What do you remember learning about money as a child? If you’re like most Americans polled earlier this year, you believe that financial conversations should start at home. However, polling also shows that it’s just… not happening. Maybe grown-ups don’t know where to start or feel awkward talking about our financial situation and our money decisions. If that sounds like you, here are some apps and other tools to start the conversation.
Million Bazillion is a gem of a podcast for all ages. Hosts Bridget Bodnar and Ryan Perez answer the questions on everyone’s mind in a way that’s both entertaining and accessible. Our favorites include “What’s the deal with inflation?” and “What is cryptocurrency?” The show isn’t afraid to lean into tough conversations and break down tricky issues, too, like “Why can girls’ things cost more than boys’ things?” and a popular question from kids: “Why is it so awkward to talk about money?” This podcast is one of many learning tools offered by Marketplace – check them all out.
Have a kid who’s ready for some hands-on financial lessons? Greenlight offers a debit card that gives kids the freedom to earn, save, and spend under the watchful eye of the adults in their lives. With Greenlight, caregivers can assign chores, distribute allowance, and set flexible spending and savings controls. At the same time, kids can set savings goals, monitor their balances, and get their own debit card (for use at times and locations approved by their adults). While there is a monthly fee for the service, Greenlight offers a comprehensive set of resources and tools for kids and their grown-ups and even opportunities for kids to dip a toe into the world of investing and interest-incentivized savings.
Next Gen Personal Finance has an entire arcade of games suitable for tweens to learn and practice various financial skills and scenarios. Get inside the minds of payday lenders as you step into the role of a loan shark in the Shady Sam game, or take a broad look at the daily decision-making that comes with living paycheck to paycheck by playing Spent, commissioned by Urban Ministries of Durham. The most fun game of them all might be Influenc’d, where you see if you have what it takes to quit your day job and make a living as a social media influencer. In related news, our Organizing Director, Meghan Olsen Biebighauser, will not be quitting anytime soon 🙂
Money Management E-Newsletter: October 2022