If you’ve ever spent time in a primary classroom, you’ll know that children ask brilliant questions. Some are practical, some are profound and some leave you struggling to keep a straight face. Questions are how children make sense of the world and when it comes to money, there is a lot to be curious about! At Just Finance Foundation, we like asking questions too. That’s why we’ve created 5 Big Questions – part of our free financial education programme to help primary-aged children explore money in a thoughtful, age-appropriate way.
Research shows that financial habits begin to form as early as the age of seven1. Money surrounds children through apps, adverts and tapping phones at the checkout. They hear conversations about costs, may receive money as a gift and notice when friends have different things to them. Long before children fully understand money, they are developing attitudes, assumptions and habits related to it. So how can we help children start exploring money in a way that feels relevant to their lives? Our 5 Big Questions encourage children to think about what it means to be wise, generous, just and thankful with their money. They spark conversations that build confidence, critical thinking and decision-making skills alongside financial understanding.
1. Where does our money come from?
This question helps children explore where money comes from in the first place. For younger children, that might mean talking about receiving gifts or getting pocket money. As children grow, conversations can develop into thinking about employment, skills and different sources of income.
2. How does money make us feel?
Financial education is about more than counting and numbers – it can also stir up some very big emotions. The feelings of excitement, pride, disappointment or anxiety are all commonly linked to money. Helping children recognise and talk about these feelings builds confidence, encourages curiosity and supports them to make informed financial choices as they grow.
3. What can we use our money for?
Children begin to think about what they value and how those values influence the choices that they make. Identifying the difference between needs and wants helps children to understand why people make different spending choices and how priorities can change depending on circumstances.
4. How does our money help other people?
Money doesn’t just affect us as individuals; it also connects us to other people. Whether we’re buying from local businesses, giving to charity or contributing through taxes, our financial choices affect others. Exploring these connections helps children think beyond themselves and consider ideas of generosity, fairness, responsibility and community.
5. How can we look after our money?
Children are growing up in a world where financial decisions are becoming increasingly complex. Learning how to keep money safe, understand saving, budgeting, borrowing and risk gives children practical knowledge they can continue to build on throughout their lives.
Starting meaningful conversations about money With 5 Big Questions, there are no simple right or wrong answers. The questions create opportunities for discussion, reflection and curiosity. They encourage pupils to listen to one another, appreciate different perspectives and understand that money is about much more than just spending it.
And teachers don’t have to start from scratch.
Where do I start? This is the easiest question of all! To bring 5 Big Questions into your classroom, register your school for LifeSavers, our free, flexible financial education programme for primary schools. Designed by teachers, for teachers, LifeSavers includes curriculum-linked resources, CPD and whole-school tools that make it easy to embed financial education in a way that best supports your school and your pupils. Speak to us today and find out how 5 Big Questions can support lifelong financial wellbeing for all.
