Hey Parents!

Summer is here, and while the sun is shining bright, why not brighten your kids’ financial future too? Teaching kids about investing can be a fun and rewarding way to spend some of those long summer days. Whether they’re just starting out or already curious about money, here are some fantastic resources to get them on the path to financial wisdom. From engaging TV shows to interactive apps and informative websites, there’s something for every young investor. Let’s make this summer both fun and financially enlightening!

Seeing the world as an investment

• Stock Symbols in Everyday Life: Look at the brands you use daily, like your favorite smartphone or fast food chain. Find out if these companies are publicly traded and check their stock quotes.
• Travel and Transportation: When you travel, think about the airlines, hotels, and car rental companies you use. Many of these companies are publicly traded and can be part of your investment portfolio.
• Long Car Rides: Turn long summer car rides into a game by identifying products and companies you see along the way. For example, spot a Coca-Cola truck? Check out Coca-Cola’s stock performance!

Practical Investment Tips for Young Investors

1. Start Small: You don’t need a lot of money to begin investing. Start with small amounts and gradually increase your investments as you learn more.
2. Diversify: Spread your investments across different types of assets to reduce risk.
3. Stay Informed: Regularly follow financial news and investment programs to stay updated on market trends.
4. Ask Questions: Don’t hesitate to ask parents, teachers, or financial advisors about investing. Learning from others’ experiences can provide valuable insights.

TV Shows to Spark Financial Curiosity

TV shows tailored for young audiences can effectively teach investing by making complex financial concepts engaging and accessible. Through relatable characters and storytelling, these shows demonstrate real-world applications of money management, entrepreneurship, and investment strategies. They break down topics such as saving, budgeting, the importance of credit, and the risks and rewards of investing into bite-sized lessons that are easy to understand. By weaving these educational elements into entertaining narratives, TV shows can capture the attention of kids and young adults, sparking their interest in financial literacy and empowering them with the knowledge to make informed financial decisions in the future.

1. Biz Kid$ – This show teaches kids about money and business through fun sketches and real-life stories.
2. Planet Sheen – Although not directly about investing, this show incorporates concepts of entrepreneurship and resource management.
3. The Invested Life – Follow real-life financial planners as they help families and individuals manage their finances.
4. Shark Tank – Learn about entrepreneurship, investments, and business pitches as contestants try to secure funding from investors.
5. Unicorn Hunters – A show where entrepreneurs pitch their businesses to potential investors, giving insights into valuation and funding.

Apps to Make Learning About Money Fun

Phone apps can be powerful tools for teaching investing to kids and young adults because they offer interactive, hands-on learning experiences that can be customized to individual needs and pace. Unlike TV shows, which are passive and provide information in a one-way format, apps engage users actively through simulations, quizzes, and real-time feedback. They often include gamified elements that make learning fun and competitive, encouraging regular use and deeper engagement. Additionally, apps can provide personalized experiences by tracking progress and adapting content to the user’s skill level, ensuring that learning remains challenging and relevant. This interactive and adaptable approach makes financial concepts more tangible and understandable, empowering young users to develop practical investing skills and knowledge that they can apply in real life.

1. Greenlight – A debit card for kids with an app to teach financial literacy. Use this link and get a $30 reward
2. PiggyBot – An app that helps kids manage their allowances and savings.
3. Bankaroo – A virtual bank for kids to manage their money, set goals, and learn about saving.
4. RoosterMoney – A pocket money manager app to help kids save and learn the value of money.
5. Investmate – An educational app that offers courses on investing and financial markets.

Websites to Build Financial Savvy

1. Khan Academy Finance and Capital Markets – Free courses on finance and investing concepts.
2. Money Confident Kids – Interactive games and activities designed to teach kids about money.
3. Stock Market Game – An online simulation of global capital markets that engages students in the world of economics, investing, and personal finance.
4. Investopedia – Kid-friendly articles and tutorials about investing and finance.
5. PBS Kids: It All Adds Up – Games that teach about saving, spending, and managing money.

Books to Inspire Young Investors

1. Rich Dad Poor Dad for Teens by Robert T. Kiyosaki
2. The Everything Kids’ Money Book by Brette Sember
3. A Kid’s Guide to Stock Market Investing by Tamra Orr
4. Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids by Gail Karlitz and Debbie Honig
5. The Little Book That Still Beats the Market by Joel Greenblatt

If you’re interested in international markets, Bloomberg hosts news from around the world as different markets open. These shows can be watched live or on YouTube at a more convenient time, providing a global perspective on investing.

One of the best ways to learn about investing is to see the world around you as a potential investment. Everything you use, the places you visit, and even the modes of transportation you take can be tied to a company that might be worth investing in. Here are some fun ways to think about investing in your everyday life:

Conclusion: The World is Your Investment Playground

Investing is a skill that will serve you well throughout your life. By starting young, you can take advantage of the power of compound interest and build a solid financial foundation. Remember, the world around you is full of investment opportunities. The products you use, the companies you interact with, and the services you rely on are all potential investments. Turn your curiosity into a learning experience, and watch as your financial knowledge—and your wealth—grows.

Happy investing!