When parents think about preparing their kids for the future, the focus often falls on academics, sports, or extracurricular activities. But one area that is often overlooked is financial literacy. According to Marion Evangelista, a Registered Financial Planner (RFP), money skills are not only for adults—they can and should be introduced early.
In an interview with Financial Adviser PH, Evangelista explained that children have open, curious minds, making elementary and high school the perfect time to lay the foundation for smart money habits. “Successful people start and fail early,” he said. “If kids are exposed to financial concepts while young, they’ll make mistakes early—and learn from them—so by the time they’re adults, they’re already better prepared.”
The Elementary Stage: Curiosity Meets Money Lessons
Children in elementary school are naturally inquisitive. They read, watch, and observe constantly. Evangelista recommends taking advantage of this by exposing them to content that explains how money works.
“Even without cable TV, you can stream finance-related videos from channels like Bloomberg or CNBC on YouTube,” he noted. The trick, he added, is not just letting kids watch passively. Parents should sit beside them, ask them to report what they learned, and even encourage them to pretend they’re the teacher giving a short lecture.
This activity reinforces comprehension while boosting a child’s confidence in discussing financial terms—whether it’s inflation, interest rates, or foreign exchange. “Always end with the question, ‘What’s in it for me?’” Evangelista said. “It’s one thing to define inflation, but another to understand how it affects a family’s grocery budget or a consumer’s buying power.”
At this stage, parents can also use everyday scenarios as teachable moments. Stuck in traffic with your child? Turn on the news or point out a billboard ad and ask: How do you think this new product will affect the company’s sales?
Most importantly, Evangelista stresses the importance of talking about money at the family table. Children naturally observe what their family values—be it education, relationships, or financial goals. Explaining why the family sets aside money every month for savings or investments helps normalize the practice of financial discipline.
The High School Stage: Accountability and Responsibility
By the time a child reaches high school, they’re ready for more hands-on lessons. One of the most effective strategies, Evangelista shared, is linking financial responsibility to something they want—like a new gadget.
“If your child wants a smartphone, make an agreement to split the cost,” he suggested. “This instills accountability. They’ll realize there’s no such thing as a free lunch.” To save up, the child may have to cut back on snacks at the canteen or delay other purchases. This exercise teaches both delayed gratification and budgeting.
But financial education shouldn’t stop at saving. Evangelista encourages parents to introduce their teens to investing concepts, even if minors can’t yet open their own accounts. A practical way is to assign them roles in the household’s investments:
As “secretary”: The child tracks the market value of the family’s pooled funds twice a week and reports it.
As “treasurer”: They carry out basic tasks like subscribing or redeeming shares under parental supervision.
“Because of their familiarity with technology, most kids can grasp these steps after just a couple of tries,” Evangelista explained. The goal isn’t just exposure to numbers—it’s to make investing feel like a normal, everyday part of life.
These activities also send a powerful message: money isn’t just for spending, it’s a tool for growth. Teens who grow up watching their parents consistently invest—and who actively help manage those accounts—are more likely to carry those habits into adulthood.
Why Early Exposure Matters
Financial literacy isn’t built overnight. It’s the product of years of exposure, conversations, and small habits. For Evangelista, the elementary and high school years are crucial because kids are impressionable and open to learning.
“The lessons don’t have to be complicated,” he said. “Start with simple terms, small responsibilities, and everyday examples. Over time, those small seeds will grow into real financial wisdom.”
And in a world where financial mistakes can set adults back years, starting early can make all the difference.
