Teaching My Daughter About Money — Before She Can Even Ask

One day, my daughter will look up at me and ask a question I’ve spent my whole career helping adults answer:

“Where does money come from?”

I’ve spent most of my professional life in finance — first in London, later in Zurich, working in banking and wealth management. I’ve seen how money shapes lives, choices, and freedom. But I’ve also learned that true wealth is much more than numbers on a screen. It’s confidence, patience, gratitude, and balance — values that aren’t taught nearly enough.

A young child joyfully places a coin into a piggy bank, surrounded by a small pile of coins, highlighting an early lesson in saving and financial responsibility.

The Importance of Financial Education

When I imagined explaining these ideas to my daughter, I realised I wanted to give her something lasting — something more than just advice. I wanted to provide her with a foundation that she could build upon throughout her life.

That’s how my book began.

A Journey Through the Magical Forest

The book tells the story of a young girl who wanders into a magical forest, guided by glowing fireflies and wise animals. Each character shares a lesson about money and life. Through her journey, children learn that wealth grows like a forest — slowly, with care and understanding. Every choice, whether to save, spend, invest or share, plants a seed for the future.

I originally planned to write the book for my daughter, but as I was writing it, I realised these lessons belong to every family. The story carries everything I’ve learned from my years in finance — the practical wisdom, the long-term view, and the importance of purpose — translated into a tale that any child can understand.

Wealth Beyond Numbers

It’s personal, yes, but also universal. The more we teach our children to see money not as something to fear or chase, but as a tool to create freedom and kindness, the stronger and wiser the next generation will be.

My book is a story about how wealth begins in the heart. Even the smallest seed of understanding can grow into a lifetime of confidence.

Creating a Financially Confident Future

As parents, we have the power to shape our children’s understanding of money. By introducing them to financial concepts early on, we can help them develop a healthy relationship with money. This relationship will serve them well throughout their lives.

Imagine a world where children grow up feeling empowered to make financial decisions. They would approach money with curiosity rather than fear. They would understand the value of saving, the importance of budgeting, and the joy of giving back.

Engaging Lessons for Children

To make these lessons engaging, we can use stories, games, and real-life examples. For instance, when we go shopping, we can involve our children in the decision-making process. We can discuss why we choose certain items and how we budget for our purchases.

Additionally, we can encourage them to set savings goals. Whether it’s for a toy they want or a special outing, having a goal can motivate them to save. This practice not only teaches them about money but also instills patience and perseverance.

The Role of Storytelling in Financial Education

Storytelling is a powerful tool for teaching complex concepts. Children relate to stories, and they remember the lessons learned through them. By weaving financial lessons into captivating narratives, we can make learning about money enjoyable.

In my book, the magical forest serves as a metaphor for the journey of financial growth. Just as a forest requires care and attention, so does our understanding of money. As the trees in the forest grow taller and stronger over time, they mirror the power of compound interest and the steady accumulation of wealth that comes from patience and consistent effort.

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I invite you to join our community. Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to know when the book launches. Together, we can empower families to raise financially confident children by making money lessons engaging and fun.

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In conclusion, let’s work together to cultivate a generation that views money as a tool for freedom and kindness. By nurturing their understanding of finances, we can help them grow into confident, wise individuals.