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Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom for Kids: Interactive Activities to Build Essential Financial Literacy, Smart Habits & Understand Wants vs. Needs ... Gratification
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 31, 2025
Money Tree: Growing Financial Wisdom for Kids provides information for children in understanding and managing money. Financial literacy is essential and learning about it in childhood helps build responsible patterns.
I really like the section discussing the difference between NEEDING and WANTING. This is something many adults don't understand. Another chapter addresses philanthropy, a great topic. I would have appreciated seeing more about gifts and other giving being woven into the general context of financial literacy. The chapter on financial security is important and could be taken further. In particular, the risk of scanning QR codes isn't addressed, a large and growing source of scams.
The above referenced sections kept my review at four stars, rather than three. However, concerns include:
1. So much critical detail is left out of the credit and debt chapter--possibly to simplify the subject--I question whether it's outside the scope of this book. E.g. installment payments, annual interest rate, compounding, etc.
2. In an extended example for a savings account, an uncle tells his niece she could earn $3 in a month on a $30 deposit (10% interest), with figures carried forward in the example. I don't believe 10% ANNUALLY has been offered since the 1980s. But 10% a month is 120% a year before compounding. Where do I sign up?!!!!
3. Advertisements within the book, asking the reader to leave a review before they've even finished, are disruptive and affect my confidence in the author. This has TWO--one in the middle and a second prior to the conclusion. Ironically, both contain QR codes.
4. There's quite an emphasis on purchasing/eating candy and other treats.
5. When urging a child to speak with a trusted adult, why wasn't a mom/mommy or aunt suggested, as well as a daddy or uncle?
I really like the section discussing the difference between NEEDING and WANTING. This is something many adults don't understand. Another chapter addresses philanthropy, a great topic. I would have appreciated seeing more about gifts and other giving being woven into the general context of financial literacy. The chapter on financial security is important and could be taken further. In particular, the risk of scanning QR codes isn't addressed, a large and growing source of scams.
The above referenced sections kept my review at four stars, rather than three. However, concerns include:
1. So much critical detail is left out of the credit and debt chapter--possibly to simplify the subject--I question whether it's outside the scope of this book. E.g. installment payments, annual interest rate, compounding, etc.
2. In an extended example for a savings account, an uncle tells his niece she could earn $3 in a month on a $30 deposit (10% interest), with figures carried forward in the example. I don't believe 10% ANNUALLY has been offered since the 1980s. But 10% a month is 120% a year before compounding. Where do I sign up?!!!!
3. Advertisements within the book, asking the reader to leave a review before they've even finished, are disruptive and affect my confidence in the author. This has TWO--one in the middle and a second prior to the conclusion. Ironically, both contain QR codes.
4. There's quite an emphasis on purchasing/eating candy and other treats.
5. When urging a child to speak with a trusted adult, why wasn't a mom/mommy or aunt suggested, as well as a daddy or uncle?
April 28, 2026
Teaching children the value of a dollar requires a delicate balance of engagement and practicality and this audiobook hits that mark by turning complex economic concepts into a relatable journey. I was particularly impressed by the way the author distinguishes between immediate desires and long-term goals fostering a sense of delayed gratification that is often missing in today’s digital world. What I liked most was the narrator's ability to break down the mechanics of investing and saving into digestible stories making the listener feel capable of managing their own small wealth from an early age. I would highly recommend this resource to anyone looking to equip preteens with the tools for a stable future as it represents the perfect guide for shifting from passive spending to intentional financial planning. This volume proves to be the ideal instrument for sparking meaningful family conversations about money ensuring that the seeds of fiscal responsibility are planted long before adulthood. It is an essential asset for building a foundation of confidence and independence that will serve young listeners throughout their entire lives
September 18, 2025
Fun and practical
Finley Sage covers everything from how money first began to budgeting, saving, and smart spending habits when you’re still young.
