10 Homeschool Economics Curriculum Programs to Teach Children Money Skills

Want to make sure your children have the money skills they need? Teach them how with a quality homeschool economics curriculum. Here are our top picks!

Rebbecca Devitt

I hope you enjoy reading this blog post. If you want to do my course on how to homeschool, click here.

Do you remember much about economics from high school? I sure don’t.

I remember having to take it the same year I took government, but that’s about it. All I can say is I’m glad my mom is an accountant and was able to teach me solid money skills herself.

I know not every kid is that lucky though. If math or money just isn’t your thing or you don’t have the time, there are plenty of homeschool economics curriculum options out there to give your children a strong foundation in personal finance.

In this article, I’m going to share what to look for in a good curriculum and list the top 10 homeschool economics curriculum programs.

Let’s dive in!

What is Taught in an Economics Class?

Most homeschool economics curricula will cover the following topics:

  • How money is created
  • The different types of financial institutions
  • Saving and investment strategies
  • Risk and insurance
  • Credit and debt
  • Employment and wages
  • Entrepreneurship
  • The stock market
  • International trade

Some classes may also touch on topics like philanthropy and charitable giving. The goal with an economics class is that your child understands how money works and can make sound financial decisions when they’re an adult.

Why It’s Important to Teach Economics

Beyond the fact that it’s often a requirement for college admissions, economics is a very important subject for children to learn. Without good money management skills, they can easily find themselves in debt or making poor investment choices.

Here are some unfortunate statistics:

  • According to a 2015 PISA Study, 22% of teens lack a foundation in basic financial skills.
  • A Greenlight study in 2021 found that 74% of teens don’t feel confident about their financial education.
  • 4 out of 5 parents wish they learned more about money as a kid, according to a 2021 study.
  • 59% of parents are uncomfortable talking to kids about money, according to a recent survey conducted by Chase.
  • 21% of Americans have no emergency savings, according to a 2020 Bankrate survey.

As parents, and especially homeschool parents, it’s our job to make sure our children are prepared to make good financial decisions when they go out into the world. Making sure they have a quality homeschool economics curriculum is one way to do that.

What to Look for in a Good Homeschool Economics Curriculum

When you’re looking for a homeschool economics curriculum, it’s important to make sure it hits on all the key concepts of personal finance.

A quality homeschool economics curriculum will teach the basics of how money works as well as cover topics like:

  • Earning money: This could include discussions on careers, jobs, and entrepreneurship.
  • Saving money: Children should learn the importance of setting aside money for a rainy day as well as long-term savings goals like college or retirement.
  • Spending money wisely: Kids need to understand the difference between needs and wants and how to budget their money accordingly.
  • Donating money: It’s important for children to learn that giving back is an important part of being a responsible citizen.

These are the little tidbits that some curricula don’t teach, but I think are vitally important for making sure our children grow up to be financially stable adults.

In addition to these core concepts, look for a homeschool economics curriculum that is age-appropriate and engaging. Many programs offer different levels so you can start with basic concepts for younger kids and move on to more complex topics as they get older.

You’ll also want to make sure the curriculum you choose is in line with your family’s values. For example, if you are a Christian family, you may want to select a program that teaches Biblical principles of stewardship.

Top 10 Homeschool Economics Curriculum Programs

Schoolhouse Teachers

My first recommendation for a homeschool economics curriculum is Schoolhouse Teachers. They offer economics courses for 1st grade through high school.

Schoolhouse Teachers covers financial principles from a biblical standpoint. For grades 1-6, students will use printable lessons and activities to cover topics like global economics, supply and demand, and the stock market.

Their high school economics course uses videos and PowerPoint lectures to teach topics like property, capitalism, and government involvement in economics.

  • Price: Access all classes for $29.97/month
  • Age Range: 1st – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Printable lessons and activities for grades 1-6. Video lectures for high school.

Get more details about Schoolhouse Teachers here!

BJU Press

Another company that offers a great homeschool economics curriculum is BJU Press. They offer a high school level course covering economic principles from a conservative approach.

BJU Press teaches how money works in relation to economic models, banks, and the stock market as well as personal finances. They encourage a biblical view of stewardship and teach with a Christian worldview.

  • Price: $192.00-$309.00, price varies depending on the format of the course
  • Age Range: 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Available in a textbook, eBook, DVD, or Distance Learning Online

Get more details about BJU Press here!

Kids’ Money

Another great resource for teaching your children money skills is Kids’ Money. The website offers several different sections to help teach children how to handle money responsibly.

The parents’ section has lots of articles on everything from how to save and allowances to insurance and investing. The teachers’ section has printable lesson plans that you can purchase, games, worksheets, and activities to help teach your child everything they need to know about money.

  • Price: Single lesson plans – $4, Lesson plan bundles – $14
  • Age Range: Preschool – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Mix of books, activities, games, and worksheets

Get more details about Kids’ Money here!

Uncle Eric Books by Richard J. Maybury

If you don’t want a full homeschool economics curriculum, but you want something to help instill good money skills in your child, the Uncle Eric books by Richard J. Maybury are a great resource.

The books teach economic principles through letters from an economist (Uncle Eric) to his nephew (Chris). Although the full series consists of 11 books that dive deep into different aspects of economics, the book that focuses the most on money skills is: Whatever Happened to Penny Candy? A Fast, Clear, and Fun Explanation of the Economics You Need for Success in Your Career, Business, and Investments.

