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How to Teach Kids That Investing is Better Than Saving Alone

September 24, 20254 min read

Most kids are taught to save money in a piggy bank or a savings account, but very few learn how to make their money grow. While saving is important, investing is the key to building wealth and achieving financial freedom.

Savings accounts grow money slowly (low interest rates).
Investing grows money much faster through stock market returns.
Learning to invest early builds long-term wealth.
Investing teaches kids smart money habits for life.

In this guide, we’ll break down the difference between saving and investing and teach kids how to grow their money wisely!

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Step 1: What’s the Difference Between Saving and Investing?

1. Saving = Keeping Money Safe, but Growing Slowly

Saving means putting money away for later, often in a piggy bank or bank account.

Pros of Saving:
✔ Money is safe and easy to access.
✔ Good for short-term goals (toys, trips, or gifts).

Cons of Saving:

  • Money does not grow much in a bank.

  • Inflation can make savings lose value over time.

📍 Example:

  • If you put $100 in a savings account, it might only grow to $105 after 5 years—not much growth!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Saving is important, but it doesn’t make money grow fast!"


2. Investing = Growing Your Money Over Time

Investing means putting money into stocks, bonds, or real estate so it can increase in value.

Pros of Investing:
✔ Money grows much faster than saving.
✔ Helps build long-term wealth.
✔ Teaches smart money habits.

Cons of Investing:

  • Stock prices can go up and down (risk involved).

  • Takes time to see big results.

📍 Example:

  • If you invest $100 in the stock market, it could grow to $200 or more in 5 years!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Investing makes your money work for you!"


Step 2: The Power of Compound Interest

1. How Compound Interest Works

Compound interest is like a money-growing snowball—the more you invest, the bigger it gets over time.

📍 Example:

  • If you invest $100 at 10% interest, next year it becomes $110.

  • The year after, it grows to $121—it keeps building on itself!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "The earlier you invest, the more your money grows!"


2. Investing vs. Saving Over 20 Years

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📍 Example Activity:

  • Ask kids: “Would you rather have $1,000 today or $13,455 in 20 years?”

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Investing grows money much faster than just saving!"


Step 3: Why Inflation Makes Saving Alone Dangerous

1. What is Inflation?

Inflation means prices of things go up over time, making money lose value.

📍 Example:

  • In 2000, a movie ticket cost $5.

  • Today, that same movie ticket costs $15.

  • Money in a savings account doesn’t grow fast enough to keep up!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "If your money doesn’t grow, it buys less in the future!"


Step 4: Fun Ways to Teach Kids About Investing

🎲 Game 1: The Money Growth Challenge

  • Give kids $10 in play money.

  • Ask: “Would you put it in a piggy bank or invest it?”

  • Track how money grows in different scenarios over a month.

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Investing helps money grow faster than saving!"


📈 Game 2: Stock Market Simulation

  • Pick three popular companies (Disney, Nike, Tesla).

  • Pretend to "invest" in one and track the stock for a month.

  • Discuss why stock prices go up or down.

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Companies grow, and so does your money when you invest!"


🏡 Game 3: The Ice Cream Stand Investment

  • Have kids pretend to run an ice cream stand.

  • Let them “invest” in buying more flavors, ads, or a bigger stand.

  • See how investment decisions help their stand grow!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Investing helps businesses grow—and your money too!"


Step 5: Smart Investing Tips for Kids

Start small – Even investing $5 or $10 a month helps!
Invest in what you know – Companies like Disney, Apple, or Nike.
Think long-term – The longer you keep money invested, the more it grows.
Don’t panic – Stocks go up and down, but long-term investors win!

📍 Example:

  • If a kid invests $10 per month in the stock market for 10 years, they could have over $2,000—even if they only put in $1,200!

💡 Lesson for Kids:

  • "Be patient—investing takes time, but it pays off!"


Conclusion: Teach Your Kids to Invest for Their Future!

By learning to invest instead of just saving, kids will:
Make smarter financial choices
Understand how money grows over time
Learn the value of long-term wealth building
Gain financial freedom in the future

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Dre Mudaris is a visionary educator, author, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy, business strategy, and personal development. With a passion for breaking down complex financial concepts into engaging and accessible content, Dre has authored multiple books and developed educational programs that inspire both children and adults to build generational wealth.

Dre Mudaris

Dre Mudaris is a visionary educator, author, and entrepreneur dedicated to empowering individuals through financial literacy, business strategy, and personal development. With a passion for breaking down complex financial concepts into engaging and accessible content, Dre has authored multiple books and developed educational programs that inspire both children and adults to build generational wealth.

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