14 February 2023
Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or educator, in this blog, we’ll be sharing valuable insights and practical tips on how to help children develop the financial skills they need to succeed in the digital age.
The world we live in today is more fast-paced and technology-driven than ever before, and this extends to our financial lives as well. With online shopping, mobile banking, and virtual currencies becoming the norm, it is crucial for children to develop financial literacy at an early age. This not only equips them with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate the complex financial landscape, but it also sets them up for a lifetime of financial stability and success.
Payment cards, such as Go Henry and Nimbl, provide a convenient and accessible way for children to manage their money and make purchases. With the right guidance and support, payment cards can help children learn to budget, track expenses, and build up an understanding of their consumer spending, all while enhancing their financial security.
What options are available today? Here are some of our favourites:
Nimbl (nimbl.com)
The app lets you specify how the card can be used, as well as allowing you to set spending limits. Plus, you can choose an amount to go to savings each time the card’s used, helping your child build a savings habit.
- The Nimbl card is available for ages 6-18
- Limit card usage online, in-stores or at ATMs
- Set daily, weekly or monthly spending limits
- The card can be managed online and via app
- The money is protected as e-money
Hyperjar (search Hyperjar on your appstore)
HyperJar works by letting you put money in different ‘jars’, which can be a good way to sort kids’ spending and saving money. You can link retailers to specific jars, and then when they spend, the money automatically comes out of the right place. You can also set spending permissions and limits on each jar separately in the app.
- Hyperjar is available for ages 6-17
- Cannot be used at ATMs
- Set spending limits on each ‘jar’
- Card management via app only
- The money is protected as e-money
GoHenry (gohenry.com)
GoHenry’s features include in-app money lessons developed by teachers and financial education experts – great for helping your kids to learn about money. The first top-up each month is free, though additional top-ups costs 50p each – so you’ll need to plan ahead to avoid fees. There are separate versions of the app for parents, teens and kids.
- Available for ages 6-18
- Limit card usage online, in stores or at ATMs
- Set weekly spending limits
- The card can be managed online and via app
- The money is protected as e-money
Teaching children about money management can be done in various ways, including real-life examples, educational games and activities, and allowing them to make their own financial decisions with your guidance. Encouraging children to save, setting spending limits, and explaining the importance of budgeting can also help instil good financial habits. Additionally, involving children in household financial decisions and discussing the family’s financial goals can give them a comprehensive understanding of money management. With the right approach, children can develop a solid understanding of financial literacy and become confident and competent financial decision-makers.
In addition to convenience, payment cards can also help children learn valuable budgeting and expense-tracking skills. By monitoring their spending, they can see where their money is going and make informed decisions about how to allocate their resources.
Lastly, payment cards can enhance security by reducing the risk of theft and fraud. With fraud monitoring and protection services, payment cards offer a safer alternative to carrying cash and can provide peace of mind for both children and parents.
