Guest Writer: Claire Fergusson, Money Advice Scotland

Why start the conversation

Talking about money with young people can sometimes feel daunting, but it’s one of the most valuable conversations you can have. From understanding the true cost of credit to learning how to save, manage a first pay cheque, or recognise the risks of gambling, developing positive money habits early helps build lifelong financial confidence.

Our relationship with money begins young. Research shows that many of our money habits and behaviours are formed by the age of 7. Yet, financial education in schools can vary, and many young people leave school without a full understanding of key financial concepts. Start the conversation with young people to help them develop healthy attitudes toward money and build confidence for the future.

 

Resources for Parents, Carers, and Youth Workers

If you’re a parent or carer, you don’t need to be a financial expert to start the conversation. We’ve have a range of free e-learning modules that provide an introduction to key financial topics, including:

• Gambling
• Understanding tax
• Savings and budgeting
• Credit and borrowing responsibly

These modules are designed to help adults widen their knowledge and confidence in discussing money matters with young people.

https://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/forms/e-learning-module-request

 

Resources for teachers

Teachers play a crucial role in shaping financial understanding and wellbeing. Research shows that pupils who receive meaningful financial education are more likely to save regularly, feel confident managing money, and avoid problem debt later in life. By embedding financial wellbeing into everyday learning, teachers can help build resilience and real-world skills that last long after pupils leave the classroom.

At Money Advice Scotland, we offer a wide selection of financial wellbeing resources for both primary and secondary schools.

Our new Money Ready Workbook for Secondary Pupils provides engaging activities and resources that cover topics such as:

• Saving and budgeting
• Starting a first job
• Understanding payslips and tax
• Building financial independence

For senior pupils (S4–S6), we also have targeted sessions that explore various financial products and aim to boost overall financial capability.

https://www.moneyadvicescotland.org.uk/Listing/Category/financial-wellbeing-resources

 

Training for teachers

To further support teachers and provide a holistic approach to starting the conversation with young people, we deliver Financial Education for Children and Young People: Training for Teachers. This is a two-hour webinar designed for undergraduate student teachers, probationary teachers, and fully qualified teachers alike.

This training explores:

• What we mean by “financial wellbeing”
• The challenges children and young people face in achieving it
• Research on the importance of early financial education
• Practical examples of how to deliver meaningful financial education in the classroom

Teachers who attend the course leave with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to bring financial wellbeing to life for their pupils.

Upcoming training sessions:

Financial Education for Children & Young People: Training for Teachers Tickets, Thu, Nov 20, 2025 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite 

Financial Education for Children & Young People: Training for Teachers Tickets, Thu, Dec 11, 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite 

What teachers say

“Thanks very much. I consider myself to be reasonably financially literate, but the course gave me lots to think about in terms of what I can put into practice in the classroom.”

- Student Teacher, University of Dundee

“Great information for money awareness and thought-provoking educational application to help educate a generation of children who can be money aware.”

- Student Teacher, University of Glasgow

99% of respondents said they would recommend our Financial Education for Children and Young People training to others - a testament to the value and impact of these sessions.

 

Start the conversation with young people

Whether you’re a parent, carer, teacher or working to support young people, you have the power to shape their financial future. By opening up conversations about money - no matter how small - you can help young people feel confident, informed, and prepared to make good financial choices for life.