Kids

This Is Why Kids Need To Learn How To Handle Money Early

by Kevyn Gohu
May 6, 2025

What happens when kids learn about how to handle money early?

While kids usually turn to us when they want to buy something, some parents see those moments as a teaching opportunity. Besides being a simple and daily application of their math skills, it teaches kids how to look ahead and work smart. And in a world where working hard is overglorified, teaching kids how to handle money helps them survive falling into that envelope. That’s exactly why FWD Life Insurance and JA Philippines collaborated: to give these kids a better chance by giving them the tools to manage the currency they need to make their dreams come true.

Fairytales have godmothers, Reality has SparktheDream

Every kid has a dream. Sometimes, they want to be an astronaut. Other times, they want to be a doctor. Then, some kids just say, “I dream of being rich.” Although we know kids can change their minds as they mature, we also know that they can stick to that dream so long as we support them. With the right tools, resources, and support, they can make their dreams a reality.

However, the Philippines ranks at the bottom of 30% of the countries in terms of financial literacy. We can only assume it’s because we all have a different idea of what it means to “properly use” money. While many of us see it as a choice of what to buy, financial literacy isn’t just getting something, but also growing something. Teaching kids that money doesn’t just get them all the candy and toys they want, it can also grow into something bigger to get even bigger candies or toys. Or, whatever it is they like.

How else could kids learn about finances when no one introduces it to them? That’s what SparktheDream does; over 8,822 kids from Albay, Bulacan, Pasay City, and Mandaluyong gathered to have a short course on financial literacy.

“Financial literacy is a fundamental skill that empowers young individuals to make informed decisions about their future,” said Krishna Alejandrino, Executive Director of JA Philippines. “Through JA SparktheDream, we are equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to turn their aspirations into reality, fostering a generation of financially responsible and entrepreneurial Filipinos.”

How to inspire our own kids to be financially literate

While it’ll be difficult for even the most brilliant economists to figure out how to fight inflation, teaching our kids how to handle their money will help them survive against it. Unfortunately, economics can be a tricky concept. At least, if they hear it from us. So, maybe we can try having them see kids their age build their own business. JA Philippines is planning to open the SparktheDream bazaar at Glorietta 1, where business-owning kids can show off their progress. Most of the kids who plan to set up stalls are from Mandaluyong and Pasay and are Alternative Learning System (ALS) students.

Ready to inspire your kids and another? All it takes is a visit to the bazaar to spark these kids’ dreams!

The SparktheDream bazaar will be open from May 8 to 9 at Glorietta 1. Follow JA Philippines for more details!