Money Tree Growing distinguishes between “needs” and “wants’ as children are shown how to set goals, practice online safety when buying stuff, and invest in a simple, fun way.
Sage has penned an adventure full of real-life scenarios, such as Greg, who learns to negotiate with his dad for a higher allowance by being respectful and offering something in return, and Garry, who starts his own candle business; stories that make the lessons feel achievable.
The book’s activities encourage kids to track their allowance, create savings plans, and even brainstorm small business ideas. Overall, this book makes financial wisdom accessible, engaging, and empowering, enabling children to think like entrepreneurs and problem solvers.
Highly recommended if you want to teach children to make smart choices now and in the future!
Finley Sage covers everything from how money first began to budgeting, saving, and smart spending habits when you’re still young.
Money Tree Growing distinguishes between “needs” and “wants’ as children are shown how to set goals, practice online safety when buying stuff, and invest in a simple, fun way.
Sage has penned an adventure full of real-life scenarios, such as Greg, who learns to negotiate with his dad for a higher allowance by being respectful and offering something in return, and Garry, who starts his own candle business; stories that make the lessons feel achievable.
The book’s activities encourage kids to track their allowance, create savings plans, and even brainstorm small business ideas. Overall, this book makes financial wisdom accessible, engaging, and empowering, enabling children to think like entrepreneurs and problem solvers.
Highly recommended if you want to teach children to make smart choices now and in the future!
August 26, 2025
I read this book as I was looking for my nephews how to introduce them to the notion of money. I have to admit that I learnt myself a couple of things on the way. I loved the fact that it gives examples everytime. I was positively surprised that it goes beyond the easy stuff. It explains even more complex monetary forms, always in a very simple and practical manner. The book's view is quite holistic, it goes even to explain to children about fraud. So smart and so much needed these days. Overall a great book to help you talk to kids about money or to give it to them to read. What I am not sure yet is when to expose them to this material, at which exact age, because I do not want them to spend mental power or time on something that will be the main point of their whole life at some point anyway.
October 15, 2025
Finley Sage’s “Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom for Kids” is a financial primer intended to develop financial literacy in children from 8 to 13. In truth, this well-constructed book would be well suited to teach finances to older students and even adults who want to develop better money skills.
This book is well-written, edited, and formatted. The subjects covered include: money creation, currency, budgeting, intelligent shopping and spending, understanding advertising, earning money, developing negotiation skills, saving, understanding credit and debt, investing, setting financial goals, financial safety, philanthropy, and family finances.
“Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom For Kids” is easy to read, concise, and informative. It is a book that will effectively teach financial literacy to children of all ages – and maybe even their parents!
This book is well-written, edited, and formatted. The subjects covered include: money creation, currency, budgeting, intelligent shopping and spending, understanding advertising, earning money, developing negotiation skills, saving, understanding credit and debt, investing, setting financial goals, financial safety, philanthropy, and family finances.
“Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom For Kids” is easy to read, concise, and informative. It is a book that will effectively teach financial literacy to children of all ages – and maybe even their parents!
April 23, 2026
This book is clear with an engaging introduction to financial literacy for children. The book breaks down topics like budgeting, saving, and investing into simple, relatable concepts that kids can easily understand and apply in everyday life.
What stands out most is how approachable the content feels. Rather than overwhelming young listeners, it builds confidence step by step—helping them see money as something they can manage, not something to fear. The real-life examples and practical strategies make it especially useful for reinforcing good habits early.
This is a strong resource for families, classrooms, or homeschooling environments looking to introduce money skills in a way that actually sticks. It’s both educational and accessible, making it a valuable tool for raising financially confident kids.
What stands out most is how approachable the content feels. Rather than overwhelming young listeners, it builds confidence step by step—helping them see money as something they can manage, not something to fear. The real-life examples and practical strategies make it especially useful for reinforcing good habits early.
