The 3 Monster Money Jars

The 3 Monster Money Jars

The 3 Monster Money Jars Every Kid Needs (Save, Spend, Share)

Hey there, money-smart parents! 👋

Want to know the simplest, most effective way to teach your kids about money? Three jars. That's it.

No fancy apps. No complicated spreadsheets. Just three clear jars that will transform the way your child thinks about every dollar they receive.

Welcome to the Monster Money Jar system, where saving, spending, and sharing become as natural as breathing. Let's dive in!

Why the 3-Jar System Works Like Magic

Here's the thing about kids and money: abstract concepts don't stick. Tell a 6-year-old to "save for the future," and you'll get a blank stare. But show them their money growing in a jar? Now you've got their attention.

The 3-jar system works because it's:

  • Visual – Kids can literally see their money in each category

  • Tangible – Physical jars make money real, not just numbers on a screen

  • Simple – Even a 5-year-old can understand three categories

  • Empowering – Kids make their own decisions about where money goes

  • Habit-forming – Repetition builds lifelong money management skills

Plus, it teaches the three most important money lessons all at once: planning for the future, making smart choices today, and giving back to others.

Meet Your Three Monster Money Jars

Jar #1: The SAVE Jar (The Saving Superstar's Domain)

Purpose: Money for future goals and dreams

This is where the magic of delayed gratification happens. The Save jar teaches kids that good things come to those who wait—and plan. Whether your child is saving for a new bike, a special toy, or even their first car one day, this jar shows them the power of patience and planning.

What goes here:

  • Money for big purchases (anything that costs more than a week's allowance)

  • Long-term goals (that gaming console, special trip, or big-ticket item)

  • Emergency fund (yes, even kids can have one!)

The lesson: Your money can grow when you're patient. Watching this jar fill up teaches kids that they have the power to make their dreams happen—one coin at a time.

Jar #2: The SPEND Jar (The Spending Sage's Territory)

Purpose: Money for everyday wants and small purchases

This is the fun jar! The Spend jar gives kids permission to enjoy their money guilt-free. It teaches them that spending isn't bad—it's all about making smart choices and understanding trade-offs.

What goes here:

  • Small treats and impulse buys (candy, stickers, small toys)

  • Entertainment (movies, games, activities)

  • Personal wants (books, art supplies, collectibles)

The lesson: You can enjoy your money now, but once it's spent, it's gone. This jar teaches kids to think before they buy and to prioritize what they really want versus what just catches their eye in the moment.

Jar #3: The SHARE Jar (The Sharing Champion's Corner)

Purpose: Money for giving, donating, and helping others

This is the heart jar. The Share jar teaches kids that money isn't just about what we can get—it's also about what we can give. It builds empathy, generosity, and a sense of social responsibility that will serve them for life.

What goes here:

  • Charitable donations (animal shelters, food banks, causes they care about)

  • Gifts for family and friends (birthdays, holidays)

  • Helping others in need (fundraisers, community projects)

The lesson: Sharing makes the world better—and makes us feel good too. This jar shows kids that they have the power to make a difference, no matter how small their contribution.

How to Set Up Your Monster Money Jars

Ready to get started? Here's your step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Gather Your Supplies

  • Three clear jars or containers (mason jars work perfectly!)

  • Labels or stickers to mark each jar

  • Markers or crayons for decorating (optional but fun!)

Pro tip: Let your kids decorate their jars! Draw monsters on them, add stickers, make them personal. The more ownership they feel, the more engaged they'll be.

Step 2: Explain the System

Sit down with your child and explain what each jar is for. Keep it simple:

"The Save jar is for big things you really want. The Spend jar is for fun things you want now. The Share jar is for helping others and giving gifts."

Use examples that matter to your child. If they're obsessed with dinosaurs, talk about saving for that big T-Rex toy or sharing with the local museum.

Step 3: Decide on the Split

Here's a common starting formula that works well:

  • 50% to SAVE

  • 40% to SPEND

  • 10% to SHARE

So if your child receives $10, they'd put:

  • $5 in Save

  • $4 in Spend

  • $1 in Share

But here's the thing: This isn't set in stone. You can adjust the percentages based on your child's age, goals, and family values. Some families do 33/33/33. Others do 60/30/10. Find what works for you!

Step 4: Make It a Ritual

Every time your child receives money—whether it's allowance, birthday cash, or payment for chores—make dividing it into the jars a ritual. Sit together, count the money, and let them physically put it in each jar.

This repetition is where the habit forms. Before long, they'll be doing it automatically.

Common Questions Parents Ask

What age should I start?

As soon as your child can count! Even 4-5 year old's can grasp the basic concept. Start simple and add complexity as they grow.

What if my child wants to spend everything?

This is normal, especially at first! The key is consistency. Stick with the system, and over time they'll see the benefits of saving and sharing. You can also set small goals to make saving more exciting.

Should I force them to use the Share jar?

Make it part of the system, but let them choose where it goes. When kids have agency over their giving, they're more likely to embrace it. Help them find causes they genuinely care about.

What about digital money?

Start with physical jars first—the visual and tactile experience is crucial for young learners. Once they've mastered the concept (usually around age 10-12), you can transition to digital tracking or apps.

Can they ever move money between jars?

Set clear rules from the start. Generally, money can move from Spend to Save or Share, but not the other way around. This teaches that saving and sharing are priorities, not afterthoughts.

Level Up: Making the Jars Even More Powerful

Once your child has the basics down, try these advanced strategies:

Add Goal Trackers

Put a picture of what they're saving for on the Save jar. Draw a thermometer showing progress toward their goal. Visual progress is incredibly motivating!

Introduce "Matching"

Offer to match whatever they put in their Save jar (like an employer 401k match!). This teaches them about compound growth and incentives.

Create Sub-Categories

As they get older, split the Save jar into "Short-term savings" and "Long-term savings," or divide the Share jar into "Charity" and "Gifts."

Track and Celebrate

Keep a simple chart showing how much is in each jar over time. Celebrate milestones—when the Save jar hits $50, $100, etc. Make it exciting!

Real-Life Success Stories

"My 7-year-old wanted a $60 LEGO set. Instead of buying it for him, we set up the jar system. Three months later, he had saved enough—and he was SO proud! He takes better care of that set than any toy I've ever bought him." – Sarah, mum of two

"The Share jar was a game-changer. My daughter chose to donate to an animal shelter, and now she asks to volunteer there. The jar didn't just teach her about money—it taught her about compassion." – Michael, dad of one

The Bottom Line

Three jars. Three simple categories. One powerful system that will shape how your child thinks about money for the rest of their life.

The Monster Money Jar system isn't just about managing money—it's about building character. It teaches patience, responsibility, generosity, and decision-making. It shows kids that they have control over their financial future, starting right now.

So grab those jars, sit down with your little one, and start building money habits that will last a lifetime.

Your child's financial future starts with three simple jars. Let's fill them up together! 💰🏺✨

Ready to meet the monsters? In our next post, we'll introduce you to the Saving Superstar—the monster who makes saving feel like a superpower. You won't want to miss it!

Have you tried the jar system with your kids? What worked (or didn't work) for you? Share your experience in the comments below—we'd love to hear from you!

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