Looking for entertaining and educational ways to keep your children busy this summer? Have them read some of these books to introduce financial values and help them gain a sense of financial independence. Every parent likes to help their children become responsible with money. Investing time now will enable them to lead financially independent and happier lives later.
Tweens (Ages 9-12)
Lemonade War, by Jacqueline Davis – smart, funny fictional tale about two siblings who have competing lemonade stands. Full of business and marketing tips for young entrepreneurs.
Annie’s Adventure, by Lauren Baratz-Logsted – eight young girls try to unravel the mystery of their parents’ disappearance while trying to learn how to run their household independently.
Esperanza Rising, by Pam Munoz Ryan – mesmerizing tale about a young, affluent girl whose family becomes destitute and how she copes with her changed circumstances.
Show Me the Money: How to Make Cents of Economics, by Alvin Hall – colorful, fact-filled guide to money and finance for the younger set covering a broad array of subjects from merits of allowance to supply and demand.
Hold Fast, by Blue Balliett – fast-paced tale about a young girl living in a shelter who is trying to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance.
Also Known As Harper, by Ann Haywood Leal – story about a young, aspiring female poet whose family is struggling economically and how she overcomes her circumstances.
Kidpreneurs, by Adam and Matthew Toren – a great introduction to business and entrepreneurship for young people which will motivate your child to start a lemonade stand.
Teens
O.M.G.: Official Money Guide for Teenagers, by Susan & Michael Beacham – great introduction to personal finance geared towards teenagers and designed to open a dialogue between parents and teens about money.
The Motley Fool Investment Guide for Teens, by David and Tom Gardner – the first step in guiding your teen towards financial independence, this easily digestible guide provides financial advice, an introduction to personal finance and emphasizes the importance of long-term investing.
The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko –a great primer for teens emphasizing that the key to financial success can be as simple as start saving early and living within your means.
Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game, by Michael Lewis – entertaining read about the economics of Major League Baseball which also happens to be a great business book as well. If your teen likes this book, point them towards Lewis’ numerous other books about finance and business.
Twenty Somethings
Why Didn’t They Teach Me This in School?, by Cary Siegel – a quick read that outlines ninety-nine personal money management principles to guide young adults to making sound personal financial decisions.
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter–And How to Make the Most of Them Now, by Meg Jay – compelling read about making the most of your twenties from a personal, professional and financial perspective.
Get a Financial Life; Personal Finance in Twenties and Thirties, by Beth Kobliner – a smart, straightforward guide to financial independence and personal finance for young adults.
The Wealthy Barber, by David Chilton – classic book about how to create a long-term financial plan in a fictional tale about three young adults.
Websites
If the library is closed and you need an immediate solution, suggest the following websites:
www.feedthepig.org – catering to young adults, this website features videos and information about personal finance and financial planning.
www.lemonadeday.org – quintessential website for young entrepreneurs starting out as lemonade stand owners.
