By Katina’s Klassroom Board Members
Eleven-year-old Zuri Thompson thought money conversations were only for adults. Then one Sunday afternoon, her family sat around the kitchen table for a short family money meeting.
Her parents did not share every private financial detail. Instead, they showed Zuri and her brother how the household budget worked. They talked about bills, groceries, gas, savings and the cost of preparing for school.
Zuri was surprised by how many things families had to plan for.
Her parents also asked the children for ideas about saving money at home. Zuri suggested turning off lights when rooms were empty. Her brother suggested packing snacks for outings instead of buying them every time.
The family chose one savings goal together: a weekend trip to visit relatives. They made a chart and added a little money whenever they cut back on something unnecessary.
Zuri liked being included. She did not feel worried. She felt trusted.
The meeting taught her that talking about money does not have to be scary or embarrassing. It can help families plan, solve problems and work together.
“I learned money is not just numbers,” Zuri said. “It is choices we make as a family.”
Kids’ Worksheet
- What did Zuri’s family talk about during their money meeting?
- What money-saving idea did Zuri suggest?
- What was the family’s savings goal?
My Family Savings Idea:
Family Conversation
- What are some things families have to plan and pay for?
- What is one way your family could save money?
- What is something your family could work toward together?
Family Money Tip: Money conversations do not have to be scary. Families can use them to plan, solve problems and work together.
Parent/Teacher Guide
Financial concept: Family budgeting and financial communication
Children do not need access to private financial information to learn about budgeting.
Adults can use age-appropriate examples such as:
- Saving for a family activity
- Comparing prices
- Reducing food waste
- Turning off unused lights
- Packing snacks
- Planning purchases
Classroom activity: Create a pretend family budget with simple categories. Give students a limited amount of pretend money and let them decide how to allocate it.
Key takeaway: Learning about money can help children understand planning, decision-making and teamwork.
Champion Challenge
The Family Savings Mission
With an adult, choose one small way to save money this week.
Examples:
- Pack a snack.
- Turn off unused lights.
- Compare prices.
- Avoid an unnecessary purchase.
- Save loose change.
Our goal: ____________________
How we helped: ____________________
Coloring and Activity Page
Our Family Money Goal
Draw your family around a large goal chart.
At the top:
WE ARE SAVING FOR: __________________
Create 10 stepping stones leading toward the goal.
Children color one stone each time the family takes a money-smart step.
© 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.
