What is Money? A Simple Definition for Kids, Teens and Beginners

What is Money? Finance 101: Easy Peasy Finance for Kids and Beginners

Introduction to Money for Kids and Teens

This video explains the concept of money in a simple, concise way for kids and beginners. It could be used by kids & teens to learn about money, or used as a money & personal finance resource by parents and teachers as part of a Financial Literacy course or K-12 curriculum.

What is Money - A Simple Definition for Kids Teens and Beginners
  • Save

Suitable for students from grade levels:

  • Kindergarten
  • Elementary School
  • Middle School
  • High School

The topics covered are:


What is Money?

Money is a medium of exchange – it is something everyone is willing to accept in exchange for goods and services.

Although money has taken many forms over time, currently it’s most commonly seen as bills and coins.

What is Money for Kids Teens and Beginners - A Simple Definition
  • Save

What about credit & debit cards, and apps like Apply Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, etc?

That’s an excellent questing, Sooper Cooper! They are not money by themselves – they are used to pay money, without using physical money like bills and coins.

Similarly, cash equivalents like checks and money orders are also not money, but modes of payment.

What did people do before money?

Initially, people used to exchange goods for other goods, which is called barter. Throughout history, people have used shells, beads, gold & silver coins, etc. as money.

[This is an affiliate link: at no additional cost to you, we will earn a commission if you click & make a purchase]

Who creates money?

What is Money for Kids Teens and Beginners - An Easy Explanation
  • Save

The government of each country creates money that’s used in that country, and that is the currency for that country.

You may also like:  Infographic: What is a Debit Card?

For example, the US Department of Treasury prints Dollar bills and mints coins that are used in the US.

Banks deal with a lot of money.

Do banks create money too?

No, only governments can create money.

Banks help circulate the money through the economy. Banks also store money on behalf of people and businesses.


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 Money

What is Money
  • Save

Leave a Comment


Copy link