This is a strong resource for families, classrooms, or homeschooling environments looking to introduce money skills in a way that actually sticks. It’s both educational and accessible, making it a valuable tool for raising financially confident kids.
March 9, 2026
As a financial guy, I found this book to be very accurate and insightful, it's something that everybody should know. Basic knowledge that I think it is incredibly important for both kids and adults.
Perhaps the only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating is that it seems a little complex for a young kid. The things that were talked about used examples from a kid's perspective, but the language seems to be more appropriate for a teenager.
I think though, that any kid who has a good head on them should be able to go through and learn a lot from this. But I would also suggest that a parent read it first. So that they can talk to their kid about the things that were discussed here, as that might help improve their understanding of some of the concepts that might confuse a kid otherwise.
Perhaps the only reason I didn't give it a 5 star rating is that it seems a little complex for a young kid. The things that were talked about used examples from a kid's perspective, but the language seems to be more appropriate for a teenager.
I think though, that any kid who has a good head on them should be able to go through and learn a lot from this. But I would also suggest that a parent read it first. So that they can talk to their kid about the things that were discussed here, as that might help improve their understanding of some of the concepts that might confuse a kid otherwise.
May 20, 2026
This is a great book. It is written so that a middle schooler, or maybe even a 4th-5th grader, can understand why mom can't afford to buy all the toys. The book explains the history of money, starting with barter, then seashells, and eventually digital currency. The book teaches readers how to budget, using a party planner as an example, with topics a child would understand (decorations, food, and activities).
It moves on to other, more complex topics such as spotting the emotional trap of shopping, comparison shopping for the best deal, and the 24-hour wait rule before purchasing.
But it doesn't stop there; it covers negotiations, starting your own small business, and investing!
This book is great and should be a must-read for every 5th grader.
It moves on to other, more complex topics such as spotting the emotional trap of shopping, comparison shopping for the best deal, and the 24-hour wait rule before purchasing.
But it doesn't stop there; it covers negotiations, starting your own small business, and investing!
This book is great and should be a must-read for every 5th grader.
August 21, 2025
This review is translated from my native Spanish so please forgive any errors. So many parents and schools focus on practical academics but ignore the life lessons that truly make our children successful. This book is the perfect introduction for young people to begin to understand the basics of finance which, essentially, are the foundation of their entire future. I know people who have made a lot of money and are broke. I have known people who make minimal salaries and thrive, retiring early. Of course, our children are going to push back on any advice we give them but coming from a knowledgeable third party like the author of this book, the message will resonate.
May 9, 2026
As a homeschooling parent, I’m always looking for resources that are both educational and actually engaging for kids, and Money Tree did a really nice job balancing the two.
It explains saving, spending, budgeting, and smart money habits in a simple, easy-to-understand way without feeling overly complicated. I also liked that it encourages kids to really think about choices and goals instead of just memorizing information.
The activities throughout helped keep it interactive and made it feel more like a conversation than a lesson. A great addition for homeschool families or parents wanting to introduce financial literacy in a practical way.
It explains saving, spending, budgeting, and smart money habits in a simple, easy-to-understand way without feeling overly complicated. I also liked that it encourages kids to really think about choices and goals instead of just memorizing information.
The activities throughout helped keep it interactive and made it feel more like a conversation than a lesson. A great addition for homeschool families or parents wanting to introduce financial literacy in a practical way.
August 16, 2025
This is a very comprehensive book, also useful for teachers. It begins with the history of money and continues with very practical examples of money management in different situations. It helps us reflect on the impact money has on our lives and how important it is to budget for a peaceful life. The book covers many topics, including the difference between wants and needs, how to make smart purchases by comparing prices, and how to negotiate. I found the section about how advertising influences our purchases particularly interesting.
August 29, 2025
Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom for Kids is a fun and practical way to teach kids about money! I like that it breaks down budgeting, saving, investing, and even giving back in a way that’s easy for children to understand and apply. There are fun facts such as the history of money. The examples are interesting, there are plenty of b&w pictures, and it makes financial literacy more interesting. I think this would be a good resource for kids ages 8–13.
