Start the new year with a fun, interactive game that teaches your kids essential money skills in just 45 minutes. The 2025 Financial Kickoff is a hands-on way to set financial goals, practice smart money decisions and create a savings mindset, all while having fun together as a family.

Game Setup: “The 2025 Money Challenge” (5 minutes)

1. Materials Needed:

• Play money or paper coins and bills labeled “2025 Dollars.”
• Small household items to “sell” (e.g., snacks, small toys, or privileges like extra screen time).
• A simple “goal tracker” (paper or a whiteboard).

2. Theme the Game:

• Tell the kids: “It’s 2025! You’re starting the year with $10 in your pocket. Over the next 45 minutes, you’ll earn more money, decide how to spend or save it and set yourself up for a financially smart new year!”

3. Set the Challenge:

• They’ll need to save at least $20 by the end of the game to earn a New Year Bonus (like a family treat or a fun outing).
• Also encourage them to think about spending wisely and giving to others.

Game Play

Phase 1: Earning Money (15 minutes)

Kids complete one or more New Year-themed challenges to earn “2025 Dollars.”

• Goal Setting Task: Write or draw one financial goal for 2025 (earn $5).
• Resolution Race: Help clean up one area of the house to make it “New Year ready” (earn $5).
• Budget Math Quiz: Solve age-appropriate budgeting questions (earn $3 per correct answer).
• Savings Scavenger Hunt: Find items around the house that could help save money in 2025 (e.g., a reusable water bottle or piggy bank) to earn $1 per item.

Phase 2: Spending and Saving (15 minutes)

1. Visit the 2025 Store

• • Set up a store where they can spend their money:
  • New Year Snack: $5
  • Small Toy or Trinket: $10
  • “Extra Playtime Pass” (30 minutes extra play): $7

2. Savings Bonus

• • Offer “interest” on savings: For every $5 saved, they’ll earn an extra $1 at the end of the game.

3. Giving Opportunity

• • Create a “2025 Giving Jar” where they can donate $3 to unlock a family reward (e.g., a game night or fun outing).

Phase 3: Reflection and Rewards (5 minutes)

• Discuss Their Choices: Ask questions like, “Why did you choose to save/spend/donate?” and “How could these choices help you in the future?”
• Celebrate Savings: Reward kids who saved money with their “interest” and give everyone a New Year’s Financial Smart Star for participating.
• Family Wrap-Up: Encourage everyone to set one family financial goal for 2025, like saving for a vacation or reducing wasteful spending.

Why is this game perfect for 2025? With the 2025 Financial Kickoff, kids will learn to start the year with a financial mindset of earning, saving, spending wisely and giving thoughtfully. It’s the perfect way to teach financial literacy while having fun and reinforcing positive habits for the year ahead.