Geld und Finanzen Enkeln erklären

Karolin Iversen (KI) by Karolin Iversen (KI)
01.01.2025
Geld und Finanzen Enkeln erklären

Why financial literacy is important for grandchildren

Financial literacy is one of the most important skills you can teach your grandchildren. When your grandchildren learn to handle money responsibly, you give them tools that will accompany them throughout their lives. This ability will help them achieve financial security and realize their goals.

As grandparents, you have a unique opportunity to teach your grandchildren financial literacy. Through your life experience, your values, and your way of handling money, you can be a role model that shapes your grandchildren. Learning financial literacy is a process that takes time, but through your support and example, you can help your grandchildren become confident and responsible people who handle money wisely.

Your grandchildren will grow up in a world where financial decisions are becoming increasingly complex. When you show them how to handle money responsibly, you give them the foundation for a financially secure life. This ability will help them not only meet their own needs but also care for their family and their future.

Foundations for later life

The foundations for responsible money management are laid in childhood. When your grandchildren learn early what money is, where it comes from, and how to handle it, they develop a healthy relationship with money. These foundations will help them make wise financial decisions later and achieve their goals.

Financial education begins with simple concepts: recognizing money, understanding that you can buy things with money, and learning that money is not unlimited. You can teach these foundations to your grandchildren as early as preschool by talking about money in everyday life and showing them how money is used.

The earlier your grandchildren learn these foundations, the better they will be able to handle money later. When you show them how to save, plan, and spend responsibly, you give them tools they will use throughout their lives. These foundations are more important than any single financial decision they will make later.

Responsible money management

Responsible money management means that your grandchildren learn to make their financial decisions consciously. They learn to distinguish between needs and wants, set priorities, and think long-term. These skills will help them achieve financial security and realize their goals.

Responsibility also means that your grandchildren learn to stand by their financial decisions. When they learn early that money is not unlimited and that decisions must be made, they develop a healthy relationship with money. This responsibility will help them make wise financial decisions later.

As grandparents, you can show your grandchildren that responsible money management does not mean giving up everything, but making wise decisions. Show them how to save, plan, and spend, and explain why certain decisions are important. These lessons will accompany your grandchildren throughout their lives.

Age-appropriate explanations about money

The way you talk about money should be adapted to your grandchildren's age. For younger children, you can use simple explanations, while older children can have more complex conversations. It is important that you do not create fear, but help your grandchildren develop a healthy relationship with money.

Each age has its own challenges and opportunities. For preschoolers, it's about recognizing money and understanding that you can buy things with it. For elementary school children, learning to save and managing allowance becomes more important. Teenagers can already understand more complex topics such as budget planning and long-term financial goals.

Adapt your explanations to your grandchildren's age and maturity. It is important that you are patient and that you keep coming back to the topic. Financial education is a process that takes time, and your grandchildren will have different questions and learn different things at different ages.

For preschoolers (3-6 years)

For preschoolers, it's first about recognizing money and understanding that you can buy things with it. Show your grandchildren different coins and bills, explain what they look like, and let them play with them. When shopping, you can show them how to pay with money and that different things require different amounts of money.

Simple games can help understand the concept of money. Perhaps you can play "store" together and pay with play money. Explain that different things require different amounts of money, and show how to use coins and bills. Such games make the topic playful and tangible.

It is important that you do not give complex explanations, but talk about money in everyday life. When you go shopping, explain what you are buying and how much it costs. Show how to pay, and explain that you can get things for money. These simple explanations help your grandchildren develop a first understanding of money.

For elementary school children (7-10 years)

For elementary school children, learning to save and managing allowance becomes more important. Explain that sometimes you have to give up something to buy something bigger later. Show how to use a piggy bank, and help your grandchildren set and achieve small savings goals.

Allowance is a good way to learn how to handle money. Discuss with your grandchildren how much allowance is appropriate, and help them plan what they want to spend it on. Explain that sometimes you have to save to buy something, and that you have to set priorities.

When shopping, you can show your grandchildren how to compare prices and make wise decisions. Explain that sometimes more expensive things last longer or are better, and that sometimes you can find cheaper alternatives. These lessons help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

For teenagers (11-14 years)

For teenagers, you can already discuss more complex topics. Explain how budget planning works, and help your grandchildren create a budget for their allowance. Show how to categorize expenses and set priorities. These skills will help them manage their own finances later.

