Children’s Financial Literacy Series
By Katina’s Klassroom Board Members
Nia’s First Savings Goal
Ten-year-old Nia Carter wanted a new pair of purple roller skates. She had seen them online, talked about them at dinner and even drawn a picture of them in her notebook.
Then her mother asked a question that made Nia stop and think.
“How are you going to pay for them?”
Nia had birthday money, a few dollars from helping her aunt sort coupons and coins she had saved in a jar. Still, she did not have enough. Her mother suggested making a plan instead of giving up on the goal.
Together, they counted what Nia already had. Then they wrote down how much more she needed. Nia decided she would save part of every dollar she received instead of spending it right away on snacks and small toys.
The first week felt hard. She saw a shiny bracelet at the store and wanted it badly. But then she remembered the skates.
“I can buy the bracelet later,” she told herself. “My skates are more important.”
Week after week, Nia added money to her jar. She watched the amount grow and felt proud each time she chose her goal over a quick purchase.
When she finally had enough, Nia and her mother bought the roller skates together.
Nia learned that saving does not mean never spending. It means deciding what matters most and giving yourself time to reach it.
“I didn’t get them fast,” she said. “But I got them myself.”
Kids’ Worksheet
- What was Nia saving money to buy?
- Why did Nia decide not to buy the bracelet?
- What is something you would like to save money for?
My Savings Goal: ____________________
How much I need: $________
One thing I can do to save: ____________________
Family Conversation
Talk together:
- What is something your family saves money for?
- How do you decide whether something is worth waiting for?
- What is one small thing you could save for instead of buying right away?
Family Money Tip: Saving does not mean you can never spend. It means making a plan for what matters most.
Parent/Teacher Guide
Financial concept: Saving and delayed gratification
Help children understand that saving means setting aside money for a future purpose instead of spending it immediately.
Ask:
“What might happen if we spent every dollar as soon as we received it?”
Activity: Have students choose a savings goal and create a simple savings thermometer or savings jar. Each time they save, they color in another section.
Key takeaway: Small amounts can add up over time.
Champion Challenge
The 7-Day Savings Challenge
For seven days, choose one thing you normally might spend money on. Instead, save that money.
At the end of seven days, count your savings.
I saved: $________
What am I saving for? ____________________
Coloring and Activity Page
Color Your Way to Your Goal
Draw your dream savings goal in the center of a large savings jar.
Around it, include 10 empty sections representing 10 saving steps.
Color one section each time you save.
© 2026 Katina’s Klassroom. All Rights Reserved.
Money Smart Kids and the original stories, educational activities, worksheets, family discussion guides, parent/teacher guides, challenges and artwork contained in this publication are the property of Katina’s Klassroom.
Educational Use Only: Permission is granted for parents, teachers, schools and nonprofit organizations to use these materials for educational purposes with children. Materials may not be reproduced, republished, distributed, sold, modified for publication, or used commercially without prior written permission from Katina’s Klassroom.
