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Spend, save, give: the three-jar system

A simple, visual way for young kids to manage money.

4 min read Ages 4 to 10

Young children understand what they can see. Three clear jars, labeled Spend, Save and Give, make money decisions concrete.

Set it up

  1. Use three clear jars and label them
  2. Agree a split, for example half to spend, 40% to save and 10% to give
  3. Split every allowance or gift right away
  4. Help your child pick a savings goal and draw it on the Save jar

Grow with it

  • Around 8 to 10, move "save" money into a real savings account
  • Add a fourth jar for a long-term goal
  • Let them choose where "give" money goes

General educational information, not financial advice. Your Money Stretcher isn't paid by any bank, lender or company mentioned here.