Financial Literacy
School Age Options
Grades K-5
Before you can focus on more complicated concepts like saving and investments, kids have to learn the basic concepts of what money is and what different bills and coins are worth. Here are five more game suggestions for your little money-mavens:
- Learning Coins - Learning Coins from ABCYa provides kids with an introduction to what each of the different coins is, how to recognize them, and what they're worth.
- Money Bingo - Also from ABCYa, Money Bingo lets kids put their coin knowledge to use, along with some math skills, to fill a virtual bingo card.
- Dolphin Feed - Once you've mastered those first two games, ABCYa has one more financial literacy game for students at a slightly higher level. Dolphin Feed lets you compete against other kids to see who can make the right change the fastest.
Grades 5-8
- Financial Football - From Visa's Practical Money initiative, Financial Football mixes financial literacy in with America's favorite sport (for kids that prefer soccer, they have an alternate version).
High school and beyond
- The Stock Market Game - Learn to play the stock market without the risk. Students can get a feel for how investing works, the risks involved, and which investments are the best choice.
BANZAI
If you have children or grandchildren, or if you have a special relationship with your niece or nephew or the child of a dear friend, you can enrich their lives in many ways. One of the most important things you can teach is how to manage their money and invest for the future.
You need a budget to tell your money where to go, but making one can seem daunting. This Coach walks you step-by-step through the process of creating a budget that fits your lifestyle. Using the 50/30/20 rule, every dollar is assigned to needs, wants, or savings. You’ll also receive personalized advice to set you up for success.
Coach: Build Your Emergency Fund
An emergency fund is an amount of money you set aside to cover unexpected expenses or to cover basic expenses if there are significant changes to your income. How much you need in your emergency fund is unique to you and your personal circumstances.
Serious sickness can strike both suddenly and unexpectedly. And its effects can be devastating to your emotional health, your financial resources, and your long-term plans. But if you're prepared, it's possible to weather an illness.
Do you know how you'd manage financially? It's smart to think about the bills that would have to be paid and whether you have an emergency fund that could help see you through several months of job searching.
If you don’t make enough money to cover your basic expenses, there are safeguards in place to help you make ends meet. The U.S. Government has several programs in place to help make paying for necessities like food, healthcare, and even housing easier. Understanding more about government assistance ensures that you’ll know where to turn if you ever need financial aid for the basic stuff you need. Here’s a primer on the types of programs available and where you can access each if and when you need them.
CSB-backed Banzai Financial Literacy Program
We know that the key to a solid financial future starts with the lessons learned today. Ensuring the next generation has the know-how to succeed in money management is important to the future of our community. Plus — it’s fun!
Check out how we’ve backed Banzai to help teach local students’ real-world financial literacy skills below. We also offer an in person financial literacy option to schools in our service areas.