Global Money Week: Helping Young People Build Smart Money Habits

Each year, organizations around the world celebrate Global Money Week, an international campaign dedicated to helping young people build the knowledge and skills they need to make smart financial decisions. 

Taking place March 16-22, 2026, Global Money Week encourages families, educators, and communities to help young people develop healthy financial habits early in life. This year’s theme, “Smart Money Talks,” highlights the importance of starting conversations about money and making financial education a part of everyday life. 

At InRoads Credit Union, we believe financial confidence starts with curiosity - and that some of the best money lessons happen during simple, everyday moments. Here are a few ways parents, mentors, and caregivers can help young people build lifelong financial skills.  

 

Start by Talking About Money

For many families, finances can feel like an off-limits topic. But open conversations about money help young people feel more confident and prepared to manage their finances as they grow. 

Parents and mentors can help normalize these discussions by talking about money during everyday activities. Some simple ways to start include: 

• • Talking about how you budget for groceries or family activities
  • Explaining why you save for larger purchases
  • Encouraging kids and teens to ask questions about money

Even small conversations can make a big difference. 

Try this: Ask a young person in your life, “What’s something you’d like to save for?” Then talk together about how much it might cost and how long it could take to save for it. 

 

Share How You Make Spending Decisions

Kids learn a lot simply by observing the decisions adults make. The next time you make a purchase with a child or teen nearby, explain how you decided to buy it. For example:

• • Did you compare prices?
  • Did you wait for a sale?
  • Did you choose a less expensive option?

When young people hear how these decisions are made, they begin to understand how money works in everyday life.

 

Build the Habit of Saving

One of the most important financial habits young people can develop is saving regularly. The key isn’t how much they save - it’s building the habit of setting money aside consistently. Even small amounts can add up over time. 

A simple starting point is the “Save 10% Rule.” When kids or teens receive money - from allowance, gifts, or their first job - encourage them to save at least 10% before spending the rest. 

Building this habit early helps young people feel more confident about their financial future. 

 

Teach the Difference Between Needs and Wants

Understanding the difference between needs and wants is a foundational money skill.

• • Needs are essentials like food, housing, and clothing
  • Wants are things that are nice to have but not necessary

Learning to pause and think before spending helps young people develop thoughtful financial habits. 

Try this: During a shopping trip, pick three items and ask kids to label each one as a need or a want. Discuss why they chose each answer. A quick errand can easily become a valuable money lesson. 

 

Help Kids Understand Digital Money

Today, many financial transactions happen digitally - from online shopping to mobile payments. Helping young people understand how digital money works is an important part of modern financial education. Just as important is learning how to stay safe online. 

A helpful rule to teach is “Pause Before You Pay.” Before making an online purchase: 

• • Make sure the website or app is legitimate
  • Never share passwords or financial details
  • Ask a trusted adult if something feels suspicious 
    

Digital awareness today helps protect financial futures tomorrow. 

 

Introduce Basic Budgeting

Learning to budget is an important step toward financial independence. For teens earning their first paycheck - or anyone learning to manage money - having a simple plan can make a big difference. 

A helpful starting point is the 50/30/20 approach: 

• • 50% for needs
  • 30% for wants
  • 20% for savings 

Sitting down with a teen and mapping out how their next paycheck or allowance could be divided can help them see how budgeting turns money into a tool for reaching goals. 

 

Encourage Young People to Set Financial Goals

As Global Money Week reminds us, financial goals give money purpose. When young people set goals for their money, they begin to see how saving and planning can help them reach the things that matter most - whether it’s a bike, a game, a class, or something bigger for the future. 

You can help a young person create their first savings goal by: 

• • Choosing something they want to save for
  • Determining how much it costs
  • Setting a timeline and savings plan

Every big financial success starts with a simple goal. 

 

Building Financial Confidence Together

Financial education doesn’t have to happen in a classroom. Some of the most powerful lessons happen during everyday conversations and experiences. 

By talking openly about money, encouraging saving habits, and helping young people set goals, families can help build the confidence and skills that last a lifetime. 

At InRoads Credit Union, we’re proud to support the next generation as they develop strong financial habits and build a bright financial future.