Teaching kids about money early sets them up for a lifetime of financial confidence. The sooner they understand the basics—like saving, budgeting, and making smart choices—the better prepared they’ll be for the future. Here are five key milestones to help them build strong money habits, with bunq features seamlessly supporting them along the way.

Milestone 1: Saving for What Matters

Kids learn the value of money when they start saving for something they truly want. Instead of spending right away, they see the benefits of waiting and planning ahead. A simple way to start? Encourage them to set a goal—whether it’s a toy, a game, or a day out—and help them track their progress. With bunq’s Auto Round Up feature, they can automatically save small amounts every time they spend, while earning interest on their savings helps them see how money can grow over time. When they finally reach their target, they’ll feel the reward of their patience and effort.

Milestone 2: Making Their Own Money Decisions

At this stage, children are encouraged to take ownership of their money and make decisions. Giving kids control over their own money teaches responsibility. Whether it’s their allowance or money from gifts, let them decide how to use it—within reason. The key is to let them experience small wins (and small mistakes) so they can learn the impact of their choices early on. bunq’s Pocket Money makes this easier by helping them automatically divide their money into categories—saving, spending, and giving—so they develop smart financial habits from day one.

Milestone 3: Smart Money Moves

Introducing budgeting early helps kids develop strong money management skills. One way to simplify this is by dividing money into different purposes—spending, saving, and giving. This approach helps kids understand priorities and plan for unexpected costs. With bunq’s Easy Budgeting tools, they can set Spending Limits to ensure they don’t run out of money too quickly while still enjoying their freedom.

Milestone 4: Ready to Be Independent

As kids grow, they need real-life money experience. Letting them handle small budgets, pay for their outings, and make their own choices builds confidence in financial decision-making. bunq’s Child Accounts allow parents to guide their kids’ financial habits while giving them the freedom to make spending choices within set limits.

Milestone 5: Setting Big Goals

Teaching kids to think long-term helps them develop a strong financial mindset. Whether it’s saving for a major purchase or planning for future adventures, goal-setting fosters patience, discipline, and ambition. With bunq’s high-interest savings accounts, kids can see how their savings grow, motivating them to achieve their financial goals.

Help Your Child Build a Strong Financial Future

Teaching kids about money doesn’t need to be overwhelming. With bunq’s smart financial tools, kids can develop strong money habits early—learning to save, spend, and budget with confidence.