Hi there! I’m Zara, and I’m 12 years old. I own a company called Assetsforkids. I’m excited to talk about something important.
Have you ever wondered how some people are smart with money? They know when to save and spend. The secret is having financial role models for kids who guide us.
Think about it like this. You might have a favorite teacher or cool cousin who shows you new things. Money mentors for children do the same but with money.
Learning from the right people can change how we think about money. Teaching kids about money early is key to our future success.
In this article, I’ll share what I’ve learned about finding these amazing mentors. Trust me, once you get it, you’ll feel more confident about money!
What Are Money Mentors and Why Every Kid Needs One
Let me tell you about something that changed how I think about money forever. A money mentor is like your personal money coach. They’re someone who’s really good with cash and wants to help you get better too!
Think about it this way. You probably have a basketball coach who teaches you how to shoot hoops, right? Well, a money mentor teaches you how to handle your allowance, save for that cool video game you want, and make smart choices with your dollars.
The coolest part is that money mentors come in all shapes and sizes. They could be your parents, grandparents, a teacher, or even an older sibling who’s figured out some awesome money tricks. What makes them special is that they don’t just tell you what to do – they show you by example.
They might teach you why it’s better to save up for something you really want instead of spending all your money on candy right away. This kind of financial education for kids makes a huge difference in how we think about money.
Every kid needs at least one money mentor because let’s face it – nobody teaches us this stuff in a fun way at school! Having someone who can answer your money questions and cheer you on when you make good choices is like having a superpower for your wallet.
Money lessons for children work best when they come from someone you trust. That’s why finding your own money mentor is so important for building financial literacy for youth.
Different Types of Financial Role Models You Can Learn From
I’ve learned that types of financial mentors are all around us. You don’t have to look far to find someone who can teach you about money.
Family money role models are often our first teachers. They might be parents, grandparents, aunts, or uncles. They know a lot about money.
For example, Amit Chopra’s parents saved money for his education. They taught him how to budget for everything.
School mentors are also important. Maybe it’s your math teacher who talks about saving money. Or your school counselor who helps with college plans.
Community mentors are also great. This could be a family friend who runs a business. Or someone from church or community center who teaches about money.
Here’s something cool: financial guidance for children can come from books or YouTube. Some authors and YouTubers make learning about money fun.
The secret is finding someone whose money style matches your dreams. If you want to start a business, find an entrepreneur mentor. If you want to save money, find someone who’s good at it!
My Story: How I Became a Money Mentor at Age 12
Imagine an 11-year-old girl tired of boring money talks. She wanted something fun for kids. That was me, starting my young entrepreneur story.
At 11, I saw a problem. All money advice was for grown-ups. It was dull and hard to get. I thought, “Why not make learning about money fun for kids?”
So, I had a big idea. I wanted to start Assetsforkids. It would be a place where kids starting businesses could have fun learning about money.
My parents thought I was just messing around at first. But I was serious. I read and watched everything about money. I even learned about saving automatically.
One story really got me excited. It was about a guy named Chopra. He started working at 15 and saved money automatically. This idea of saving first is something I teach kids now!
Starting my own business taught me a lot. I learned about budgeting and saving. I had to manage my earnings and invest some back into my business. Having supportive mentors was key.
Now, I help other kids become financially independent. Being a money mentor is the best job ever!
Kids Money Mentors and Finding Your Financial Role Model Step by Step
Want to know the secret to building money relationships that will help you succeed? Let me break it down for you. Finding financial mentors is easier than most kids think.
Here are my proven steps to financial mentorship that actually work:
- Start with your family circle. Ask your parents, grandparents, or other relatives about their money stories. You might discover that your quiet uncle is actually a saving genius. Maybe your grandma started her own business when she was young!
- Expand to your school and community. Talk to teachers, coaches, or family friends who seem to have their money stuff figured out. Don’t be shy about this step. Most adults love helping kids learn about finances.
- Get specific about your learning goals. Do you want to know how to save for something big? Start a business? Understand how banks work? Once you know your goals, you can find mentors who specialize in those areas.
- Actually ask for help! Most people feel flattered when you ask them to be your mentor. You could say something like, “I really admire how you handle money. Could you teach me some of your tricks?”
- Be a great student. Show up when you say you will. Ask good questions and actually try the things they teach you. This is how you build lasting mentorship relationships.
Remember, finding financial mentors might take time, and that’s totally okay. Sometimes you’ll learn different things from different people. That’s actually even better because you get a well-rounded money education!
The key to successful mentorship is being patient and genuine. When you show real interest in learning, amazing mentors will want to help you succeed. Check out resources that can support your financial learning alongside your mentors.
Cool Books, Apps, and Videos That Teach Money Skills
Today’s world is amazing because you can learn about money from books, apps, and videos. You don’t need someone right next to you to get good at money!
I found some great financial literacy books for children that are super fun. These books tell stories about kids like us and money. They’re way more fun than old textbooks!
- Story books about kids saving and spending money
- Interactive apps that let you practice budgeting with fake money
- YouTube channels with fun animations about money
- Games that teach you about investing
- Apps that help track your real allowance and savings goals
The best money apps for kids feel like games. Some let you manage virtual money, and others help you set real saving goals.
Don’t forget about video content! There are lots of channels that teach money lessons with songs, animations, and cool characters. I love watching “My Money Mentors” because it shows real people with real money problems.
The best thing about these digital mentors is you can learn anytime. You can watch parts again if you don’t get it and learn at your own pace. With these resources and real-life mentors, you’ll get the best money education!
