own spending money instead of buying it right away. Weeks later, when she finally purchased it herself, she was so proud – and that toy became more special because she worked for it.

Mom hack: If your child wants something at the store, take a picture of it. 9 times out of 10, they will willingly put the item back. This also give them a chance to think about whether they really want it or not. Most of the time, they forget all about it. Then, you just have to scroll through pictures on your phone for Christmas and birthday ideas!

This lesson goes far beyond money. Waiting teaches discipline, delayed gratification, and trust in God’s timing – values that will carry them through life.

”Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” – Psalm 27:14

Connect Work with Value

Work is part of God’s design, and kids can start learning that from a young age. Simple chores, projects, or helping around the house teach responsibility and show that effort has value.

You might set up a “chore chart” with small rewards, or tie an allowance to age-appropriate jobs like cleaning up toys, watering plants, or setting the table.

As they grow they’ll begin to see how diligence, patience, and service bring blessings – not just financially, but spiritually too.

”Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.” – Colossians 3:23

Celebrate Their Financial Wins

Don’t let those teachable moments pass without celebration. When your child fills their “Give” jar, saves up for a goal, or chooses generosity over instant gratification – celebrate it!

A sticker chart, a special outing, or even a simple “I’m so proud of how you honored God with your choices” goes a long way.

Celebration reinforces good habits and reminds them that being faithful with little things matters.

”Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23

Final Thoughts: Raising Faithful Stewards for the Future

Teaching kids about money isn’t really about money – it’s about trust. Trusting God to provide, trusting ourselves to make wise decisions, and teaching our children to trust that He will always meet their needs.

When faith and finances come together, our kids grow up understanding that generosity, contentment, and stewardship are lifelong blessings. They’ll carry these lessons into their teen years, their marriages, and even how they raise their own children one day.

So start small. Model gratitude. Give cheerfully. And invite your little ones into those everyday faith and finances moments that shape their hearts for eternity.

Because in the end, we’re not just raising money-savvy kids – we’re raising faithful stewards who see every blessing as an opportunity to honor God.

Free Printable: Faith + Finance Starter Kit

Want to start teaching these lessons today? Download my Family Faith + Finance Starter Kit, which includes:

• A Three Jar printable system (Give, Save, Spend)
• Scripture cards about money and generosity
• Conversation prompts for your dinner table

It’s a simple way to help your kids grow in faith and financial wisdom – right alongside you.