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Family Fun

photo of young children

Teach your children the value of money and saving with these fun activities and tips.


activity book A Fun Family Activity Book (PDF, 2.44MB)
Includes coloring page, maze, word search and savings activity page. (Grades K-3)
greeting card Send one of our fun ecards
A variety of unique designs are available.
gift of education

Give the Gift of Education
Print the certificate, add a personal
message and present to your loved
one for any special occasion.

Any Occasion:
Low-resolution version (PDF, 194KB)
High-resolution version (PDF, 921KB)

Happy Hanukkah:
Low-resolution version (PDF, 192KB)
High-resolution version (PDF, 922KB)

Merry Christmas:
Low-resolution version (PDF, 194KB)
High-resolution version (PDF, 921KB)

Kwanzaa:
Low-resolution version (PDF, 194KB)
High-resolution version (PDF, 921KB) 
moonjar

Get a Free Moonjar Savings Kit
If you would like to receive updates from MESP, please provide us with your contact information. As a thank you, we'll send you a free Moonjar savings kit - a fun and easy way to teach children the value of saving.

Reading That's Right On The Money

For younger children:
(12 and under)

Growing Money: A Complete Investing Guide for Kids
By Gail Karlitz

A fun book that teaches children how to save and invest money.

book for kids

For teenagers:
(13 and up)

Complete Idiot's Guide to Money for Teens
By Susan Shelly

Teaches teens how to get money, save it and invest it, budget it, spend it wisely, and keep track of it.

book for teens


For you:

Allowance Magic: Turn Your Kids Into Money Wizards
By David McCurrach

Gives you the tools you need to teach your kids about money and money management as you help them develop the habits of saving and sharing.


To get these helpful books, visit your local library or bookstore.

book about allowance



On The Road To Fiscal Fun

Next road trip, why not go somewhere different and learn something new? Here are some cool places to learn about money - in cool cities to explore.

  • Bureau of Engraving and Printing
    Washington D.C. and Fort Worth
    Watch millions of dollars being printed! Tours take you through the various steps of the money-printing process, beginning with blank sheets of paper and ending with wallet-ready bills.
  • Federal Reserve Bank of New York
    View the gold vault and find out how the Fed stores and protects billions of dollars in gold. Or check out: "Drachmas, Doubloons and Dollars: The History of Money." This exhibit marks the first time the American Numismatic Society's most valuable coins and metal have been brought together for the public to view.

    There are also Federal Reserve Banks in Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Dallas, Kansas City, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Minneapolis, Richmond, St. Louis and San Francisco - each with their own unique educational resources that you can share with your loved ones.

  • The United States Mint
    Learn about the current state of coin production as well as the fascinating history of the Mint. Tours are available at no charge at both the Denver and Philadelphia locations.

Small Business Means Big Profits for Kids

Want kids to learn the value of a dollar?
Help them earn it themselves.

Here are a few ideas:
For ages 5-10 For ages 10+
  • Water plants
  • Make greeting cards
  • Wash cars
  • Collect recycling
  • Pet sit/baby sit
  • Tutor/teach
  • Mow lawns
  • Teach swimming

photo of lemonade stand



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WE'RE HERE TO HELP

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Questions?
Call 1-877-861-6377
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The tax information contained on the Michigan Education Savings Program (MESP) Web site is not intended to be used, and cannot be used by any taxpayer, for the purpose of avoiding tax penalties that may be imposed on the taxpayer. It was written to support the promotion of the products and services addressed in the Web site. Taxpayers should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

The MESP Web site contains links to other Web sites. Neither MESP nor TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. and its affiliates are responsible for the content of those other Web sites. The accuracy of information on those sites cannot be confirmed.

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© 2008 TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc.