Hey there! It's Talk About Money Tuesday, my favorite day of the week!🤑

Long before they get their first paycheck, kids are already learning how business works. They trade Pokémon cards and squishies, sell lemonade, and persuade their parents to buy the latest trending toy. These activities give them an early lesson in buying and selling.

They also create opportunities to build financial literacy. When kids learn to price a product or compare offers, they're practicing the same financial skills they'll need as adults.

Parents can help connect the dots. Rather than treating your kid's business idea or trading hobby as just child's play, ask questions that get them thinking about costs and value.

These simple conversations can turn everyday experiences into practical financial lessons that prepare kids to become confident future earners and entrepreneurs.

Money Stat

57%

According to a PwC report on how Gen Alpha influences household purchasing decisions, 57% of second- and third-graders said social media makes them want to buy things.

Of the kids in that age group, 67% of them reported that in a normal week they spent the most time on YouTube — where they're "scrolling past product placements in between gaming tutorials and slime videos," the report said.

Kids aren't just consumers though. Their interests and buying decisions help shape the marketplace. When a toy or brand catches their attention, businesses have the opportunity to turn that interest into heavy demand and sales.

Parents can help kids see both sides of the transaction by urging them to think beyond the purchase itself. Who benefits when a product takes off? How do businesses convince people to buy their products or services? And how can kids decide whether something is worth the money?

These questions help build financial literacy by teaching young people to understand the forces shaping the markets they participate in.

Money in the News

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The news: A gas station in Cheney, Wa. is a hot spot for trading squishies, the squeezable stress-relief toy that has captivated Gen Alpha. The craze has created an unexpected business opportunity for a business you wouldn't automatically associate with toy trading.

What it means for young people: This story shows how young consumers can shape markets through their enthusiasm for a product. They can also influence where businesses see demand and how they respond to it.

Tips for parents & mentors: Ask your child how they would decide whether to trade one squishy for another one. What would they want to know before agreeing to the trade? Would they accept the first offer or negotiate for something better?

And don't forget the most important lesson related to trading: when to walk away.

Get in the Zone

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Money skill: How to evaluate value before making a deal

Why it matters: Knowing how to judge value helps young people make thoughtful choices while shopping and when they're making trades. It's important that they know how to look past the hype and think about what something is truly worth to them.

Try this: What can you do to help young people figure out if a deal is worth it?

1️⃣ Have your child choose a toy or collectible and compare prices from three sellers. Ask them what might explain the differences and whether the more expensive option offers something extra that would make it worth the price.

This helps kids learn to judge value rather than automatically choosing the cheapest option.

2️⃣ If your child wants to resell an item, help them subtract what they paid for the item plus any selling fees from the expected sale price. Then talk about whether the profit they could make is worth the time and effort.

This helps kids look beyond the sale price to understand what they could actually gain.

3️⃣ When your child is thinking about making a trade, have them take a few minutes to research the item and consider alternatives. Ask, "Would you still want this if it stopped being popular tomorrow?"

This makes it easier for kids to separate the lasting value of an item from the excitement of owning something super trendy.

The Language of Money

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Use these five youth-friendly terms to help young people make the connection between buying, selling, and making money:

Demand: How much people want something and are willing to pay for it.

Negotiation: Talking with someone to agree on a deal that works for both of you.

Perceived value: How much someone thinks something is worth.

Profit: The money you have left after paying all the costs of selling something.

Supply: How much of something is available to buy.

Young people shouldn't have to learn about money the hard way!

Let's connect if your school, company, community group, or organization is looking for a financial educator whose engaging workshops teach the next generation the real-world money skills they need to succeed.

​Book a call with me and we'll build a workshop that fits your audience!

Loose Change

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🧩 When kids want the latest tiny collectibles, it's about more than just owning a squishy. Popular toys reveal social dynamics already at play.

🛍️ After nearly 20 years, retailer PacSun is opening new stores in the U.S. in response to the shopping habits of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

⚾ A 9-year-old boy bought a pack of baseball cards to add to his collection. Inside the pack was a one-of-a-kind card that he sold for $75,000.

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'Til next time,

Audrey
​Founder &
Certified Financial Education Instructor​
The FinLit Zone

600 1st Ave, Ste 330 PMB 92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2246
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