YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR · MONEY

Money Lessons for Young Entrepreneurs

The money habits that matter most for kids running their first real business — without making it feel like a math lesson.

June 4, 2026 4 min read

Three jars: save, give, spend

After every market day, split your earnings three ways. The percentages don't have to be perfect. Even '20% save, 10% give, 70% spend' is a real lesson the first time you try it.

Track what you sell

A simple notebook is enough. Write the date, the items sold, and the total. Over time you'll see your bestsellers and your slow movers. Real business owners use this same idea on big spreadsheets.

Open a youth savings account

Most Colorado credit unions offer a free youth savings account. Ask a grown-up to take you. Walking into a bank with your own earnings is one of the proudest days a young entrepreneur will have.

The first $100 you save from your own business will feel different than $100 from anywhere else.

Talk about money on the drive home

Ask: How much did I make? How much did it cost me? What sold best? What would I change next time? These four questions on the drive home teach more business than any textbook.