The Top 5 Money Lessons Parents Fail to Teach Their Kids (From a 13-Year-Old's Perspective)

Hey, it's the Cash Kid here! I'm 13 years old and the host of the Cash Kid Podcast. I talk a lot about money, saving, investing, and building smart habits. But the truth is, I've noticed that a lot of kids (including some of my friends) aren't learning the basics about money at home. Honestly, it's not because their parents don't care—most just weren't taught these things either.

From a kid who's paying attention, here are the top five money lessons parents are missing—and what would really help kids like me.

1. Not Teaching the Value of Money and Hard Work

One mistake I see is parents giving their kids money without connecting it to any effort. It sounds awesome—free money! But it actually sends the wrong message. When kids don't understand that money comes from hard work, it's easy to think it'll just "show up."

What Would Help:

• Tie money to chores or responsibilities. Let us earn it by helping around the house.
• Encourage us to find ways to make our own money. Babysitting, dog-walking, mowing lawns—let us hustle!
• Show us what working smart looks like. Talk about your job or side business so we see real examples.

2. Not Talking About Budgeting and Saving

A lot of kids I know get money and just... spend it. We don't naturally know how to budget or save unless someone teaches us. And guess what? If we don't learn now, we'll struggle with it when we're older.

What Would Help:

• Teach us to split our money. You could use "Save, Spend, Give" jars. I actually use an app called Greenlight so it’s all online and easy to move money between each category.
• Explain needs vs. wants. We need food and clothes; we don't "need" every new video game or new designer shoe.
• Help us set goals. Saving for a bike or a new phone feels a lot better when we reach the goal ourselves.

3. Avoiding Conversations About Debt and Credit

Most parents think we're too young to talk about debt. But if we wait until we get our first credit card in college... that's too late! Debt can mess up our future if we don't understand it.

What Would Help:

• Explain borrowing basics now. Let us "borrow" money with a little interest so we understand.
• Talk about credit scores. Even if we aren't getting a loan now, it's cool to know how it works.
• Share your real experiences. Tell us about your mortgage, car loan, or how you paid for college.

4. Not Encouraging Entrepreneurship and Investing

Saving money is important, but learning how to grow money is a game-changer. Too many parents forget to talk about how to start a business or invest early.

What Would Help:

• Introduce investing basics. Stocks, bonds, ETFs—we can understand way more than you think.
• Support our business ideas. Whether it’s selling bracelets, cutting lawns, or starting a YouTube channel, encouragement goes a long way.
• Use real success stories. Show us examples of entrepreneurs who started young.

5. Not Setting a Good Financial Example

We watch EVERYTHING our parents do. If you're spending like crazy or never talking about money, we're learning from that too.

What Would Help:

• Talk openly about money. Let us see the family budget or saving plans.
• Show discipline. When you skip eating out to save for a trip, explain it to us.
• Include us in decisions. Let us help pick groceries based on a budget or plan a cheaper vacation option.

Final Thoughts from the Cash Kid

If you're a parent reading this, THANK YOU for even caring about teaching your kids about money. Seriously, just having these conversations and setting examples makes a HUGE difference.

Kids want to learn. We want to be smart with our money. But we need the right tools and encouragement from you to do it.

Be sure to check out the Cash Kid Podcast for even more money tips—straight from a kid who's living it!

(And hey—maybe listen together with your kid! It could start some really cool conversations.)

www.cashkidpocast.com