The Prosperity Factor for Kids: A Comprehensive Canadian Parent's Guide to Developing Positive Saving, Spending, and Credit Habits.

Janet Collins is a freelance writer in Sechelt, British Columbia.

It’s never too early to teach a child lessons that will evolve into good money habits. But where do you start? Kelley Keehn, a successful investment professional, has developed a plan that makes learning about money and financial planning/management both easy and fun.

A game is used as the foundation for Keehn’s teaching strategy. Aspects of the game change as the child ages and their focus for acquiring and spending money evolves. For example, a child under age five is introduced to the piggy bank as a fun place to keep their money. As the child gets older, a targeted savings account is added to the game. A long-term savings account is introduced later, and finally a credit account makes an appearance. At each level, a series of exercises is suggested to help parents further instill positive saving, spending, and credit habits.

The idea of using a game as the foundation for the lessons makes this approach fun for kids, and thereby less stressful for parents. Along the way, adults might find themselves picking up a trick or two while playing the banking game.

While the book is primarily designed to help parents teach their children about financial matters, several of the exercises can also be adapted for the classroom. One, for example, talks about helping a child save for a school trip. Recommended.