Kids Learning from Older Family Members: Money Stories Across Generations
- Smartmonies
- Oct 8
- 2 min read
How grandparents’ wisdom and children’s curiosity can build lifelong money habits.
Why Money Stories Matter
Every family has its own money story — how grandparents saved, how parents spent, and how children plan for the future.But we don’t often talk about it.
When children hear how their grandparents managed money — saving for their first home, queuing at the post office for their pension, or budgeting without online banking — they gain a real sense of value, effort, and gratitude.
At Smartmonies, we believe that sharing family money stories builds more than financial understanding — it builds connection, empathy, and respect across generations.
Lessons from the Past
Many grandparents grew up in times when money was tight, interest rates were high, and every penny counted.They can share lessons that never go out of date:
Saving before spending — waiting until you could afford something, rather than borrowing.
Repair, reuse, recycle — making things last and avoiding waste.
Community and sharing — helping neighbours and pooling resources.
💡 Ask your child: “What do you think Nan or Grandad had to save for when they were your age?”
Even a short chat like this helps children see how money habits evolve, and why careful saving still matters today.
Connecting the Generations
Bringing old and new together is where the magic happens.Grandparents offer life experience; children bring curiosity and a digital mindset.
Try a simple “Money Memories” activity at home:
Ask an older relative about their first job or what pocket money they earned.
Compare prices of everyday items — bread, cinema tickets, or bus fares — now versus then.
Do the maths together to see how prices have changed and why (a gentle way to explain inflation).
Reflect together: “What’s one smart money habit we could both try this week?”
🧓 “When I was your age, we saved 10p a week for a comic.”👧 “Now I track my savings on an app — but the goal’s still the same!”
What Children Learn
Perspective: How times, prices, and priorities change.
Gratitude: Appreciating what previous generations worked for.
Critical thinking: Understanding how saving, spending, and inflation connect.
Shared values: Realising money isn’t just numbers — it’s about choices, effort, and care.
These intergenerational moments make financial literacy real — not just learned in class, but lived at home.
The Takeaway
Money isn’t just about coins or cards — it’s about stories, habits, and values passed down over time.
Encourage your child to listen, ask questions, and share their own ideas. A five-minute conversation with an older relative can teach more about saving and patience than any textbook ever could.
At Smartmonies, we believe financial confidence grows best when it’s rooted in real life — and in family wisdom.
Ready to Level Up Their Financial Skills?
📘 Book a Smartmonies lesson today and help your child begin building essential financial skills for life.
🎁 Use code SMARTSAVER and get £10 off your first session!
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