We’ve all heard the old adage, “Money doesn’t grow on trees.” It implies that money is a resource that must be earned and is not one that’s easily acquired. Unfortunately, this notion is lost on young children who don’t grasp the concept of working for an income and instead, see parents get money from a machine in a wall (an ATM), or watch their parents use a magic card to get stuff at the store. Kids sometimes have the funniest ideas regarding where money comes from. Here are several that will make you laugh:

“Dad buys money from the money shop.”
“Adults get their money from the bank and kids get their money from adults."
“Money comes from piggy banks."
“It comes out of Dad's pocket!”
“I thought kids had to pay back their parents for food and stuff. My grandma babysat for me. When I saw my dad pay her I thought he was paying off his debts."
“My dad used to be rich but then he married my mom.”
“You know what Mommy? I like earning money to buy things, but I REALLY DO NOT like how much things costs. Maybe you should call Santa and tell him to make things not cost so much.” (5-year-old boy)
“Money is just paper and metal and if you think of it that way, then is it something to get greedy over? I should know because it happened to me when I was a kid.” —Devin, age 10
Mom: “What do you think I am, made of money?” Child: “Isn’t that was MOM stands for?”
“I have a job just like Daddy ya know Mommy, My job is Mister Big Brother, It’s hard work, How much will you pay me?” (5-year-old boy)
“Instead of going to the candy store or buying junk, you can save money and spend it on something you really want like toys and other stuff.” —Jon, age 9
“Don’t do that,” I said when one of my first graders playfully draped a dollar bill over his eyes. “Money is full of germs.” “It is?” he asked. “Yes, it’s very dirty.” He thought about it a moment. “Is that why they call people who have a lot of it ‘filthy rich’?” —Elizabeth Webber, Prospect Park, Pennsylvania

Funny responses to questions asked of kids:

What are the personal qualities necessary to be a good marriage partner? ”One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there’s still going to be a lot of bills.” —Ava, age 8
Art Linkletter asked a girl of six, “Melissa, what would make a perfect husband for you?” And Melissa replied. “A man who could give me a lot of money and loves horses and lets me have twenty-four kids.” “And what do you want to be when you grow up?” “A nun.”
How can you tell if two adults eating dinner at a restaurant are in love? “Just see if the man picks up the check. That's how you can tell if he’s in love.” —John, age 9
Art Linkletter once asked a four-year-old boy, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” “I don't want to be anything.” the boy replied. “Don't you want to get married?” “If I have to.” “How will you get money?” “My wife can work.” “But suppose she won't?” “I will send for my mother.”

Kids can say the funniest things about money but financial literacy is no laughing matter. FamilyMint has helped thousands of parents raise money-smart kids by teaching children about financial goal setting, and forming the types of financial habits and behaviors that will lead to financial success. We are dedicated to helping parents improve financial literacy through their fun, educational, intuitive, and award-winning online money management application.

Have your kids said something funny or insightful about money? We’d love to hear from you!

Sources:

https://www.gobankingrates.com/personal-finance/crazy-kids-think-money

https://www.lovemoney.com/news/12836/funny-things-kids-believe-about-money

http://thechive.com/2016/01/22/the-dumb-things-that-kids-believe-15-photos/

http://listverse.com/2012/12/17/top-10-ridiculous-things-parents-tell-their-kids/

http://www.rd.com/funny-stuff/funny-teacher-stories/

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/7213254

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_577eba73e4b0c590f7e89a17

http://www.ninjamommers.com/funny-kids-quotes-17/

http://www.homeeddirectory.com/blog/where-does-your-child-think-money-comes

http://www.kimberlyamici.com/blog/2013/10/06/day-5-funny-things-kids-say-about-money