Are You Talking About Money with Your Kids at the Dinner Table?

Erik Caseres

1/19/2025

Why Parents Should Discuss Finances at the Dinner Table

In today’s world, financial literacy is a fundamental life skill, yet most traditional school systems fail to adequately cover the topic. Many of us grow up without a clear understanding of how to manage money, what a mortgage is, how to calculate it, or the difference between assets and liabilities. Unfortunately, this lack of knowledge can lead to a trial-and-error approach in adulthood—an expensive and stressful way to learn.

My wife and I often reflect on how little we were taught about finances growing up. While we occasionally heard these topics mentioned, they were rarely broken down in a way that made sense at the time. It wasn’t until we were married with kids that we had to figure it out for ourselves through research and experience. However, we were fortunate to have one seventh-grade history teacher—the same class where my wife and I met!—who dedicated a week to teaching us about the stock market. She explained her own investing strategies and why it was important to start early. That week remains one of the most memorable parts of our middle school education, simply because it was so practical and actionable. It stood out from the theoretical lessons that dominated the rest of our schooling.

With this in mind, we try to take a proactive approach to teaching our children about finances. At our dinner table, we openly discuss topics like real estate investing, retirement plans, cash flow, equity, and more. Here’s why we believe every parent should make these conversations part of their routine:

1. Schools Don’t Teach Financial Literacy

• Most traditional curricula focus on academic concepts, leaving practical skills like budgeting, investing, and understanding loans untouched.

• Without formal education on these topics, young adults often stumble into financial pitfalls, learning through costly mistakes.

2. Understanding Financial Basics Prepares Kids for Adulthood

• Explaining concepts like assets, liabilities, and cash flow helps children grasp how money works in the real world.

• Teaching them how mortgages are calculated or how equity builds in a home can clarify complex topics they’ll encounter later.

• Early exposure equips them to make informed decisions about student loans, credit cards, and other financial commitments.

3. Memorable Lessons Stick

• Practical, real-world lessons—like our history teacher’s stock market week—leave a lasting impact because they feel immediately relevant.

• Dinner table discussions can create similar “lightbulb moments” for your kids, giving them knowledge they’ll carry into adulthood.

4. It’s Never Too Early to Start

• Even young children can understand basic concepts like saving money or earning interest.

• Games like Monopoly or real-world examples (e.g., explaining how much groceries cost) can make financial discussions accessible and engaging.

5. Set Them Up for Success

• By teaching kids about financial planning and responsibility, you’re giving them tools to build a stable future.

• Discussing topics like retirement plans, passive income, and real estate investing encourages long-term thinking and goal-setting.

Tips for Talking About Finances with Your Kids:

• Start Small: Tailor discussions to their age and gradually introduce more complex topics.

• Make It Relatable: Use real-life examples, like your household budget or a recent purchase, to illustrate concepts.

• Use Resources: Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or watch educational videos together to supplement your conversations.

• Incorporate Games: Play financial-themed board games like Monopoly or Cashflow to teach concepts in a fun way.

• Be Consistent: Make financial discussions a regular part of your routine, whether at the dinner table, during road trips, or while shopping.

Financial discussions aren’t the only topic to cover at the dinner table. For example, at our house, we begin every dinner with “good things”—a time for each family member to share the highlights of their day. So, while money shouldn't be the primary focus for any family (there are far more important things!), finances are a relevant part of our effort to prepare our kids for the real world. By normalizing conversations about money, we hope to give them the confidence and knowledge to navigate adulthood responsibly.

Remember, talking about money isn’t tacky or worldly; it’s an essential part of preparing your children for life. So don’t shy away from the subject. Whether you’re sharing personal experiences, playing educational games, or explaining how a mortgage works, you’re equipping your kids with invaluable skills. Start the conversation today—it’s a gift they’ll thank you for in the future.