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10 Simple and Fun Money Challenges for Kids to Build Smart Savings Habits

Why Kids Money Challenges Matter

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be a lecture. Imagine it as a treasure hunt. Fun and sticky. These kids money challenges turn chores, allowance and goals into bite-sized games. Your child learns:

  • How to set and reach targets
  • The difference between needs and wants
  • Why small savings add up

Sure, there are apps like bunq that offer AutoSave, Insights and Joint Savings Accounts. They’re sleek. But they can feel too digital. Too hands-off. That’s where Money Parents steps in with printable goal-trackers, step-by-step guides and real-life tips that parents love. And with Maggie’s AutoBlog, we generate fresh, custom worksheets in minutes—no coding skills needed.

Ready for a lineup of challenges? Let’s dive in.


1. The Savings Jar Game

Classic. Tangible. Kids drop coins or notes into jars labelled “New Toy”, “Ice Cream Outing” or “Charity”.

Why bunq might fall short:
– You need a smartphone for their Easy Budgeting tool.
– No hands-on thrill of real coins.

How Money Parents does it:
– Download colourful jar labels from our blog.
– Use the “Jar Tracker” worksheet to tick off progress.
– Celebrate each filled jar with a mini-party.

This simple kids money challenge builds excitement. They see progress. They stay motivated.


2. Goal Quest Challenge

Turn savings into a quest. Your child picks a dream purchase—say, new trainers. They map out how much they need, and by when.

The bunq angle:
– AutoSave rounds up your coffee spend and pushes the spare change into a goal.
– Nice, but invisible.

Money Parents magic:
– Printable goal maps that show the countdown in days, pounds and smiles.
– Parental tips on setting realistic milestones.
– “Quest Completion” badge you can stick on the fridge.

Goal Quest is a top kids money challenge for big-picture thinking.


3. Budget Boss Challenge

Let them be the boss of their allowance. Give a weekly sum and watch them plan.

bunq does Pocket Money:
– Allocates funds into categories.
– But it’s a closed app environment.

Money Parents approach:
– Monthly budget planner sheets you can print or edit online.
– Fun stickers for “Spent Wisely” and “Oops, overspent!”
– A short blog guide on balancing fun and essentials.

Your child learns to juggle real pennies and choices.


4. Needs vs Wants Battle

A storm of ideas. Toys vs basics. The goal? Instil wise spending.

bunq’s Insights:
– Shows a pie chart of spending habits.
– Great for adults, too abstract for kids.

How we do it:
– “Red vs Green” cards that kids sort into two piles.
– Role-play scenarios—like buying lunch.
– Discussion prompts for parents.

This quick kids money challenge sparks real conversation.


5. The Round-Up Challenge

Tiny bits, big gains. Each purchase is rounded up to the next pound.

bunq’s AutoSave:
– Automatically transfers pennies to savings.
– Nice concept, but invisible progress.

Money Parents twist:
– Weekly roundup worksheet that tracks how much you’ve added.
– Graph stickers showing growth.
– Family scoreboard—little rivalry never hurts.

Tiny steps. Huge motivation.

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6. The Home Earnings Race

Chores with a twist. You assign coin values and let siblings or friends compete.

bunq offers tracking but no leaderboard.

Money Parents style:
– Printable race charts.
– “Earning multiplier” days (e.g., double coins for extra tasks).
– Certificate for the winner.

Friendly competition fires up saving instincts. Another stellar kids money challenge.


7. The Group Goal Challenge

Teamwork makes dreams work. Pool savings with friends for a group treat—like a day at the park arcade.

bunq’s Joint Savings:
– Great to share a goal.
– But no fun extras.

Money Parents extras:
– Group goal poster.
– Shared progress bar you can colour in.
– Tips for setting team rules and fair shares.

Group dynamics teach real-life budgeting skills.


8. Debt Repayment Quest

Yes, kids can learn about borrowing. Lend them a small sum for something they want. Then guide repayments.

bunq’s Scheduled Payments:
– Automates transfers.
– But it’s just numbers.

Our twist:
– Repayment calendar with smiley stamps.
– Short “Interest 101” storybook PDF.
– Parent-child debrief questions.

They learn responsibility, accountability and trust.


9. Allowance Adventure

Automate allowances and split instantly into saving, spending and giving.

bunq’s Scheduled Payments cover the automation.

Money Parents goes further:
– Editable allowance plan templates.
– Charity match game—parents match a percentage of what kids give.
– Weekly reflection journal prompts.

Kids see the impact of steady saving and generosity.


10. Growth Challenge

Consistency counts. Save a set amount every week for a month.

bunq’s Savings Accounts pay interest.
But kids often miss the bigger picture.

Money Parents upgrade:
– Growth tracker chart with weekly check-ins.
– “Interest Match” badge you can stick on the chart.
– High-five moments built into the routine.

They watch effort multiply. Real lessons in patience.


How Money Parents Trumps Purely Digital Apps

Sure, bunq is snazzy. But:

  • It’s app-only.
  • Lacks tactile, printable tools.
  • No parent-child guided activities.

Money Parents fills those gaps with:

  • Interactive worksheets and challenge templates.
  • Research-backed advice on our blog.
  • Collaborative activities that spark family chats.

Plus, thanks to Maggie’s AutoBlog, we keep content fresh and tailored to your family. No more hunting for ideas—just download, print and play.


Get Started with Your First Kids Money Challenge

Ready to make finance fun? Pick a challenge, grab a printable and start today. You’ll see confidence and responsibility blossom.

Get a personalised demo

Let’s build smart savings habits together!

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