Nov. 03 2025
Financial literacy for kids starts with basic concepts such as “Needs vs. Wants” and “Now vs. Later” and “Spend vs. Save.” These basics help children understand the value of money and how to use it (or save it) effectively. Each year builds on the previous grade’s information, so it is easy to follow. Activities include “Grocery Shopping,” a weekly budget, “Types of Payments,” and a graphic to help kids identify the people and things that influence their spending. The Grade 8 resources include more complicated concepts such as long-term financial planning, investing and debt, and customer loyalty programs.
Each concept is supported by a lesson and activity, which are clearly labelled. There are also easy-to-follow guides on how to deliver the materials for teachers, parents, and community organizers.
Money in Words and Numbers, Where is My Money?, How to Use Money Manipulatives
Money in Words and Numbers, Understanding Credit and Debt, Weekly Budget
Academic Language, Understanding Types of Payments, Setting Financial Goals, Financial Influences, Accounts and Interest, Financial Distribution
Foreign Currencies and Exchange Rates, The Finance of Adulting, Decision Influencers, Calculating Interest Rates and Fees, Debt and Investment Comparison
Business Planning, Six Styles of Budgeting, Customer Incentives, Investments and Debt, Currencies and Exchange Rates
As children get older, money becomes a bigger part of daily life and growing responsibility. Part-time jobs may give a teenager more disposable income, while they may also be planning to pay for college or university or thinking about getting a car. Getting a credit card, making investments, or even starting a small business could be on their minds. Forging a strong relationship with money at this age is essential to starting adulthood on the right financial track with a strong credit rating.
Adjusting Budgets, Appreciation and Depreciation, Financial Situation, How Much Does It Really Cost?
What’s Next? First Year After High School, Fair Trade and Ethical Consumer Choices, International Trade, Introduction to Cryptocurrencies and Wallets, Investment Options, Your Credit Score
Savers Beware! Business Pricing Strategies, The Business Cycle and You, Understanding Payroll Deductions, Why “Interest” Should Interest You, Credit Cards, Student Loans, Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)
Bringing Home the Banking, Choose a Job, Choose a Savings Goal, Ethical Standards in Companies, Financial Literacy Case Studies, Macroeconomics, Personal Income Tax
Money can be daunting, especially in a volatile economy. While these resources are a great way for kids to learn the importance of saving and making wise investments, they can be used by people of all ages! If you’re not sure why you have a low credit score, or if you need a simple-to-use worksheet to help you keep track of your spending, these resources are for you, too! This Financial Literacy Month take some time to explore the free resources on our website and make educated financial decisions—for you and your family.
Most banks have useful tools and calculators to help you get the most out of your money, save for retirement, or buy a home. The Government of Canada also has a variety of tools to help you make wise financial decisions, including a Financial Literacy Self-Assessment Quiz, so you can see how well you are doing with your money and find out where you may need some help.
Additionally, although United for Literacy’s financial literacy resources are aimed at specific grade levels, they are useful for anyone wanting to learn more about how to make good decisions about borrowing money, using credit cards, saving, making a budget, and many other useful skills. To see what’s available, go to the Resources page on our website and click on Financial Literacy Resources and Guides on the Resource Type drop-down menu. Each section includes a guide to help you work through the activities and presentations for each grade level.
Here are some great resources to start your financial literacy journey:
Bank Accounts and Interest comparison worksheet
Personal Income Tax worksheet
And, if you (or the person you share these tools with) has a hard time reading or understanding the information, United for Literacy can help with that, too. We offer online and in-person reading programs and support to adults across Canada. Reach out to ask for more information.
When making big decisions about your money, it’s important to speak with a trusted person at a reputable financial institution, such as a bank or investment company. Find someone who will clearly walk you through the costs, benefits, and risks. Be cautious if they are unable to answer your questions in a way that you understand. This is especially important when borrowing money or making an investment. What may seem like a good idea may result in long-term financial hardship.
Strong reading and financial literacy will help you recognize warning signs, ask questions with confidence, and make choices that support your financial well-being.
It is also important to share your knowledge with your children. Talking about money has intergenerational impact. Showing children the difference between “need” and “want,” the importance of spending and saving wisely, and other strong financial behaviours give children understanding that last a lifetime, reducing financial stress and instability.
Financial Literacy Month is the perfect time to take your financial pulse and consider how it could be improved. It isn’t always easy to make ends meet, but talking about money with your family or bank may help you find ways to make more confident decisions and reach month’s end with less financial stress.
