The roll of the dice, the satisfying thwack of a fresh card on the tabletop, and the ecstasy of a winning strategy — these are just a few of the reasons why board games are a fun and effective form of in-person social interaction. Plus, they’re a cost-effective way to entertain the whole family, and there are plenty of ways to score bargain board games from garage sales, consignment shops, thrift stores, swap meets, and more.
While some may think using board games to teach children and teens about money is a bad idea, it’s actually an excellent tool for financial education. After all, learning about money is often more engaging and relatable when it’s in a hands-on format, like a game.
A great option for younger children is LakeShore’s Allowance Game, which encourages players to earn their allowance by completing household chores detailed on the eye-catching board, while also learning about earning a paycheck and spending wisely. For ages 8 and up, the Dave Ramsey-inspired Act Your Wage board game is another good option. This hands-on board game helps kids learn to budget, save, and pay down debt — all while staying gazelle intense so they can be the first to yell “I’m debt freeee!”
If you’re looking for more advanced money games for older children or teens, try this printable budgeting board game that lets them make decisions on how to spend their “beans” each round and see how their choices can impact their finances over time. Plus, it provides discussion questions at the end of each round to help kids understand why they made their decisions and how those decisions affect their budget.