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Basic Account Log (download PDF)
Use this for younger children. Features include  large space for writing to record Date, Item Description, Out, In and Balance columns. Includes a Checked By space at bottom for parents to review each sheet.

Checkbook Format Account Log (download PDF)
The checkbook format is for older kids to help them get accustomed to using a standard checkbook account register. Includes TransType, Date, Transaction Description, Debit, Credit and Balance columns along with  a Checked By space at bottom for parent to review each sheet.

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Curriculum Guide (download PDF)

Real Money: Learning About Cash

Hands-on experience with real money makes the numbers in a written account more meaningful to children. Managing money using an account introduces kids to real-world math: addition, subtraction, constant, equal value, and interchangeability

Activities

1. Let’s Play: Penny Exchange
2. Let’s Play: What’s My Name?
3. Let’s Play: The Line Up
4. Let’s Play: Ways to Slice a Dollar
5. Let’s Play: Change It Up
6. Let’s Play: The Great Exchange
7. Let’s Play: Write it Out
8. Let’s Play: The Best Cashier Ever
9. Cashing In: A Skills Check

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First Money: Ages 3–5

Children know what money does before they know what it is. Start using simple terms to talk about money with your kids: account, balance, direct deposit, get paid, put in and take out, transaction, and receipt.

Money In: Where Does Money Come From?

• Recording deposits in your child’s account

Money Out: How is Money Used?

• Spending for me
• Buying for others
• Making donations

Activities

1. Let’s Play: Pennies, Pennies, Pennies
2. Let’s Play: Mix It Up
3. Let’s Play: Shopkeeper
4. Let’s Play: Here’s Cash
5. Let’s Play: Take a Check
6. Let’s Play: Please Charge It
7. Let’s Play: Got to Get Some Cash
8. Let’s Play: Use My Debit Card
9. Let’s Play: The Money Pie Game

Ways to Pay

• Using a family banker
• Shopping with cash

Taking Care of Money

• About receipts
• Having a balance

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Taking Control: Ages 6–12

School activities and an expanding social life offer new opportunities for money management. Money conversations can now include terms like,  Income, expense, and shared expense.

Money In: Increasing Income

• Work earnings
• Value-added activities
• Shared expenses
• Spending plan funds

Using Financial Institutions (Bank, Credit Union)

• First savings account

Money Out: Increasing Responsibility

• School expenses
• Clothing
• Activities and hobbies
• Communication (cell phone)
• Entertainment
• Gifts
• Personal care
• Room

Ways to Spend: Spending Methods

• Family banker
• In-house transfers
• Pre-loaded cards (gift cards)
• Cash box

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Ready to Fly: Teenagers

The teen years are the financial dress rehearsal before adult. Help your teen start managing money in an almost-adult fashion. Money conversations will help your teen understand common terminology of earning and spending money such as: gross income, net income, balance an account, credit, and debit.

Money In: Real Income

• Reality of teen employment
• Getting a first tax refund

Money Out: More Expenses

• School,
• Transportation
• Career exploration

Ways to Pay: Using Other Accounts

1. Opening a checking account
2. Getting a credit card

Keeping Track: Managing All Accounts

1. Recording account debits and credits
2. Tracking credit spending
3. Using a computer to track accounts
4. Creating a filing and storage system

Graduating to Adulthood

• Financial plan for first year after graduation
• Young adult spending plan