Teenagers can also learn how to earn money. Perhaps you can think together about how your grandchildren can earn some money – whether through small tasks at home, tutoring, or other activities. Explain that work is important to earn money, and that you get paid for your work.

Topics such as saving for larger goals can also be discussed. Help your grandchildren set long-term savings goals – perhaps for a bicycle, a phone, or something else they want. Show how to plan, how much you need to save, and how long it will take to reach the goal.

For older teenagers (15+ years)

For older teenagers, you can already talk about more complex financial topics. Explain how bank accounts work, how to open a checking account, and how to make transfers. Show how to read bank statements and monitor your expenses.

Topics such as loans, interest, and debt can also be discussed. Explain how loans work, why interest is important, and what risks are associated with debt. It is important that you do not create fear, but help your grandchildren understand these concepts and make wise decisions.

Long-term financial planning can also be discussed. Explain how important it is to save for the future, and show how to set long-term financial goals. Perhaps you can also talk about topics such as insurance, retirement planning, or investments, depending on how far along your grandchildren are and what questions they have.

Practical activities for financial education

In addition to conversations, you can also use practical activities to teach your grandchildren financial literacy. Learning to save, going shopping, or managing allowance – all these activities help your grandchildren learn how to handle money and understand how financial decisions work.

Such activities should be playful and relaxed so that your grandchildren have fun while learning. It is important that you are not lecturing, but exploring together with your grandchildren what money means and how to handle it. Use the time with your grandchildren to grow and learn together.

Practical activities also help your grandchildren develop confidence. When they can practice how to handle money in a safe environment, they feel better prepared when they have to manage their own finances later. These activities can help your grandchildren handle money responsibly and make wise financial decisions.

Learning to save with a piggy bank

A piggy bank is a simple and effective way to teach your grandchildren to save. Let your grandchildren choose a piggy bank or make one together. Explain that you put money in it to save it, and that you can use it later for something you want.

Help your grandchildren set small savings goals – perhaps for a toy, a book, or something else they want. Show how to plan how much you need to save and how long it will take. When your grandchildren reach their goal, celebrate the success together and help them spend their saved money.

It is important that you regularly talk with your grandchildren about their piggy bank. Ask how much they have already saved, what they want, and how long it will take. Show that you are proud of their efforts, and encourage them to continue. These conversations help your grandchildren see saving as something positive.

Shopping and comparing prices

When shopping, you can show your grandchildren how to compare prices and make wise decisions. Explain that sometimes more expensive things last longer or are better, but that you can also find cheaper alternatives. Show how to compare prices and find the best value for money.

Let your grandchildren participate in shopping decisions. Ask what they want to buy, and help them compare different options. Explain why you make certain decisions, and show how to set priorities. These conversations help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

You can also teach your grandchildren when paying. Show how to pay with cash, how to check change, and how to pay with a card. Explain that you should always know exactly how much you are spending, and that you should keep an eye on your money. These lessons help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Managing allowance

Allowance is a good way to learn how to handle money. Discuss with your grandchildren how much allowance is appropriate, and help them plan what they want to spend it on. Explain that sometimes you have to save to buy something, and that you have to set priorities.

Help your grandchildren create a simple budget for their allowance. Show how to categorize expenses – for example, for candy, toys, or saving – and help them plan how much they want to spend in each category. This planning helps your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

It is important that you regularly talk with your grandchildren about their allowance. Ask what they spent it on, what they want, and how they plan to use their money. Show that you respect their decisions, but also help them make wise decisions. These conversations help your grandchildren learn how to handle money.

Explaining money in everyday life

The best way to explain money to your grandchildren is to address it in everyday life. Use situations in daily life to talk about money, and explain to your grandchildren what is happening. Be patient and take time for questions and discussions.

Money is present everywhere in everyday life – when shopping, when paying, when saving. Use these situations to explain to your grandchildren what money is, where it comes from, and how to handle it. These everyday explanations help your grandchildren develop a natural understanding of money.

It is important that you do not give complex explanations, but talk about money in everyday life. When you go shopping, explain what you are buying and how much it costs. When you pay, show how it works. These simple explanations help your grandchildren develop a first understanding of money.

Where does money come from?

