A Children’s Book About Money

Kids too young to learn about money can still learn about our financial values

Can a children’s book about money help to spur future financial literacy?

Academic research suggests that most financial literacy programs don’t work. We struggle to remember details about loans, interest rates, and investment costs.

Why I Wrote a Children’s Book About Money

But the issue extends beyond these terms and mechanics. As a society, we also fail to spend much time thinking about and discussing our financial values. How much money is enough? What is a need? What is a want? When should we show financial generosity to others?

In early 2019, I learned about an early childhood book challenge. My youngest son was two-years-old at the time. Too young to learn much about money.

But he wasn’t too young to learn about those financial values. So for the first time, I wrote a book – a children’s book about money.

Here’s how I described the manuscript in my submission:

Thanks, Mate! introduces early financial concepts, such as needs vs. wants, saving, generosity, and gratitude, to young children.

Ultimately, my book didn’t win the challenge. Even so, I want to publish the manuscript here. Hopefully, a few kids will enjoy the story and put themselves on track for a healthy relationship with money.

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Thanks, Mate!

by Kevin Mahoney

“‘Morning, Mate!”

He heard his sis say.

“Are you excited?

Today’s our big day!”

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These city squirrels lived

in a tiny oak tree,

But it was warm and safe

As a home should be.

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They had saved 4 seeds

To trade for a treat.

After being so patient,

They wanted a sweet.

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With a “Woosh!”, they ran off.

Until along the way

They passed the playground,

And stopped to play.

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Alone on a swing

Sat a new face.

A kangaroo from the East

With no friends in this place.

---

The kangaroo smiled,

“Hi mate, will you help me?”

“I’ve had such a long trip

And need food for my belly.”

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“Sure, we have enough!”

said Sis, giving a seed.

Mate first was opposed,

But was Roo happy? Yes, INDEED!

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With a “Woosh!”, they ran on.

3 seeds now to take.

When they spotted the park,

And stopped for a break.

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Alone in the grass

Sat a new face.

A puffin from up North,

With no friends in this place.

---

The puffin smiled,

“Hi mate, will you help me?”

“I’ve had such a long trip

And need food for my belly.”

---

“Sure, I like being kind!”

said Sis, giving a seed.

Mate still felt unsure,

But was Puffin happy? Yes, INDEED!

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With a “Woosh!”, they ran on.

2 seeds they now took.

When they passed the library,

And stopped for a book.

---

Alone at a table

Sat a new face.

A sloth from the South

With no friends in this place.

---

The sloth smiled,

“Hi mate, will you help me?”

“I’ve had such a long trip

And need food for my belly.”

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Mate took a deep breath,

and offered a seed.

His sis felt so proud;

And were all happy? Yes, INDEED!

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With a “Woosh!”, they ran on.

1 seed still seemed grand.

And their savings was spent

Even better than planned.

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Their treat from the market

Was worth the long quest.

But it was giving to others

When Mate felt luckiest.

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The Inspiration for My Children’s Book About Money

I dedicate Thanks, Mate! to my youngest son, who – still, to this day – loves animals.

As a two-year-old, he specifically loved books about animals that live far from the U.S. So he inspired the characters and storyline in this book.

If you have any feedback to share about the story and its messages, I welcome you to e-mail me at kevin@illumintfc.com. Thanks for reading!

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Recommended Money Reads for Millennials

If you liked this article, you may also want to check out:

• Should Millennials Make Extra Mortgage Payments?
• The 5 Best Finance Podcasts for Millennials in 2024

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About Kevin Mahoney, CFP®

Hi, I’m Kevin. I’m the founder of Illumint and a financial advisor in Washington, DC. I specialize in financial planning for Millennials like you. As a Millennial father and Certified Financial Planner™, I empower our peers to invest with confidence and flexibility. If you’re new to Illumint, I’m glad you’re here – you now have access to free personal finance tips written specifically for Millennial parents. I encourage you to read, watch, or listen to the ideas I share about exchanging your money for memories with your kids. And then when you’re ready, please send me your thoughts & questions!