“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”                     (Proverbs 22:6, KJV)

As parents, we dedicate countless hours to the spiritual and emotional growth of our children. We take them to church, we pray over them at night, and we teach them to be kind. But how much time do we dedicate to their financial discipleship?

In a world driven by consumerism and debt, teaching our children (and planning for them) through a biblical lens isn’t just about saving money—it’s about stewardship, contentment, and preparing them to serve God without the burden of financial anxiety.

Here is how you can create a financial plan for your children that honors God and sets them up for a life of wisdom.

1. The Foundation: It All Belongs to God

Before you open a single savings account, you have to establish the heart posture.

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.” (Psalm 24:1)

In the world’s view, we “save for our kids’ future.” In God’s view, we manage His resources for our kids’ future. When you view your income as a gift from God rather than a personal possession, it removes the fear and greed from financial planning. You aren’t hoarding wealth; you are faithfully stewarding resources that will ultimately be used for His glory in the next generation.

2. The Three-Jar Principle: Not Just for Allowance

The Bible doesn’t give us stock tips, but it gives us a blueprint for handling money. The most practical biblical lesson for kids comes from the concept of “first fruits” and wise division.

When money comes into your household (or into your child’s hands via allowance or gifts), consider dividing it using the “Three-Jar Method,” which mirrors biblical values:

• The Giving Jar (Tithing/Offerings): “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse…” (Malachi 3:10). Teach them that the first portion belongs to God. This fights the natural human instinct of greed.
• The Saving Jar (Wisdom/Future): “The wise store up choice food and olive oil, but fools gulp theirs down.” (Proverbs 21:20). This teaches delayed gratification, a fruit of the Spirit.
• The Spending Jar (Provision/Contentment): “And my God will meet all your needs…” (Philippians 4:19). This allows them to experience God’s provision by purchasing things they value, learning the difference between needs and wants.

3. The Debt Trap: Owe Nothing But Love

One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is a future free from the bondage of debt. The Bible is clear about the relationship between the borrower and the lender.

“The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is the slave of the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7, ESV)

As you plan for their future—whether it’s college, a wedding, or a first home—prioritize saving now so they don’t have to borrow later. If you are saving for their education, you are effectively buying their freedom from the slavery of student loan debt.

Action Step: Open a 529 College Savings Plan or a Custodial Roth IRA (if they have earned income). Even if you can only put in $25 a month, you are building a habit of sacrificial love that says, “We want you to start your adult life serving God, not serving a loan officer.”

4. The Contentment Component

You can save a million dollars for your child, but if their heart is discontent, they will burn through it in a year. Financial planning isn’t just about the bank balance; it’s about the heart balance.

“But godliness with contentment is great gain.” (1 Timothy 6:6)

As you build their college fund, also build their character.

• Involve them in budgeting: Let them see you say “no” to a new gadget so you can say “yes” to their future.
• Teach them to work: The Bible speaks often against idleness. Encourage them to start a small business (lemonade stand, lawn mowing) and manage that money using the Three-Jar principle.

5. Leave an Inheritance—Not Just Money

Solomon, the wisest man to live, gave us this principle:

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children…” (Proverbs 13:22, NIV)

This is often quoted to justify saving money, but look closely. It says, “children’s children.” This implies generational thinking. However, the greatest inheritance isn’t the money in the bank; it’s the faith in the heart.

As you create your financial plan, also create a Spiritual Will. Write a letter to your children explaining why you saved the way you did. Tell them about the time God provided when you didn’t have enough. Tell them about the decision to tithe even when money was tight.

Money will run out, but a legacy of faith is the only treasure that lasts for eternity.

A Prayer for Your Planning

Lord, You are the Owner of all things. Grant us wisdom to manage Your resources for the sake of our children. Protect them from the love of money and the trap of debt. Help us to model contentment and generosity, so that they may grow to be faithful stewards who honor You all the days of their lives. Amen.

What are your favorite Bible verses for teaching kids about money? Share them in the comments below!