One of the most important questions your grandchildren will have is: Where does money come from? Explain that people are paid for their work and that you earn money by working. Show that different jobs are paid differently and that you receive a salary or wage for your work.

Also explain that money is not simply "there", but that you have to earn it. Show that work is important to earn money, and that you get paid for your work. This explanation helps your grandchildren understand that money is valuable and that you don't just get it.

For older children, you can also explain how banks work and how to save money. Show that you can deposit money into an account, that it is safe there, and that you can earn interest. These explanations help your grandchildren develop a more comprehensive understanding of money.

What is money used for?

Explain to your grandchildren that money is used for different things. You need money for things you need to live – such as food, clothing, or housing. But you can also spend money on things you want – such as toys, books, or outings.

It is important that you explain that you have to set priorities. You cannot have everything you want, but must decide what is important. Show that sometimes you have to give up something to buy something else, and that you have to plan what to spend your money on.

Also explain that you can save money to buy something bigger later. Show that saving is important to achieve goals, and that sometimes you have to wait to buy something. These explanations help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Saving and spending

An important aspect of financial education is that your grandchildren learn to distinguish between saving and spending. Explain that sometimes you have to spend money to buy things you need, but that you should also save money to buy something later or to be prepared for emergencies.

Show how to plan how much you want to save and how much you want to spend. Help your grandchildren create a simple budget, and explain that you have to set priorities. This planning helps your grandchildren handle money responsibly and achieve their goals.

It is important that you explain that saving does not mean giving up everything, but making wise decisions. Show that sometimes you have to give up something to buy something bigger later, and that you have to plan how to use your money. These lessons help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Teaching values and attitudes

In addition to practical money management, it is important that you also teach your grandchildren values and attitudes. Money is not everything in life, and it is important that your grandchildren learn that there are other things that are more valuable than money – such as friendship, family, or health.

Show your grandchildren that you can share and give money, and that it is important to help others. Explain that sometimes you can give up something to help others, and that it is important to handle money responsibly. These values will accompany your grandchildren throughout their lives.

It is important that you are a role model yourself. When you show how you handle money, what values you have, and how you set priorities, your grandchildren learn through observation. Show that money is important, but that it is not everything, and that you should handle it responsibly.

Money is not everything

An important value you should teach your grandchildren is that money is not everything in life. Explain that there are other things that are more valuable than money – such as friendship, family, health, or happiness. Show that you can also be happy without much money and that money alone does not make you happy.

Also explain that you cannot buy everything you want, and that this is okay. Show that sometimes you have to give up something and that you have to set priorities. These lessons help your grandchildren develop a healthy relationship with money.

It is important that you are a role model yourself. When you show that you are also happy without much money and that you value other things, your grandchildren learn through observation. Show that money is important, but that it is not everything, and that you should handle it responsibly.

Sharing and giving

An important value is that you can share and give money. Explain to your grandchildren that it is important to help others, and that sometimes you can give up something to help others. Show how to donate money for charitable purposes or how to help others who need it.

Perhaps you can collect together with your grandchildren for a good cause or donate to charitable purposes. Explain why this is important, and show how you can help others. These activities help your grandchildren develop empathy and understand that it is important to help others.

It is important that you explain that sharing and giving does not mean that you have to give everything, but that you share responsibly. Show that sometimes you can give up something to help others, but that you also have to take care of yourself. This balance helps your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Taking responsibility

An important value is that you take responsibility for your financial decisions. Explain to your grandchildren that you have to stand by your decisions and that you have to bear the consequences of your actions. Show that sometimes you make mistakes, but that you can learn from them.

Help your grandchildren take responsibility for their allowance. Let them decide for themselves what to spend it on, but also help them make wise decisions. When they make mistakes, help them learn from them, and show that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them.

It is important that you explain that responsibility does not mean that you have to do everything alone, but that you can get help when you need it. Show that it is important to ask questions and ask for help when you are unsure. These lessons help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Avoiding mistakes and overcoming challenges

In financial education, there are some common mistakes that should be avoided. It is important that you are not too strict, but also not too lenient. Find a balance between support and personal responsibility, and help your grandchildren learn from their mistakes.

One challenge is dealing with wishes and consumption. Your grandchildren will see many things they want, and it can be difficult to explain to them that you cannot have everything. It is important that you are patient and that you help your grandchildren set priorities and make wise decisions.

