Why Children Deserve to Learn ‘Money-Lessons’ in School | Gopocket

FROM PIGGY BANKS TO INVESTMENTS: WHY FINANCIAL SELF-EFFICACY BELONGS IN SCHOOLS

A 7-year-old boy once broke open his 'tiny blue piggy-bank' on the night before his mother’s birthday. Inside were just a few coins, carefully saved from pocket-money and small change. With a 'bright smile' and a 'proud heart', he walked into a shop near his house and bought a tiny 'hair clip'. On her birthday morning, he eagerly handed over the gift. His mother wore it immediately, her eyes brimming with tears of happiness and pride.

The little boy’s happiness knew no bounds. It wasn’t about the price of the clip - it was about how his little savings created joy for someone he cared about. That was his very first live-experience of money turning into meaning.

The next day at school, while packing his bag, he overheard a drama being performed on stage. The theme was “Savings vs. Investment.” The – play was simple enough for kids to understand – but powerful enough to plant a seed in his mind forever.

SAVINGS VS INVESTMENT – THE KID-FRIENDLY WAY

In the skit, one student played the role of “savings.” He collected coins in a jar, just like the little boy’s piggy bank. Every time he opened the jar, the same coins stared back at him. Safe, but unchanged!

The other student played “investment.” Instead of keeping coins idle, he used them to “buy toy blocks.” Every time he played with them, the blocks grew into bigger and better towers. Slowly, the blocks multiplied. The message was clear:

Savings keep your money safe.

Investments help your money grow.

The boy came to know that while 'saving is important’ investing can give wings to his dreams.

WHY FINANCIAL LITERACY MATTERS FOR STUDENTS

That skit was just a school play – but it carried a lifetime lesson. The difference between savings and investments, if this is taught to children in schools? Imagine the impact.

• Money management deserves a place in classrooms, right beside subjects like math and science, because it’s a skill for life.

• Financial literacy teaches kids how to value money, not fear it.

• It shows them 'how every rupee' can either sit idle or multiply for the future.

The little boy in our story grew up with this seed of knowledge. By the time 'he turned 18', he was eager to invest wisely. He applied for all the necessary documents, opened his 'first account to start his investment' and began his journey sooner; his money had more years to grow – starting early meant his money had more years to grow – giving him a head start that others missed out on.

Because investing teaches us - patiently-waiting is the greatest lesson and the biggest advantage.

Also read our blog : Gold & Silver Trading in 2025 | Why Precious Metals Still Dominate

STARTING EARLY IS A BOON

Think of two friends:

• One starts investing at 18.

• The other waits until 28.

Even if they both invest the same amount every month, the one who started earlier ends up with far more wealth – simply because of the power of compounding.

It’s like planting a tree. "The earlier you plant, the stronger and larger it blossoms", giving shade and fruit for a lifetime. Investments, too, create a shelter of security and peace for the future.

WHY PARENTS SHOULD TEACH KIDS ABOUT MONEY

Schools should include financial literacy in the syllabus. But until that happens, mum and dad can play the role of the first money teachers.

Piggy banks are a start. Encourage kids to save small amounts.

Explain savings vs. investments in simple examples. For instance, if they save 'Rs.50 every week', they’ll only have 'Rs.200 at month’s end'. But if that same Rs.200 is invested, it can multiply into more over time.

Let kids make small money decisions. Buying a cute-doll, presenting a book, or setting aside for something bigger – these lessons build confidence.

When children learn to manage money early, they grow into adults who aren’t afraid of financial decisions. Instead, they see money as an equipment to build their 'dreams'.

THE BIGGER PICTURE – A FUTURE OF INDEPENDENT YOUTH

Imagine a generation where students walk out of school not only with academic knowledge but also with financial wisdom. They would:

• Make informed choices about expense, savings and investment.

• Avoid debt traps and poor money habits.

• Start building wealth early instead of waiting for “the right time

Financial literacy is not about creating millionaires overnight. It’s about creating responsible, confident individuals who know how to secure their future.

YOUR TURN TO PLANT THE TREE

Just like the little boy who bought a clip for his mother and later grew into a confident investor, every student deserves this chance. Starting early is a blessing – and the perfect-time to commence is now.

At GoPocket, we believe in nurturing this journey. Whether it’s through Stock SIPs, Mutual Funds, or other smart investments, we provide the right platform to begin. The earlier you start, the stronger your financial-tree will grow.

Open your account with GoPocket today, and give yourself or your child the gift of financial self-efficacy that lasts for a lifetime.

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