The expert gave advice on the formation of financial literacy in children
At what age is a child able to understand what money is, how to explain the difference between desires and needs, and how to protect children from financial risks — these issues are now becoming part of modern education. Olga Gogaladze, founder of the PRO.FINANSY School of Financial Literacy and Investment, told Izvestia on November 21 about how to form the right attitude to money among minors.
According to her, the first skills of understanding money can be formed as early as the age of three, when children are cognitively active and actively copy the behavior of adults. At this age, it is important to show the child that money is a tangible resource that is exchanged for goods.
"The main lesson at this age is the difference between "want" and "need." When you go to the store, make a list together and explain to the child: "First we will buy bread, milk, pasta, because it is "necessary", and if there is money left, cookies and juice, it is "I want". This is how an understanding of priorities is born in practice," the expert explained.
She noted that the gradual immersion in the financial context helps the child to master the basic concepts. Parents are encouraged to show their children real bills and coins, explain how bank cards work, and make shopping lists together. This makes it clear that in order to get what you want, you need to perform the action of paying. The family's personal example in dealing with money remains a key element of learning.
Pocket money becomes the next stage in the formation of financial literacy. The specialist emphasizes that as early as 5-6 years old, you can start giving small amounts to a child on a regular basis. This helps not only to feel responsible, but also to master the most important skill — the ability to save. Parents are encouraged to make the accumulation process visual: use transparent piggy banks, keep graphs, and create visual goals. Such methods develop patience and show the child the connection between current actions and future results.
"The most difficult thing for a parent is not to interfere and let the child make his first financial mistake. Let him spend it all at once on all sorts of nonsense. This lesson is invaluable. It is better to experience it at the age of 7, when you are around, you can support and discuss the situation, than at 25 — with the first salary. After going through the disappointment of impulsive spending, he himself will realize that such decisions leave him without money, and next time he will calculate his financial capabilities," Gogaladze said.
As children grow up, they may be ready to master more complex economic concepts. The parent should explain what work and earnings are, and show the relationship between completing tasks and paying. The expert recommends introducing children to savings and investment models through simple home examples: a "family bank" with interest accrual, a children's card with a controlled limit, and an explanation of stocks and bonds based on everyday analogies. In adolescence, you can also connect real investment instruments, discussing the risks and specifics of financial decisions.
Family involvement also plays an important role in raising a financially literate child. Gogaladze advises discussing the budget with the whole family, explaining the cost of large purchases, involving the child in the search for profitable offers or planning savings. Joint decisions strengthen a sense of responsibility, teach you how to analyze expenses and set long-term goals.
On October 6, psychologist Yulia Losevskaya told how much money can be given to children for pocket expenses. According to her, the amount should be symbolic and increase with age — from 50 to 300 rubles. It is important for parents to understand exactly what the child plans to spend money on: for example, at school they most often spend on meals in the cafeteria.
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