As parents, we teach our kids everything from tying their shoes to saying “please” and “thank you.” But one of the most valuable life lessons we can pass on is how to manage money. Talking to your kids about finances may feel a bit daunting, but starting money conversations early and keeping them age-appropriate can set them on the path to financial confidence and responsibility.
Start Simple and Early
You don’t have to wait until your child has their first job to begin discussing money. Even young children can grasp basic concepts like saving and spending. A simple piggy bank, earning a small allowance, or saving up for a toy are great first steps. Use these opportunities to explain the value of money and the difference between wants and needs.
Our Moola® Kids Savings Club makes saving fun and rewarding. It only requires a $5 minimum to open the account, and kids earn points toward fun prizes. They’ll also get their own membership card.
Make It Part of Everyday Life
Money conversations don’t need to be formal sit-downs. Talk about budgeting at the grocery store, explain why you're choosing one product over another, or involve them in planning a family outing within a set budget. These everyday moments help normalize financial decision-making and encourage kids to ask questions.
Teach Through Experience
As kids get older, hands-on experience is key. Help them set savings goals, track spending, and understand the basics of earning money—whether through chores, babysitting, or a part-time job. Encouraging them to manage their own money, with some parental guidance, helps build confidence and decision-making skills.
The Greenlight app from Greenlight® FinancialTechnology, Inc., lets kids develop hands-on experience earning, saving, giving, and spending wisely, with parent oversight. Cornerstone Bank customers are eligible for a free* account when they connect their Cornerstone Bank account as the Greenlight funding source. Financial literacy games are also available through the Greenlight app.
Once kids are in their later teens3,4, they may be ready to graduate to our RITE Student Checking account. Free5 for young adults through age 26, it offers a host of value-added benefits to help grow savings and get peace of mind. Benefits range from rewards for everyday purchases to roadside assistance, cell phone protection1,2, ID Theft Aid1,2, and much more. Also available for teens under age 18 is Manage Your Money with MX, which is available through the Cornerstone Bank mobile app.
Model Good Habits
Children are always watching. If you talk openly about saving, budgeting, and making financial choices—even mistakes—they’ll learn from your example. Demonstrate how you plan for short- and long-term goals, and emphasize the importance of giving, too.
Encourage Responsibility, Not Perfection
Kids will make money mistakes—it’s part of the learning process. The goal isn’t perfection but progress. Give them room to make small decisions and learn from the outcomes in a low-stakes environment.
By having regular, honest money conversations and providing the right tools, you can help your children build a strong financial foundation that will serve them for years to come.
Disclaimers: Greenlight is a financial technology company, not a bank. The Greenlight app facilitates banking services through Community Federal Savings Bank (CFSB), Member FDIC. The Greenlight card is issued by Community Federal Savings Bank, member FDIC, pursuant to license by Mastercard International.
*Cornerstone Bank customers are eligible for the Greenlight SELECT plan at no cost when they connect their Cornerstone Bank account as the Greenlight funding source for the entirety of the promotion. Subject to minimum load requirements and identity verification. Upgrades will result in additional fees. Upon termination of promotion or removal of Cornerstone Bank funding source, customers will be responsible for associated monthly fees. See terms for details. Offer ends 3/10/2028. Offer subject to change or renewal.
Card images shown are illustrative and may vary from the card you receive.
1 Cell phone protection, personal identity theft benefit, and buyer’s protection and extended warranty are subject to additional terms and conditions as detailed in the Guide to Benefits.
2 Insurance products are: NOT A DEPOSIT. NOT FDIC-INSURED. NOT INSURED BY ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY. NOT GUARANTEED BY THE BANK.
3 Minors (16-17) have access to view transactions, mobile deposits, and transfers within Cornerstone Bank. When the minor reaches the age of 18, they will have access to all Online Banking features.
4 Applicant must be an active student aged 16-25. Students the age of 16 require a parent or guardian as a joint account owner.
5 No monthly maintenance service charge until age 26; at the attainment of age 26 a $6 monthly maintenance service charge will be assessed.
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