Dealing with mistakes is also important. When your grandchildren make mistakes – for example, if they spend all their allowance at once – help them learn from it. Show that it is okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them, and help them develop strategies to avoid such mistakes in the future.

Common mistakes in financial education

A common mistake is being too strict and not allowing your grandchildren to make mistakes. It is important that your grandchildren can learn, even when they make mistakes. Let them decide for themselves what to spend their allowance on, but also help them make wise decisions.

Another mistake is being too lenient and not helping your grandchildren handle money responsibly. It is important that you support your grandchildren and help them make wise decisions. Show how to plan and set priorities, and help them handle money responsibly.

Dealing with wishes can also be a challenge. When your grandchildren see many things they want, it can be difficult to explain to them that you cannot have everything. It is important that you are patient and that you help your grandchildren set priorities and make wise decisions.

Dealing with wishes and consumption

A challenge in financial education is dealing with wishes and consumption. Your grandchildren will see many things they want – in advertising, with friends, or in stores. It can be difficult to explain to them that you cannot have everything and that you have to set priorities.

It is important that you are patient and that you help your grandchildren distinguish between needs and wants. Explain that sometimes you have to give up something to buy something else, and that you have to plan what to spend your money on. These conversations help your grandchildren handle money responsibly.

Dealing with advertising can also be a challenge. Explain to your grandchildren that advertising is there to make people buy things, and that you do not need everything shown in advertising. Show how to deal critically with advertising and how to make wise decisions.

Long-term financial planning

Long-term financial planning is an important aspect of financial education that you can teach your grandchildren. Explain how important it is to save for the future, and show how to set long-term financial goals. These skills will help your grandchildren manage their own finances later and achieve their goals.

For older teenagers, you can already talk about more complex topics – such as insurance, retirement planning, or investments. Explain how these concepts work, and show how to plan long-term. It is important that you do not create fear, but help your grandchildren understand these concepts and make wise decisions.

It is important that you are a role model yourself. When you show how you plan for the future and how you set long-term financial goals, your grandchildren learn through observation. Show that long-term planning is important, and help your grandchildren set their own long-term financial goals.

Age-appropriate activities for financial education

Age
Activity
Goal
3-6 years
Recognize and name money
First understanding of money
3-6 years
Play store with play money
Playful learning
7-10 years
Use piggy bank
Learn to save
7-10 years
Manage allowance
Take responsibility
11-14 years
Create budget
Learn to plan
11-14 years
Compare prices
Make wise decisions
15+ years
Manage bank account
Handle finances independently

Allowance recommendations by age

Age
Weekly
Monthly
Note
6-7 years
1-2 euros
4-8 euros
Small amounts to practice
8-9 years
2-3 euros
8-12 euros
First responsibility
10-11 years
3-5 euros
12-20 euros
More personal responsibility
12-13 years
5-8 euros
20-35 euros
More complex planning
14-15 years
8-12 euros
35-50 euros
Promote independence

Examples of savings goals by age

Age
Short-term
Medium-term
Long-term
6-8 years
Candy
Small toy
Larger toy
9-11 years
Comic or book
Craft supplies
Bicycle or scooter
12-14 years
Clothing or accessories
Electronics accessories
Phone or tablet
15+ years
Going out with friends
Electronics device
Driver's license or trip

Tips: Explaining money in everyday life

  • Use shopping situations to talk about prices and values
  • Show how to pay and how to check change
  • Explain why some things are more expensive than others
  • Let your grandchildren participate in shopping decisions
  • Talk about priorities: What is important, what can wait?
  • Show how to compare prices and make wise decisions

Tips: Learning to save

  • Help your grandchildren set realistic savings goals
  • Celebrate together when a savings goal is reached
  • Show how to plan how much you need to save
  • Explain that saving takes time and requires patience
  • Praise your grandchildren for their saving efforts
  • Help your grandchildren distinguish between needs and wants

Values you can teach

  • Money is important, but not everything in life
  • Sharing and giving makes you happy
  • Take responsibility for financial decisions
  • Make wise decisions and set priorities
  • Be patient and think long-term
  • Learn from mistakes and do better next time

Symbol for money and finances

Piggy bank as symbol for saving

Save

Money grows through saving

Saving leads to growth