Childhood money memories make it easy to engage kids and teach them vital lessons about money.
These early experiences often shape the way we think about money and how we manage it for the rest of our lives. That’s why parents, grandparents, teachers, and community leaders can use childhood money memories as a simple, relatable way to spark conversations and help kids develop positive money habits early.
Don’t miss this opportunity to make talking about money fun, natural, and effective for your children.
Below, we share real stories from parents, educators, and financial leaders who’ve used their childhood money experiences to teach valuable lessons—and why these moments are so important for building financial confidence in kids.
Why Childhood Money Memories Matter
Our first experiences with money—whether it’s earning, saving, spending, or seeing how our families handle finances—leave a lasting impression. These memories influence our beliefs, habits, and financial decision-making well into adulthood.
That’s why reflecting on and sharing your own money memories can be a powerful tool to:
Start meaningful conversations about money
Teach essential money habits like saving, budgeting, and goal-setting
Help kids feel more comfortable and confident managing money
Build a strong foundation for lifelong financial literacy
Here are a few inspiring examples from our Sammy Rabbit Childhood Money Memory Interview Series.
Real Childhood Money Memories That Teach Great Lessons
Patricia Roberts, J.D. – COO, Gift of College, Author
One of Patricia’s favorite childhood money memories involves teamwork and goal-setting with her siblings. Growing up in a household with a tight budget, her mom would encourage the kids to sit together and discuss any non-essential item they wanted.
If they agreed it was worth pursuing, they saved together as a family. They would fill a large glass jar with coins and dollar bills, keeping it visible in the home as a constant reminder of their shared savings goal.
Lesson: Saving as a family teaches patience, teamwork, and the power of setting financial goals.
Tan Phan, MSFP, CFP® – Tan Wealth Management
Born in Vietnam, Tan immigrated to the U.S. with his mother and sister at age five. They lived in one room of a shared duplex in Oakland, California, where money was scarce. He remembers splitting a boiled egg three ways for dinner, paired with rice and soy sauce.
Despite the hardships, his mother emphasized education as the key to success—and a better financial future.
Lesson: Early struggles can fuel ambition and highlight the long-term value of education in building a better life.
Cathrine Bena Sibanda, CFEI – Founder, Financial Literacy Trust
Cathrine grew up in Botswana, where money was tight. She vividly recalls her aunt's habit of writing grocery budgets on small pieces of paper, listing items and their estimated costs. This consistent budgeting, even in tough times, taught Cathrine the importance of planning and financial discipline.
Lesson: Simple money habits like budgeting—even written on scraps of paper—can build financial awareness and responsibility from an early age.
Make It Easy to Teach Kids About Money Today
Your childhood money memories—big or small—hold the power to teach, inspire, and guide the next generation. Sharing those stories makes it easy and natural to introduce concepts like:
Saving money
Setting goals
Making thoughtful spending choices
Understanding needs vs. wants
Developing financial confidence
Let’s advance 1 child’s financial literacy today.
Share your childhood money memories
Share your childhood money memories and perspective with Sammy Rabbit and his global audience.
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Contact Sammy to learn more via the website or via email: contact@sammyrabbit.com