How to Start Your Own Money Journey Today
The coolest thing about starting your financial journey is that you can begin right now! You don’t need to wait until you’re older or have a job. Beginning financial education starts with simple steps that any kid can take today.
First, start paying attention to money in your everyday life. Ask your parents how they decide what to buy at the grocery store. When you get your allowance, don’t spend it right away. Take a moment to think about your choices.
Next, create your own simple budget. It doesn’t have to be complicated! Just divide your money into three parts:
- Spending – for things you want right now
- Saving – for bigger things you want later
- Sharing – for helping others or donating to causes you care about
Start earning some money if you can. This could be through extra chores, helping neighbors, or even starting a small business like a lemonade stand. Understanding why use money for kids helps you see why earning matters more than the amount you make.
Find one person who can be your money mentor. Ask them one question about money each week. It could be as simple as “How do you decide if something is worth buying?”
Lastly, keep track of your progress! Whether it’s in a notebook or just talking with your family, celebrating your money wins will keep you motivated. These money habits for kids will grow stronger with practice.
Remember, every money expert started exactly where you are right now. They were beginners who stayed curious and willing to learn!
Why Finding Money Mentors Will Change Your Future
Want to know a secret that will change everything about your future? The money habits you learn now will stay with you forever. It’s not just something grown-ups say.
Good money mentors teach you skills that get more powerful as you grow up. Saving 10% of your allowance now makes it easy later. You won’t struggle like many adults do.
Money mentors help you avoid big mistakes that cost a lot later. You’ll know how to stay away from bad debt. And you’ll make smart choices because you learned from experts.
- More life choices because you’ll have financial freedom
- Confidence to start your own business or follow your dreams
- Ability to help your family and friends with money advice
- Connections that can open doors to cool opportunities
Understanding money from a young age lets you create your own path to financial success for kids like you. You might even teach other kids these valuable skills someday.
Your financial future planning starts today. Good money education changes your whole life, not just your piggy bank!
Conclusion
I’ve shared my best financial mentorship summary with you. Now, it’s your turn to act. The money education takeaways we’ve explored can change how you think about money.
Kids financial empowerment starts with one step. Look at your family dinner table tonight. Ask your parents about their money wins and mistakes.
Text that aunt who knows how to manage money well. Check out the apps and books I mentioned earlier.
Building a stronger financial future starts with small steps today. You don’t need to be a money expert right away. Start with a simple goal like saving five dollars this week or reading one chapter about budgeting.
I believe in you because you’re learning about money early. This gives you a big advantage over others your age.
Your future self will thank you for starting this journey now. Pick one money mentor idea from this article and try it this week. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way!
FAQ
What exactly is a money mentor and why do I need one?
A money mentor is like a personal money coach. They help you learn about money in a fun way. You’ll learn how to save and make smart choices with your money.
Every kid needs a money mentor. School doesn’t teach us about money in a fun way. Having someone to answer your money questions is like having a superpower for your wallet.
Where can I find good money mentors?
Money mentors are everywhere if you know where to look. Start with family members like parents or grandparents. They might be good with money.
Then, check out school mentors like teachers or counselors. You can also find mentors in your community, like family friends who own businesses. And don’t forget about books, apps, YouTube videos, and other digital resources that teach kids about finances.
How do I actually ask someone to be my money mentor?
Don’t be shy – most adults love helping kids learn! Say something like, “I really admire how you handle money. Could you teach me some of your tricks?”
Be specific about what you want to learn. Whether it’s saving, budgeting, or starting a business. Show up when you say you will, ask good questions, and actually try the things they teach you.
What if I can’t find someone in person to mentor me?
That’s totally fine! There are tons of amazing digital resources that can be your mentors. Look for books written for kids about money, try apps that make learning about finances feel like games, and check out YouTube channels dedicated to teaching kids about money.
Mix these digital mentors with any real-life mentors you can find for the best money education.
Am I too young to start learning about money?
Absolutely not! You’re never too young to start learning about money. I started my company Assetsforkids when I was 11, and you can begin your money journey right now.
Start by paying attention to money in your daily life. Create a simple budget with your allowance. And ask one money question each week to someone you trust.
What should I do with my allowance to start building good money habits?
Create a simple budget by dividing your money into three categories: spending, saving, and sharing. This teaches you the basics of money management that will serve you for life.
How can learning about money now help my future?
The money habits you develop right now will affect your entire life! When you learn good money skills early, they become as natural as brushing your teeth. You’ll avoid costly mistakes that many adults make, have more options in life, and even be able to help other people with their finances. Plus, you might become a money mentor yourself someday!
What are some good apps and resources for kids to learn about money?
Look for apps that let you practice budgeting with virtual money, teach investing through games, or help you track your real allowance and savings goals. The best apps make learning feel like playing a game. Also check out books with stories about kids your age dealing with money situations, and YouTube channels that use animations and fun characters to teach financial concepts.
How do I know what type of money mentor I need?
Get specific about what you want to learn first. Do you want to know how to save for something big? Start a business? Understand how banks work? Once you know your goals, you can find mentors who specialize in those areas.
If you want to be an entrepreneur, find someone who owns their own business. If you want to be a saving superstar, find someone who’s great at saving money.
What if my parents don’t know much about money – can they still help me?
Absolutely! Even if your parents are still learning about money themselves, they can learn alongside you. You can explore financial education resources together, ask questions as a family, and support each other in building better money habits.
Sometimes the best mentors are the ones who are honest about still learning and growing too.