It All Started with a Piggy Bank

Years ago, when setting up RESPs for clients’ newborns, I wanted to give them a gift that was both meaningful and useful. I wanted to give them something that could spark a conversation about money early on. That’s when I discovered the Money-Savvy Pig, a four-compartment piggy bank designed to teach kids how to allocate money with intention. Since then, it’s become my signature new-baby gift.

When I became a parent myself, I couldn’t wait to introduce my own children to the concept. I wanted to give them a tool that would help them think critically about money. Specifically, I wanted them to know how to use it, give it, and grow it, rather than simply saving it.

How the Money-Savvy Pig Works

The premise is simple. Whenever my children receive money, we sit down and divide it into four categories: Save, Spend, Donate, and Invest.

– Save: This covers short-term goals like a toy or experience they’re working toward.
– Spend: Funds they can use freely, giving them space to make choices and sometimes, small mistakes while learning.
– Donate: The most rewarding category. Each holiday season, we empty that section and the kids choose which charities to support. It’s a wonderful way to nurture compassion.
– Invest: This represents their post-secondary savings. It opens up early conversations about how investments grow (and sometimes fluctuate) over time.

Lessons Learned Along the Way

I began this system when my kids turned three, but around age five or six, the lessons began to take root. My goal was to raise children who understood the value of money. I wanted children who wouldn’t melt down on the floor of a toy store because a parent said no.

When we shop together, I share how much things cost—groceries, clothing, meals out. We talk about sales, value, and patience. They’ve learned that using a credit card doesn’t mean the money is endless; it’s simply a different way to pay. The total has to come from somewhere, and that somewhere is their own “piggy bank.”

These small, regular conversations help them see money as a tool. Over time, I’ve watched them become more intentional and confident with their financial decisions.

Why It Works for Busy Parents

As parents, our time is stretched thin. This system offers a simple way to teach foundational money skills without adding more to our plates. By starting with cash, children can physically see and feel their money, which strengthens the learning process. Once they understand the basics, it’s much easier to introduce debit and credit cards when they are older.

I also make a point of being transparent about the cost of my kids’ extracurricular activities. It helps them appreciate the opportunities they have and understand that experiences come with real-world value.

Financial literacy doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes repetition and intention. Starting early builds healthy money habits that last a lifetime.

Raising a Generation of Financially Savvy Kids

In a world increasingly defined by tap payments and online transactions, teaching the basics of money management has never been more important. When kids handle cash, they develop a tangible connection to money. They understand that money is finite and must be earned.

Ultimately, empowering children with financial awareness is about more than managing dollars and cents. It’s about helping them build confidence, make choices with purpose, and use their resources to do good in the world. And truly, there’s no greater investment than that.

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About the Author

Kelly Ho, CFP, CCS, is a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Cash Flow Specialist with two decades of experience serving her community through financial planning and promoting financial literacy to Canadians. As a Partner at DLD Financial Group Ltd. in Vancouver, Kelly specializes in personalized financial strategies for professionals and business owners, earning a reputation for trust, leadership, and a genuine passion for helping others.

Her expertise is widely recognized, with frequent media appearances in outlets such as The Globe and Mail, Financial Post, CTV, and CBC Radio, and she is a sought-after speaker and writer on financial literacy, diversity, and industry best practices. Kelly believes that access to credible financial advice shouldn’t be a luxury – it’s a necessity for everyone so by promoting financial literacy through various channels, she hopes to empower more individuals to take control of their finances through getting proper advice from a professional.

Kelly’s commitment to professional excellence is further demonstrated by her consistent qualification for the Million Dollar Round Table and her service on advisory councils for industry improvement. Most recently, Kelly is now serving as a Director on the Advocis National TFAAC Board of Directors.

KELLY HO – FINANCIAL ADVICE FOR ALL 
PUBLISHED NOV 16, 2025