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Money Basics

Understanding money is the first step toward making smart financial choices — no matter how old you are.


Our Money Basics guide introduces the big ideas behind how money works in Australia and around the world.


Whether you're just starting to explore coins or getting curious about crypto, we’ve broken it down by age to keep it fun, clear, and easy to follow.

🐨 Ages 5 to 7 – Money Explorers


Let’s Start with the Basics!


At this age, it’s all about discovering what money is and how it’s used every day.


Key Concepts:


  • What is money? Money helps us buy things we need and want, like toys, food, or clothes.


  • Why do we use it? It’s easier than trading stuff! Imagine swapping your lunch for someone’s shoes — tricky, right?


  • From shells to coins: A quick look at how people used to trade (like bartering fruit or seashells) before money was invented.


  • Spot the coins and notes: Learn about Australian currency and play fun matching games.


  • Banks are like piggy banks: They help keep our money safe and let us save up for something special.


👉 Fun activity: Draw your own money and decide what it can buy!

🦘 Ages 8 to 12 – Smart Spenders


Dig a Bit Deeper into Dollars and Cents


Now it's time to get a better idea of how money works in the real world — and how it changes over time.


Key Concepts:


  • What is money and what gives it value? It’s not just shiny coins or colourful notes — money is something people agree has value.


  • From Barter to Bitcoin: Learn about how people swapped goods in the past and how digital money is changing the future.


  • How banks work: Banks keep our money safe and let us save or borrow money for big things.


  • What is inflation? Prices can go up over time. That’s why a $2 ice cream today might cost $3 in a few years.


  • Money around the world: Every country has different money. In Japan, it's yen. In the UK, it’s pounds. In Australia, we use dollars!


👉 Mini challenge: Compare Aussie coins to money from another country. What’s the same? What’s different?

🦉 Ages 13 to 17 – Future Investors


Time to Build Financial Confidence


Get ready to explore how money connects to the bigger picture — from economics to global currencies and digital banking.


Key Concepts:


  • What is money, really? It’s a trusted system backed by governments, used to trade goods, services, and time.


  • The evolution of money: Track the journey from bartering and gold coins to credit cards and cryptocurrency like Bitcoin and Ethereum.


  • How do banks really work? Learn about interest, savings accounts, and how loans work. Banks don’t just store your money — they use it!


  • Inflation made simple: Why prices rise and how it affects what your money can buy. Understand terms like "cost of living" and "purchasing power."


  • Global currencies and exchange rates: Why $1 in Australia isn’t the same as $1 in the US — and how travel, trade, and tech make money global.


👉 Think it through: What would happen if everyone stopped using cash and only used digital money?

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🌏 Why Learning About Money Matters

No matter your age, understanding money helps you:


  • Make smarter spending decisions
  • Save for the things you really want
  • Plan for your future
  • Understand the world around you


Let’s start building money confidence — one age group at a time!


🔍 Explore more activities, quizzes, and money missions inside each age group to keep learning fun and practical.