September 30, 2025
Money Tree Growing: Financial Wisdom for Kids is a thoughtful and engaging primer that respects children’s intelligence. Finley Sage introduces money concepts in a way that feels inclusive and relevant, with examples that go beyond piggy banks to real-world choices kids face. The tone is warm, clear, and empowering, making it perfect for older kids and tweens who are ready to understand not just how money works, but why it matters. A must-have for families and classrooms!
October 21, 2025
This book covers all aspects of finances for kids. Maybe more than most kids will need right away, but it's a good resource that they'll be able to keep and come back to. It covers such basic matters as budgeting, SMART spending, ways to make money, how to allocate money earned, banks, credit, investing, and much much more, to make your kid prepared for the future and become a responsible financial citizen.
October 21, 2025
Great book for helping children understand financial literacy including a variety of topics from budgeting, wants vs needs and investing to financial safety. Begins with an interesting history of money and an exploration of different currencies. Includes relatable examples and practical worksheets to help enhance understanding. Also provides opportunities for parents to interact with children and encourages family discussions.
April 26, 2026
This is a very approachable introduction to financial literacy for kids. The book breaks down money concepts into simple, easy-to-understand ideas that actually feel relevant and usable for young readers.
The sections on needs vs. wants stand out as especially helpful, and the activities and prompts make it more than just something to read—they help start real conversations and build understanding. The tone stays positive and encouraging without feeling preachy, which makes it easier for kids to engage with.
Overall, it’s a well-thought-out and useful resource that helps build confidence and awareness around money in a way that feels natural and practical.
The sections on needs vs. wants stand out as especially helpful, and the activities and prompts make it more than just something to read—they help start real conversations and build understanding. The tone stays positive and encouraging without feeling preachy, which makes it easier for kids to engage with.
Overall, it’s a well-thought-out and useful resource that helps build confidence and awareness around money in a way that feels natural and practical.
April 30, 2026
Money Tree Growing Financial Wisdom for Kids is an educational resource that teaches financial literacy to young children. The book is written in a manner that is highly relevant for young readers. I truly appreciate the author’s approach in using simple and easy language coupled with interesting examples. This book is highly useful, especially for those who want to teach financial literacy to their children.
September 28, 2025
I really enjoyed this book. Upon first read I thought it was too advanced for the intended audience. After further review it occurred to me that it is a book that can grow with children and can be revisited year after year. I bought a digital copy just to check it out and am planning on buying a physical copy to read with my kids.
November 19, 2025
This book provided a lot of great details about how to educate children about money. I especially found the section on wants versus needs to be valuable. It is important to teach children responsibility with money at a young age so that it can prepare them for adulthood when they will be responsible for their own money. Overall, a great find.
April 30, 2026
This was a great book explaining to kids and parents the importance of understanding finances. Even as an older child it's important to understand finances and how it affects your live daily. Understanding financial matters can lead to a happier and more prosperous life, even as a child. A very informative and well written book.
April 26, 2026
I highly recommend Money Tree Growing: Financial Wisdom for Kids. I played this in the car for my kids during a road trip. They were both engaged and asked me questions. They even both decided to save their allowance rather than buy a bunch of junk on the trip.
November 11, 2025
This is a fun read for what kids would normally think of as a boring subject. The examples provided are kids friendly. Not too long or too short. Worth giving to a kid.
May 3, 2026
This book introduces kids to money and explores various useful topics: earning money, budgeting, investing, saving, etc. Concepts like compound interest are explained with examples. Kids are taught the differences between stocks and bonds and are encouraged to set up financial accounts early. The book ends by touching on philanthropy and the role of insurance. Kids will benefit from learning about these foundational topics related to money. The illustrations could be updated.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews