Introduction to Investing for Kids and Teens
This video explains the concept of investing in a simple, concise way for kids and beginners. It could be used by kids & teens to learn about investing, or used as a money & personal finance resource by parents and teachers as part of a Financial Literacy course or K-12 curriculum.
Suitable for students from grade levels:
- Kindergarten
- Elementary School
- Middle School
- High School
Table of Contents
Interactive Learning Experience: What is Investing
This interactive learning web app is designed to make the world of personal finance and investing feel fun and approachable for beginners, particularly kids, teens, and young adults. It demystifies core concepts like stocks and bonds using simple explanations and engaging visuals.
The app features powerful, interactive tools like an “Investment Growth Time Machine” and a “Power of Starting Early” simulator. These allow you to play with different variables and instantly see how your money can grow, powerfully illustrating the magic of compound interest.
Quiz: What is Investing
Infographic: What is Investing
Infographic: Click Here to Download
What is investing?
Investing is an action you take with your money to make it grow. There are many things you could invest your money in. Some popular options for investing are stocks, bonds, and real estate, all of which help your money grow.
When you put your money in these avenues they become your investments.
Can you give me an example of how my money could grow when I invest it?
On average, the stock market provides a return of around 11% per year over the long term.
If you invested $5000 in the stock market today, then in 20 years, you would have around $40,000. And in 30 years, you’d have well over a hundred thousand dollars!
All from just the original 5000 dollars. That’s the power of investing. You could turn $5000 into well over $100,000.
How much money do I need to start investing?
There is a common misconception that you need a lot of money to start investing. But that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Even if you set aside just one dollar every day for investment, that money could grow into over seventy thousand dollars in thirty years.
Who should invest? Is it only for adults who have a steady income?
Absolutely not. Everyone can and should invest whatever amount they can.
Doesn’t matter whether you are a kid, teenager, young adult, an employee, an entrepreneur, or a stay-at-home parent – you should invest your money so it can grow into a lot more money over time.
When should I start investing?
The best time to start investing is now! The earlier you start investing, the more time your money has to grow.
Let me give you an example.
If you invested $1000 when you were 40, the money would grow into over $40,000 when you are 60. But if you invested the same $1000 at age 20, you’d have over four hundred thousand dollars when you’re 60. That’s the power of starting early.
But, like we mentioned earlier, you don’t have to wait until you save up $1000. You can start by setting aside as little as one or two dollars a day and invest the savings at the end of each month.
Now you have no excuse to not invest!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the main goal of investing?
The main goal of investing is to put your money to work so it can grow and increase in value over time.
How does my investment money actually grow?
Your money grows through a process called compounding, where the returns you earn begin to earn their own returns, leading to exponential growth.
Do I need a large amount of money to start investing?
No. That’s a common misconception. You can start investing with very small amounts, like setting aside as little as one dollar a day.
What is the best time to start investing?
The best time to start investing is now. Starting early gives your money the most time possible to benefit from compounding.
Should I wait until I have a large sum saved up to invest?
No. The power of compounding means it’s better to start immediately, even with small, consistent contributions, rather than waiting to save a larger amount.
Video Featured in the Below Financial Literacy Course for Kids & Teens
Download Transcript: Ideal for Use by Teachers in their Lesson Plan to Teach Kids & Teens
Podcast: What is Investing for Kids
Fun, informative and concise episodes by a 10-year old, breaking down complex financial concepts in a way that kids and beginners can understand. Episodes cover personal finance topics like saving, investing, banking, credit cards, insurance, real estate, mortgage, retirement planning, 401k, stocks, bonds, income tax, and more, and are in the form of a conversation between a cowboy (a finance novice) and his friend, a stock broker. Making finance your friend, only at Easy Peasy Finance.
A little bit about me: I have been fascinated with the world of personal finance since I was 6! I love to read personal finance books, and keep myself updated on the latest by reading various personal finance magazines. My friends often ask me questions about finance because they find it complex and intimidating. That’s what inspired me to start my YouTube channel called Easy Peasy Finance when I was 8, and this podcast 2 years later.
All you need to know about investing: What is Investing, an example of how money could grow when you invest it, how much money do you need to start investing, who should invest, is investing only for adults who have a steady income, when should you start investing, and more.
Show notes and transcript at: https://www.easypeasyfinance.com/what-is-investing-for-kids/
