Save, Spend, Share: The 3-Jar System for Kids

Teaching kids about money doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, the simpler the better—especially when they’re just starting to understand the value of coins, dollars, and making choices. That’s why the 3-Jar System—Save, Spend, Share—is a fantastic way to build healthy money habits in children as young as five.

What Is the 3-Jar System?

The 3-Jar System uses three labelled jars to help kids learn how to manage money by dividing it into three basic categories:

Save – For future goals, like a new toy or a trip to the amusement park.

Spend – For small, everyday treats like stickers, or a small toy.

Share – For helping others, like donating to a local shelter or community cause.

It’s a simple, hands-on way to show children that money has different purposes—and that they’re in control of making thoughtful decisions.

Setting Up the Jars

Getting started is easy, and it can be a fun craft project too!

What you’ll need:

Three jars, plastic containers, or even small boxes

Labels: Save, Spend, Share (you can make your own)

Markers, stickers, or paint to decorate the jars

Make it engaging: Let your child decorate each jar with their favourite colours, stickers, or drawings. This helps them take ownership of their new “money system.”

How to Use the Jars

Whenever your child receives money—whether it’s an allowance, birthday cash, or coins found in the couch—guide them to divide it among the jars. A common breakdown is:

50% Save

40% Spend

10% Share

But you can adjust this depending on your child’s age, goals, and your family values.

Make jar time a weekly routine. Use it as a moment to talk about:

What they’re saving for

What they’d like to buy this week

Who or what they’d like to help

These short conversations help build decision-making and empathy skills.

Real-Life Examples

Let’s say your 6-year-old gets £5 a week:

£2.50 goes into Save for a toy that costs £20

£2.00 goes into Spend for small rewards like a bouncy ball

$0.50 goes into Share, and they can choose to give to an animal shelter or bring canned goods for a food drive

Within a couple of weeks, they’ll start to see their savings grow—and understand that they have power over how they use their money.

Why It Works

The 3-Jar System:

Gives kids hands-on experience with money

Teaches delayed gratification

Builds generosity and gratitude

Helps parents have regular conversations about money without stress

It’s not just about money—it’s about values, planning, and making thoughtful choices.

Start Today

You don’t need a fancy app or financial degree to raise a money-smart kid. All you need is a few jars, some spare change, and a willingness to start small.

Try the 3-Jar System this week and see what happens—you might be surprised at how quickly your child picks it up and starts saving for something exciting (or giving to something meaningful).

Have you tried this system or something similar? Share your child’s jar goals or setup in the comments—we’d love to hear how it’s working for your family!