It's never too early to start teaching kids about credit. In fact, the earlier they learn about it, the better! That's why we've put together this list of games that will help teach your children about credit. These games are fun and educational, and will help kids understand the importance of credit.
Related: How old you have to be to get a credit card?
Why are games a good way to teach about credit?
Games are a great way to teach kids about credit because they provide a fun and interactive way to learn. Plus, games can help kids understand complex concepts in a way that is easy for them to grasp.
When children are able to make choices and see the consequences of their choices in a safe and controlled environment, they can better understand how credit works in the real world. Money games also allow children to experiment with different strategies and figure out what approaches work best for them. As they learn more about credit, they can apply what they've learned to their own financial situation and make more informed decisions about borrowing and repayment later in life. Ultimately, games can be a useful tool for helping kids and young adults understand the basics of credit and develop sound money management skills.
Money Missions
GoHenry's Money Missions are designed to teach kids about all aspects of money management – including credit – in a fun and interactive way. Kids are tasked with completing different "missions" that involve learning about money and credit. For each mission they complete, they can earn badges and unlock new missions. The interactive features such as quizzes and engaging videos make learning about credit fun and engaging for kids. Plus, with your parent app, you'll be able to track their progress and see what they're learning. Money Missions are included in your GoHenry subscription, and can be accessed via the GoHenry app.
Pay Day
Pay Day is a board game that simulates the experience of receiving a salary and managing it through the month. Players must work their way around the board, making the most of their earnings by investing money to make money, while dealing with unexpected expenses. At the end of the month, they must pay their bills and any interest on borrowings. All in all, the game requires players to make decisions about credit, spending and savings and provides a great opportunity for kids to learn about money management in the real world. Take a look at our best investing games list for more games that encourage investments.
Act Your Wage
In the game, players start with a certain amount of money and then have to make choices about how to spend it. As they make choices, they must make the best financial decisions possible to become debt-free first and win the game. The game is designed to help players understand how to pay off debt wisely so that they can avoid misusing credit in the future. By teaching kids about credit, the Act Your Wage game can help them make better financial decisions later on in life.
Shady Sam: Loan Shark
The Shady Sam: Loan Shark game can teach kids a lot about credit and borrowing money. In the game, players take on the role of an employee at Shady Sam's, a loan shark company that is trying to get as much money back from its borrowers as possible. To do this, players must calculate the most profitable repayment payment terms. The game is a great way for kids to learn about the basics of credit and borrowing money. By playing the game, kids will develop important financial skills that they can use in real life. In addition, the game can also help kids to understand the consequences of borrowing money from payday lenders and other sources with high-interest rates.
Wise Pockets
For many kids, the idea of credit is a mystery. They know that adults use credit cards and can take out loans, but they don't really understand how it all works. That's where Wise Pockets comes in. Wise Pockets has fun, interactive slides that teaches kids the basics of money using cartoons. Kids can learn in very simple terms how credit works with the "Giving Vicki Credit" game. They can also learn about earning, saving and more.
Credit Card Go Fish
Here's a fun spin on the traditional "Go Fish" game: use it to get the greatest possible credit card terms. Each variation of a deck of cards is assigned a credit card feature.
For example:
- The APR interest rate on a credit card is determined by the number on the card (a number 2 card will be 2%)
- Red cards have an annual charge, while black cards do not.
- The type of reward you'll receive is determined by the card suit (for example, the best suit being diamonds)
Related: How to explain interest to kids
These games are all useful ways to teach kids about money and credit in a fun and interactive way. With these games, kids can learn about the basics of credit, borrowing money, and managing their finances - which can in turn help your child build a good credit history in the future.
In the GoHenry app you’ll find everything you need to accelerate your child’s financial education and teach them the basics of earning, saving and spending. It’s easy to make regular pocket money payments, set up paid tasks and create savings goals, and you’ll receive notifications when your child uses their card, so you have oversight of their spending.
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