Why Your Child Should Have a Savings Account

Kids are growing up with more access to financial products than ever before. From debit cards to mobile apps and specialty accounts, they have so many options when it comes to managing their money. Despite having such a wide range of options, a simple savings accounts remains one of the top options to get kids started on their financial journey. Let’s look at why opening a savings account for your child can be a good idea.

Teach the Basics of Saving

One of the most important lessons you can teach your child is the value of saving money. A savings account is a great tool to help your kid understand this concept. By depositing money into the account on a regular basis and watching it grow, your child will learn the importance of setting money aside for the future. To support members trying to teach this lesson to their children, USALLIANCE offers a savings account specifically for kids – our MyLife Savings for Kids Account gives a boost on the first $500 in the account and will earn your child a $10 annual birthday gift from USALLIANCE.

Teach Kids About Money Management

A primary benefit of opening a savings account for your child is that it helps them learn about money management firsthand. When your child has their own account and controls their spending to a degree, they'll understand the importance of tracking their spending and setting money goals. They'll also learn how to manage an account at a financial institution. This includes depositing money, tracking balances, and eventually using a debit card when they get their first checking account.

Help Kids Save for a Short-Term Financial Goal

Turn the lesson of smart savings into a lifelong habit by having your child use their account to practice saving up for a short-term goal. First, talk to your child and help them choose a realistic goal. Next, help them create a savings plan while using their account, which will help them reach their goal. Your kid can now set aside money they've made from an allowance, earned doing odd jobs, or received as a gift for a birthday or holiday, until they have enough money saved in their account to fund their purchase.

Prepare for the Future

Starting a savings account and gaining experience from a young age can prepare your child for unexpected expenses in the future. As they age, their needs and costs will increase, and the more you can help them prepare now, the better off they'll be in the future. For example, your child may need extra cash to pay for a broken phone or, when they're a bit older, for a car repair. Having money set aside for emergencies will teach them to be prepared for any financial reality.

Teach Investing and Interest Concepts

A savings account can be a great way to introduce your child to the concepts of investing and earning interest. Many savings accounts offer compound interest, which means that the interest earned on the account is added to the principal, creating a snowball effect that can lead to higher growth over time. For example, USALLIANCE’s MyLife Savings for Kids Account offers a boosted APY on the account’s first $500 to help get kids excited about saving as they watch their savings increase. Teaching your child about these concepts can help them develop a lifelong interest in investing and financial planning.

Build Responsibility and Independence

Having a savings account can also help your child build a sense of responsibility and independence. By managing their own money and making decisions about how to save and spend it, they’ll learn valuable life skills that will serve them well in adulthood.

Opening a savings account for your child is an excellent way to teach them important money habits and to prepare them for a financially successful future as more options open up to them. USALLIANCE’s MyLife Savings for Kids Account is a great option for your young ones with features like a boost on the account's first $500 and an annual $10 birthday gift on us!