This book covers money, the dollar, inflation, recessions, and more in a fun and easy-to-understand approach.

Several of the books in the Uncle Eric series have student study guides you can purchase to help improve your student’s learning experience.

  • Price: Varies depending on where you purchase, but around $15 per book
  • Age Range: 8th – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Story format

Get more details about the Uncle Eric books here!

Financial Peace Junior Kit: Teaching Kids How to Win With Money

Another good resource for teaching money skills is the Financial Peace Junior Kit from Ramsey Solutions. Dave Ramsey, the founder, is a well-known financial expert, and this kit is designed to help teach your children how to handle money responsibly.

The kit includes a parent handbook, a kids’ activity book, cash envelopes, a chore chart, goal-setting stickers, and more. The parent handbook has lessons and activities to help you raise money-smart kids.

  • Price: $16.99
  • Age Range: Ages 3-12
  • Teaching Style: Workbook and hands-on activities

Get more details about the Financial Peace Junior Kit here!

Want to make sure the curriculum you finally choose really is a good fit for your family?

In my How to Homeschool Course, I walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect curriculum for you AND your child.

I also share veteran homeschooling tips like how to:

  • keep your kids motivated and on track with their learning.
  • juggle homeschool distractions like work, chores, or younger siblings.
  • homeschool while traveling.

Learn everything you need to know to set your homeschool up for success!

Outschool

Another good program to look for a homeschool economics curriculum is Outschool. Outschool offers online classes taught by live instructors on a variety of subjects, with several classes on economics.

They cover topics like supply and demand, the stock market, and entrepreneurship. The classes are interactive and engaging, and they provide a great opportunity for kids to learn about economics in a fun and interesting way.

  • Price: Prices range from $10-$25 for most classes
  • Age Range: 7-18
  • Teaching Style: Live online classes

Get more details about Outschool here!

Time4Learning

Time4Learning offers a homeschool economics curriculum for high school students. The course includes 12 units with lessons on topics like personal finance, the stock market, and supply and demand.

The course is self-paced and can be accessed 24/7, making it a great option for busy homeschool families. Additionally, Time4Learning offers a 14-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the course risk-free.

  • Price: $34.95/month
  • Age Range: High school, 9th – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Self-paced online class

Get more details about Time4Learning here!

Intro to Economics: Money, History, & Fiscal Faith from Lamp Post School

Another great homeschool economics curriculum is Intro to Economics from Lamp Post School. The course teaches money principles from a biblical worldview.

It includes lessons on topics like the history of money, bartering, inflation, and personal finance. The course is self-paced and can be completed in about 12-14 weeks.

  • Price: $47.98
  • Age Range: 10th – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: DVD and text

Get more details about Lamp Post School here!

Teaching Economics

Teaching Economics is a website with resources and lesson plans to teach high school students about money and economics. The site aims to help create greater equality by educating students on civil rights, economics, and other global issues.

The site offers a variety of resources, including lesson plans, classroom activities, and a blog. The lesson plans cover topics like capitalism, the stock market, and personal finance.

  • Price: Free
  • Age Range: High school, 9th – 12th grade
  • Teaching Style: Lesson plans and activities

Get more details about Teaching Economics here!

Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia

If you prefer a literature-based approach to your homeschool, you should check out the resources offered by the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia. They have free lesson plans available to help teach economics concepts through children’s literature.

Each lesson plan complements a specific book that helps teach economic principles. The books are geared toward kids in elementary school through college, so there is something for every age.

  • Price: Free
  • Age Range: Elementary through College
  • Teaching Style: Lesson plans and books

Get more details about the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia here!

Bonus: Books That Teach Kids About Money

I know we’ve already covered some great homeschool economics curriculum packages, but I couldn’t resist squeezing in a little bit more. Here are some great books to help teach your child money skills.

All About Money

All About Money is geared toward children 10 and up. It’s a workbook with activities and lessons to help children understand money, business, economics, government, and more.

Get it here!

Economics for Tweens

Economics for Tweens is geared toward children 11 and up. It helps teach basic economics principles. With colorful graphics, the author breaks down complicated topics in a way children can easily understand.

Get it here!

Money Ninja

Money Ninja is geared toward children 3-11 years old. The book helps teach children about saving, investing, and donating. The book is fully illustrated and a great introduction to personal finance for really young children.

Get it here!

Finance 101 for Kids

Finance 101 for Kids is geared toward children 8-11. The book covers the history of money, personal finances, the stock market, and more.

Get it here!

Economics for Kids

Economics for Kids is a workbook geared toward children 7-12. Designed to be done over a 15-week period, the workbook walks you through topics like supply and demand, markets, opportunity cost, and more.

Get it here!

Conclusion to the Top Homeschool Economics Curriculum Programs

There are so many great homeschool economics curriculum programs available to help you teach your child money skills. I hope this list has helped you find the perfect fit for your family.

If you’re new to homeschooling and want a little bit more help finding a curriculum that will work best for your family, check out the How to Homeschool Course!

It has short engaging videos to help you pick the right curriculum that matches your child’s needs. It also has tons of advice and resources from a veteran homeschool mom.

Get more details about the How to Homeschool Course here!

What homeschool economics curriculum do you use? Let us know in the comments below!

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Candice McDaniel

Candice is a mom of 3 who has been homeschooling since 2013. She has an A.A.S. in Early Childhood Studies and cares deeply about helping other parents get the information and resources they need to help them homeschool their children with confidence.

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