What Should We Be Teaching Kids Now to Prepare for That Future?
In a recent interview, Elon Musk suggested something that stops many people in their tracks:
Within the next 10 years, work could become optional, and as artificial intelligence and automation create abundance, money itself may no longer be necessary.
It’s a bold idea—and one that sparks equal parts excitement, curiosity, and concern.
If machines can do most jobs better, faster, and cheaper than humans, what happens to work? What happens to income? And what happens to the role money plays in our lives?
More importantly for parents, teachers, and educators of every kind:
What should we be teaching kids now to prepare for that kind of future?
Work May Change — But Purpose Will Not
Even if work becomes optional in the traditional sense, humans will still need purpose.
Kids will still need to:
Set goals
Make choices
Solve problems
Create, contribute, and collaborate
Decide how to use limited time, energy, and resources
Whether money exists in its current form or not, decision-making doesn’t disappear. Trade-offs don’t disappear. Values don’t disappear.
That’s why education must go deeper than “how to earn a paycheck.”
Money Is a Tool — Not the Point
At Sammy Rabbit, we teach a simple but powerful idea:
Money is a tool.
It helps people meet needs, reach goals, help others, and create opportunities. If money changes—or even fades away—what remains is the need to understand:
Value
Choice
Effort
Planning
Delayed gratification
Cause and effect
Those are not money skills alone. They are life skills.
The Habits That Will Matter Most
If the future brings more automation and abundance, the kids who thrive will not be the ones who simply know how money works—but the ones who have strong habits and mindsets.
Here’s what matters now:
1. Decision-Making Skills
Kids must learn how to pause, think, and choose wisely. Every future—abundant or not—requires good judgment.
2. Goal Setting and Planning
Even in a world where basic needs are met, dreams still require direction. Goals give kids purpose and motivation.
3. Understanding Value
If money changes, value remains. Kids need to learn how to ask: Is this worth it? What am I giving up?
4. Self-Control and Patience
Automation doesn’t eliminate impulse. Teaching kids to wait, save, and think ahead builds lifelong resilience.
5. Creativity and Contribution
If work becomes optional, contribution becomes essential. Kids should learn to create, help others, and use their talents meaningfully.
Why Financial Education Still Matters
Some might ask: If money goes away, why teach kids about it at all?
Because financial education, done right, is not about dollars and cents.
It’s about:
Understanding systems
Managing resources
Making thoughtful choices
Building habits that lead to well-being
Money is simply the training ground.
Preparing Kids for Any Future
Elon Musk’s vision may or may not unfold exactly as described. Predictions change. Technology evolves. Systems adapt.
But one thing is certain:
Kids who understand habits, choices, goals, and value will be prepared for any future, whether money looks the same, different, or radically transformed.
That’s why early age financial education isn’t about predicting tomorrow. It’s about equipping kids to thrive no matter what tomorrow brings.
And that future starts with what we teach today.
Your Thoughts
What do you think kids should be learning about money today to prepare for the future ahead? Share your perspective in the comments below or join the conversation on our LinkedIn post. Your ideas help shape better conversations, better habits, and brighter financial futures for kids.
Keep Kids and Families Learning
Kids, families, and schools of every kind can enroll in Sammy Rabbit’s Money School with a FREE, PREMIUM or Group Discount Money School Memberships, giving learners access to engaging, age-appropriate financial education resources.
Parents, teachers, and community leaders are invited to explore the resources and teaching tips available on SammyRabbit.com. Start with award-winning financial educator Sam X Renick’s:
Article series, Money Lessons Parents Should Teach Kids! OR Sammy's Standards Aligned Lesson Plans for Schools
Schools, community organizations, employers, and partners can learn more about Sammy's Dream Big Financial Education curriculum, a flexible, standards-aligned approach designed to help children build strong money habits, confidence, and lifelong skills.
Contact Sammy Today!
We welcome your questions, suggestions, and ideas! Let’s connect, brainstorm, and partner to keep helping kids, families, and communities build strong financial literacy knowledge, habits, and skills—so together, we can create better and brighter futures for all.
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