Most parents think teaching kids about money has to be complicated.
It doesn’t.
Sometimes it’s as simple as a coloring sheet… and a dream trip to Paris.
Amber (Debt Free Dad podcast co-host) created a savings tracker for her 9-year-old granddaughter. Every time money goes into their Disney Paris fund, she gets to color in a section of the picture.
No toy today? That’s one step closer to Disneyland Paris.
Skip McDonald’s this week? That’s another section filled in.
Saving stopped feeling like “no.”
It became, “Not right now… because we’re building something bigger.”
And that changes everything.
Why Sinking Funds Work So Well
A sinking fund is simply a plan for money you know you’re going to need or want later.
- Trips.
- Christmas.
- Back-to-school shopping.
- Home repairs.
- Concerts.
- Family experiences.
Instead of swiping a credit card when the time comes, you save a little at a time ahead of time.
No stress. No debt. No regret.
But here’s where it gets powerful…
When your kids can see it happening, they start to understand how money really works.
How to Make It Fun for Your Kids
You don’t need a complicated system. You need visibility and participation.
1. Make the Goal Visual
Kids need to see progress.
Use:
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A coloring page
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A savings thermometer
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A puzzle where each piece equals $25
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A jar that fills with marbles or coins
When they see it grow, it becomes real.
2. Connect Daily Choices to the Bigger Goal
Instead of saying:
“We can’t afford that.”
Try:
“If we skip this today, we’re one step closer to Disney Paris.”
Now it’s not about restriction. It’s about momentum.
You’re teaching tradeoffs without lectures.
3. Let Them Contribute
It doesn’t have to be big.
- A portion of birthday money.
- Extra chore bonuses.
- A family “no-spend weekend” challenge.
When kids contribute, they feel ownership.
And when they feel ownership, they care.
4. Celebrate Milestones
Hit 25% saved? Movie night.
Hit 50%? Make it a themed dinner.
Hit 100%? That trip will mean ten times more because they watched it grow.
The Real Lesson
This isn’t about Paris.
It’s about teaching:
- Delayed gratification.
- Intentional spending.
- Goal setting.
- Patience.
- Tradeoffs.
Most adults struggle financially because they never learned these skills as kids.
You have the opportunity to change that in your home.
Sinking funds don’t just prepare you for expenses.
- They build discipline.
- They reduce stress.
- And when you involve your kids, they build the next generation of financially confident adults.
That’s bigger than any vacation.
Visualize Your Financial Progress!
Are you tired of feeling like you’re stuck in the same financial rut, month after month? Our free Saving and Debt Payoff Tracker Worksheets can help you finally break free!
Why Visual Tracking Works:
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Studies show that when you can see your progress, you’re up to 2x more likely to stay motivated and achieve your goals.
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Visual trackers turn boring numbers into exciting milestones — helping you celebrate each small win!
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Tracking your journey visually keeps you accountable and inspired, making it easier to build momentum.
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