Teaching kids about money can feel like herding cats—sometimes the message doesn’t stick, no matter how many times you repeat it. Research from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS) shows that only 47% of children receive a meaningful financial education at home or school, leaving millions of young Australians without the skills to manage their finances. But with the right tools, parents and educators can make money lessons fun, engaging, and memorable. As Louise Hill, CEO of GoHenry, puts it, “Managing money takes a sophisticated set of skills, from basic maths to budgeting, understanding interest, and keeping a cool head to avoid splurging.” This guide explores the best Australian-focused resources—apps, guides, podcasts, books, games, and even financial influencers—to help kids master financial literacy and set them up for a bright future.

Why Financial Education Matters for Aussie Kids

Financial literacy is the ability to understand and manage money wisely, covering everything from budgeting pocket money to spotting online scams. In Australia, where the cost of living is soaring and scams cost $3.1 billion in 2022 (ACCC), these skills are non-negotiable. MaPS aims to provide a proper financial education to two million more children by 2030, and parents and educators are key to achieving this target. By combining everyday money chats with hands-on resources, we can help kids build habits that stick. From apps to board games, here’s a rundown of tools to make financial literacy for students engaging and effective.

Money Apps for Young Aussies

Kids are glued to their devices, so why not use apps to teach them about money? These Aussie-friendly apps turn financial lessons into fun, interactive experiences.

GoHenry App

GoHenry’s app and prepaid debit card let kids aged 6+ manage pocket money, budget, and save under parental supervision. Its Money Missions feature offers animated videos, quizzes, and badges on topics like saving, spending wisely, and staying safe online. Parents can track progress, making it a team effort to build financial smarts.

Pigby’s Fair

Pigby’s Fair is a virtual game where kids run a stall, manage stock, and learn money management. It’s perfect for younger kids who love gaming, blending fun with lessons on earning and spending. Available on iOS and Android, it’s a great way to introduce financial concepts early.

Gimi

Gimi helps kids track their pocket money and understand the concepts of earning, saving, and spending. Its virtual piggy bank shows money growing each week, encouraging kids to save. Designed for parent-child collaboration, Gimi fosters open conversations about money and is available nationwide across Australia.

Savings Spree

Savings Spree teaches kids to earn money through tasks and make wise spending choices. The game demonstrates how unexpected events (such as a broken bike) can be costly, helping kids plan for surprises. It’s a fun, engaging way to learn about financial trade-offs.

Money Guide Resources

Guides offer structured, age-appropriate advice for kids and parents. These resources, many of which are accessible in Australia, cover a wide range of topics, from budgeting to credit basics.

ASIC’s MoneySmart

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s MoneySmart website is a valuable resource for students seeking financial literacy. It offers free guides on budgeting, saving, and avoiding scams, as well as activities such as budgeting worksheets for kids. Its “Teaching Kids About Money” section is packed with tips for parents and educators.

Visa Practical Money Skills

Visa’s Practical Money Skills program provides interactive tools and guides on credit, saving, and investing. With games for younger kids and resources on identity theft for teens, it’s a versatile tool for Australian families looking to build stronger financial futures.

Barclays LifeSkills

Barclays LifeSkills offers videos, quizzes, and activities on budgeting, saving, and understanding money. Its money personality quizzes are a hit with teens, helping them reflect on their spending habits. Available online, it’s a great resource for Aussie classrooms and homes.

BBC Bitesize Money Matters

BBC Bitesize’s Money Matters guide uses clever videos and content to explain earning, saving, budgeting, and financial responsibilities. While UK-based, its concepts are universal and resonate with Aussie kids learning to manage pocket money or plan for big purchases.

Bank of England Resources

The Bank of England’s financial education hub, accessible online, explains how money and the economy work. Topics such as debt, budgeting, and the future of money are ideal for curious teens. Its clear explanations make it a valuable tool for Australian educators.

GoHenry Guides

GoHenry’s blog and age-specific guides cover topics such as talking about money, spending, saving, and staying safe online. From earning pocket money to avoiding scams, these resources are tailored for Aussie families and packed with practical advice.

Money Podcasts for Kids and Families

Podcasts are a fun way to spark conversations about money. These shows, accessible in Australia, make financial literacy engaging for kids and parents alike.

Million Bazillion

Million Bazillion, from Marketplace, tackles kid-friendly money topics like “What’s the stock market?” and “Why is talking about money awkward?” With cartoons, transcripts, and discussion questions, it’s perfect for family listening and learning.

