As parents, one of the greatest gifts we can give our children is not just financial literacy, but biblical financial wisdom: understanding that money is a tool entrusted to us by God, to be used with gratitude and purpose.
Teaching financial wisdom begins with modeling generosity, self-control, and biblical stewardship. This includes not just money, but also time and attention. As you practice faithfulness, you can incorporate discussions and activities that help your children grow in their own wisdom.
Here is a framework for how you can begin laying a biblical foundation for finances at each age and stage.
Ages 3–5: Introducing Stewardship and Gratitude
Key themes
- Everything we have comes from God (Psalm 24:1)
- Gratitude for what we have
- Simple concepts of giving and sharing
Practical ideas
- Talk about ownership
Teach your children that everything ultimately belongs to God. When they receive toys, gifts, or treats, remind them that these are blessings from him.
You might say: "God gave us everything we have. How can we say thank you to him?" - Practice gratitude
Start bedtime prayers where you each thank God for specific things you were given that day. - Introduce giving
If your children receive a few coins or small amounts of money, encourage them to give part to your church or to help someone in need. Let them physically put coins into an offering basket so they experience the action of giving. - Engage in play-based learning
Use games like pretend “store” to introduce the concept of exchanging value.
Verse to emphasize
“Every good and perfect gift is from above.”
James 1:17
Ages 6–10: Cultivating Responsibility and Generosity
Key themes
- God entrusts us with resources to manage wisely (Matthew 25:14–30, Parable of the Talents)
- The joy of giving
- The importance of work
Practical ideas
- Introduce earning
Give small opportunities to earn money through extra chores beyond basic family responsibilities. Connect work to reward in a healthy way. - Teach giving, saving, and spending
Help your children divide any earnings or gifts into three jars or envelopes- One for tithing or giving
- One for saving
- One for spending
- Serve together
Engage as a family in ministry activities or community service as you guide them to discern their own gifts and interests. - Discuss needs versus wants
When they ask for something, guide them in thinking about whether it is a true need or a want. - Celebrate generosity
When they choose to give, even in small ways, celebrate with them. The goal is not pride, but reinforcing that giving reflects God’s heart.
Verse to emphasize
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Ages 11–15: Building Stewardship Skills and a Biblical View of Money
Key themes
- Managing money is part of managing your life wisely (Proverbs 21:5)
- Money is a tool, not an identity
- Generosity, integrity, and diligence as lifelong values
Practical ideas
- Create a simple budget
Help your children track income (allowance, earnings from odd jobs, gifts) and expenses. Teach them to plan ahead for bigger purchases instead of spending impulsively. - Talk openly about family finances
At an age-appropriate level, invite your children into some discussions about budgeting, saving, giving, and spending so they can see how decisions are made. - Help set giving goals
Encourage them to pray about ministries or causes they might want to support and to set specific goals for giving. - Teach contentment
Talk about advertising, peer pressure, and social media influences. Help them recognize how culture can feed discontentment and comparison. - Deepen your serving together
Commit to regular ministry activities or community service that fit their gifts and interests.
Verse to emphasize
“The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5
Ages 16–18: Preparing for Independence with a Kingdom Mindset
Key themes
- God calls us to be wise managers of his resources (Luke 16:10–11)
- Wealth is a responsibility, not just a privilege
- Identity rooted in Christ, not material success
Practical ideas
- Practice real-world budgeting
Teach teens how to build a budget based on actual expenses such as gas, phone bills, giving, savings, and discretionary spending. - Open a checking and savings account
Show them how to manage a bank account responsibly, including tracking balances, avoiding overdrafts, and reviewing statements through the lens of stewardship. - Introduce basic investing principles
Explain concepts like compound interest, wise investing, and avoiding unnecessary debt. Connect these ideas to biblical wisdom about patience, discipline, and long-term thinking. - Discuss financial integrity
Be transparent about times you have made wise financial choices, as well as mistakes, and how God’s grace and wisdom have shaped your journey. - Envision future generosity and service
Help your teens dream about how they can use their time, treasure, and talents to bless others through tithing, giving, investing, and serving in Kingdom causes.
Verse to emphasize
“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much.”
Luke 16:10
For Any Stage of Life
Developing biblical financial wisdom is a lifelong discipleship journey. It is not just about raising financially successful kids. It is about raising faithful stewards who understand that money is not the goal; faithfulness to God is.
By starting early and tailoring conversations and actions to your child’s stage of life, you can help them grow into adults who handle money with intention, generosity, and joy, all for God’s glory.
Important Information
The information provided is for informational purposes only, is general in nature and does not take your personal circumstances into consideration. This information does not constitute an invitation, solicitation or offer that you purchase, sell, or hold any security or other investment or pursue any investment style or strategy. It is not intended to be a substitute for specific, individualized financial advice and investors should obtain tax and/or legal advice from a qualified tax professional and/or attorney.
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