Money skills start long before the first paycheck. When kids learn to save for something they really want or make their first purchase with their own money, they get lots of chances to build good financial habits. A little practice with Zing now can make a big difference later!

Made by Altana for users ages 6 to 25, Zing makes money feel less overwhelming and gives young people the tools and experience they need to feel confident managing it (while staying under your secure guidance).

Here are five ways to get started:

1. Give them money of their own

Whether it’s allowance, birthday money, or money earned from chores paid after snapping a pic of the proof, having their own money gives kids a chance to practice making decisions.

Let them choose what to spend, what to save, and what goals to work toward. They might make some questionable purchases (and who can blame them?), but that’s part of learning.

Zing helps young people build these skills early by offering financial tools and resources that match their age and grow with them.

2. Make saving feel exciting

Saving is a lot easier when there’s something to save for.

Help your child choose a goal, like a new game, a bike, concert tickets, a car, or even their first apartment, and work with them to figure out how they can reach it.

Seeing their savings grow can change “I can’t afford that” into “I’m working toward that.”

And that’s a pretty powerful shift.

3. Turn everyday moments into money lessons

Some of the best lessons happen in the checkout line, at the grocery store, or while you’re planning your next family outing.

Talk about the difference between needs and wants. Compare prices together. Explain why you choose one thing instead of another. Let them help you make a budget.

With Zing, young people can build on these everyday conversations by learning about money in ways that match their age and life stage.

4. Help them understand where their money goes

Money can feel a little abstract when it’s all digital.

Swiping a card doesn’t look like spending, and tapping “buy” doesn’t really feel like seeing your balance go down.

Zing’s budgeting tools help kids track what they spend and what they have left, so they get a clearer idea of how their choices add up.

5. Let them take the lead

The ultimate goal isn’t for kids to know every financial term or have a perfect budget.

It’s for them to feel comfortable making decisions with their money.

Start small. Let them earn, save, spend, set goals, and learn as they go. As they grow, their decisions do too, from their first savings goal to their first job and beyond.

Zing is here to help, giving young people ages 6 to 25 the chance to build financial confidence for whatever comes next.

Because becoming money-smart doesn’t happen all at once. You build it, one decision at a time.

Learn more about Zing at https://altanafcu.org/zing/. And if you still have questions, our team is always here to help.