Money with Mak and G

This podcast features 11-year-old twins Mak and G as they explore topics such as piggy banks and the value of money. Short “minisodes” end with tips from “Dad,” making it easy for Aussie parents to apply lessons with their kids.

Curious Kid Podcast

Hosted by Jacob and 8-year-old Olivia, Curious Kid Podcast dives into topics like “Curious About Money?” Its question-driven format keeps kids engaged, and weekly episodes make it a reliable resource for Aussie families.

How to Manage Your Pocket Money

From Fun Kids, this podcast follows three schoolchildren as they tackle a money management homework project. It covers saving, spending, and online safety, offering practical tips for Aussie kids managing pocket money.

Money Books for Young Aussies

Books bring financial concepts to life through stories and clear explanations. These titles, available in Australia, suit different age groups.

Ages 5–7

• The Great Pet Sale by Mick Inkpen: A fun story about a boy navigating a pet shop sale, teaching kids about money’s value and making choices.
• Lift-the-Flap Questions and Answers About Money by Lara Bryan: This interactive book answers questions like “Where does money come from?” and “Why save?” with flaps that keep young readers engaged.

Ages 7–13

• Grandpa’s Fortune Fables by Will Rainey: Through engaging stories, this book teaches money management, investing, and starting a business, perfect for budding entrepreneurs.
• Why Money Matters by Deborah Meaden: Written by a Dragons’ Den star, this book covers the history of money, banking, and saving in an easy-to-digest way.

Ages 13+

• Money: A User’s Guide by Laura Whateley: A teen-friendly guide to debt, student loans, investing, and the property market, packed with practical advice.
• The Economics Book by Niall Kishtainy: This book breaks down big financial ideas like taxation and recessions, ideal for teens curious about the economy.

Money Games for Financial Fun

Games make learning about money a blast. These board and digital games, popular in Australia, teach financial literacy through play.

Monopoly

A classic for ages 8+, Monopoly teaches budgeting, investing, and avoiding bankruptcy. Players buy properties and manage cash, learning the value of strategic spending.

The Game of Life

For ages 8+, The Game of Life shows the impact of financial choices like studying, working, or investing. The winner is the player with the most wealth, highlighting long-term planning.

Pop to the Shops

This Orchard Games title for ages 5+ has kids visit shops, buy items, and manage money. It’s a colourful way to practice basic money maths.

The Pocket Money Game

Designed for ages 4+, this Woke Babies game teaches earning and saving through National Curriculum-based questions. It’s a family-friendly way to build financial literacy.

Pay Day

For ages 8+, Pay Day involves spending, investing, and borrowing to get rich. Mail and Deal cards add real-world financial twists, teaching kids to plan ahead.

Toca Store App

This app lets kids run a virtual store, practicing money maths with a friend or parent. It’s ideal for ages 4–8 and builds basic financial skills.

Following Finfluencers on Social Media

Finfluencers can inspire kids and parents, but caution is key. As Aussie finfluencer Andreea Son says, “If someone promises guaranteed riches, run!” Here are reputable finfluencers with Aussie-relevant advice:

• Andreea and Jamie (@Stocks & Savings): With 130k Instagram followers, this accountant duo simplifies saving and investing with practical tips.
• Gemma Bird (@MoneyMumOfficial): Known for her “rounding up” savings trick, Gemma’s 312k Instagram followers love her budget-savvy advice.
• Kia (@Pennies to Pounds): Kia’s jargon-free TikTok videos (29.2k followers) cover saving challenges and travel hacks, perfect for teens.

How GoHenry Boosts Financial Literacy

GoHenry’s prepaid debit card and app are game-changers for teaching kids about money. Kids learn to budget, save, and spend responsibly with real money, while parents monitor via the app. Money Missions offers interactive lessons on saving, spending, and scam protection, with points and badges to keep kids motivated. It’s a practical way to bring money lessons to life for Aussie families.

Conclusion

Money lessons for kids don’t have to be a slog. With Australian financial education resources like GoHenry, MoneySmart, podcasts, books, and games, parents and educators can make financial literacy for students engaging and impactful. These tools turn complex concepts into fun, relatable lessons, helping kids build skills to manage money, avoid scams, and maybe even start their own businesses. By starting early and using everyday moments to teach, we can empower the next generation of Aussies to be confident, money-savvy, and ready for whatever the future holds.