Now that it’s January, many of us are already thinking about what we want to do—and do better—in 2026. December feels close enough to remember, yet far enough that some Christmas gifts are already tucked away, displayed on shelves, or still being used, depending on how meaningful or practical they turned out to be.
I still have an extra set of gifts from my December birthday celebration, and as I looked at them recently, I couldn’t help but think about my inaanaks and the gifts I gave them last Christmas. I wondered whether those gifts still mattered, whether they were useful, or whether they had quietly been forgotten. (And yes, my apologies to those who didn’t receive one.)
In Filipino culture, being a ninong or ninang is more than a ceremonial role. We’re expected to be present at Christmas with gifts, guide our godchildren in their Christian life, and quietly play a part in their upbringing. Over time, that role evolves—from giving advice, to being someone they look up to, to becoming a steady influence outside their immediate household.
Like many godparents, I used to overthink what to give my inaanaks: toys that might break, clothes they might outgrow, or gifts I wasn’t even sure they liked. Eventually, I found myself defaulting to red packets with crisp bills or value debit cards: practical, flexible, and safe choices. But that shift made me realise something: money itself can be a teaching tool, not just a gift.
Financial literacy should start young, even before kids earn their own money as working adults in the next few decades. Today’s trends of extravagance, social media pressure, and impulse spending show how damaging it can be when money is never explained properly. As godparents, we’re in a unique position to introduce healthy money habits early, without the pressure of being the main provider.
Table of Contents
Replace “just spending” with purposeful gifting
Cash gifts can be more powerful than toys. Not because they’re more exciting, but because they open up conversations. Toys entertain for a while. Money, when guided well, teaches decision-making. When we give cash, we can gently show kids that money always has options:
- Spend
- Save
- Share
- Invest
These options help shape habits early. A simple question can change how a child sees money:
“What do you want this money to do for you?”
For preschoolers, this might mean choosing between buying a small toy now or saving for something bigger later. For teenagers, it could be deciding whether to spend everything, save part of it, or try growing it through investing. The goal isn’t to dictate how we want money we’ve gifted to be spent — it’s the awareness their presence brings.
Introduce saving through visual and tangible tools
Saving works best when kids can see it. Piggy banks, labelled jars, or even kid-friendly digital tools make money less abstract and easier to understand.
One option parents and godparents are starting to explore is kids’ investment or savings accounts, like those offered by platforms such as Vanguard Australia for children. Even seeing ads or discussions about these (I came across one via Reddit) opens the door to conversations about long-term saving.
A simple and effective approach is the 3 Jars Method:
Save – for future goals
Spend – for immediate wants
Share – for generosity
Turning saving into a game helps too. Simple challenges like, “Let’s see how much you can save by Christmas,” or matching a portion of what they manage to save can be especially motivating, particularly when we stay involved. These approaches work best when we double down on our efforts and don’t simply leave kids to figure it out on their own after introducing the concept.
As godparents, it’s important to support these habits without stepping on parents’ toes. The idea isn’t to imply parents aren’t doing enough, but to reinforce good habits from another loving adult. A quiet encouragement or shared practice goes a long way. Parents can also learn from this experience.
Teach investing early without making it complicated
Kids don’t need to be “old enough” to understand investing—they just need it explained simply.
Last December, instead of giving my nieces money purely to spend, I gifted them money specifically to invest in the stock market. We didn’t dive into charts or financial jargon.
While I did not explain it at the time, I emphasised to their guardians patience, not quick wins. Investing isn’t about getting rich fast; it’s about letting time do the work. That lesson alone is invaluable. These kids have decades ahead of them, and the power of compounded interest will do them favors.
Use everyday moments as money lessons
I’ll admit I’m not a financial expert. I’m simply passionate about sharing ideas with people who are curious about investing and money management.
Everyday moments offer powerful lessons: grocery shopping, buying school supplies or how spare daily allowance is managed.
These situations naturally introduce concepts like needs vs wants and budget limits. Even phrases like: “If you wait, you can afford something better” can teach delayed gratification far more effectively than lectures. Small, repeated conversations stick better than one long talk.
Model healthy money behaviour as a godparent
Children learn more from what we do than what we say. By modelling our spending, budgeting and long-term thinking, we quietly set standards. Being honest, at an age-appropriate level, about money mistakes also helps. It shows that learning about money management is a process, not something you’re born knowing.
Consistency matters more than perfection. Kids don’t need flawless role models, just intentional ones who will help building fiscal habits at their formative years.
Financial stewardship through the community
In my involvement with the MFC community, financial stewardship is part of pastoral formation. We’re reminded that God owns everything, wealth is entrusted, not possessed, and tithes and alms are expressions of faith.
Saving and growing wealth isn’t about hoarding like the Parable of the Rich Fool it’s also about being able to help others more when the opportunity arises. Teaching kids this perspective early connects money to purpose and generosity, not a vehicle to measure self-worth or chase excess.
The legacy you leave goes beyond gifts
Toys break. Clothes fade. Cash gets spent. But financial lessons last.
As godparents, we have the chance to help break cycles of poor money habits simply by being thoughtful with how we give and what we say. You don’t need to be rich or financially perfect to make a difference. Start with one simple action this year. Be intentional.
Because the best gift you can give your inaanaks is the wisdom they carry with them long after the gift wrapper is gone.