Dutch schools empower youth with financial literacy during Money Week 2026
Over 15,000 Dutch children and teens learned about money management during Money Week 2026, tackling topics like debt prevention and financial independence. Schools and parents teamed up to teach smart spending habits through games and lessons, helping kids navigate real-world financial challenges.
| Key Data | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Money Week 2026 (15th edition) |
| Theme | 'Money fairy tales: too good to be true?' |
| Location | Nationwide, including Venlo |
| Target Group | Primary and secondary school students |
| Activities | Games: Rich and Poor, Expedition 18 Years; Lesson packages |
| Focus Topics | Saving, spending, debt prevention, financial independence, advertising impact |
| Support for Parents | Free online course: ‘I’ll never get anything’ (Nibud) |
| Organizer | National Institute for Family Finance Information (Nibud) |
The Dutch government supports financial literacy initiatives like Money Week through partnerships with organizations such as Nibud. These programs aim to equip young citizens with essential money management skills, reducing future financial vulnerabilities and promoting self-reliance.
Happy with Openrijk?
Then support us with a small contribution
external link to whydonate.comRead the full translated article below
Money Week 2026
Children who learn to manage money from a young age benefit from it for the rest of their lives. That is why the national Money Week was organised for the 15th time last week. This year's theme was 'Money fairy tales: too good to be true?'.
Education
In Venlo too, attention was paid to Money Week within education. Children and young people learned how to make smart choices about money and how to recognise misleading stories. In primary education, children played the game Rich and Poor and learned in a playful way about differences in money and opportunities, and how to talk about them. In secondary education, the Money Week lesson packages were actively used in various classes. In addition, in some final-year classes, the game Expedition 18 Years was played. This game shows young people what changes when you turn 18, such as insurance, allowances and important financial matters that you have to arrange yourself.
Talking about money at home
By making children aware of saving, spending and making choices from a young age, we reduce the risk of debt and increase self-reliance later on. Topics such as paying afterwards, the influence of advertising and temptations to spend money are playing an increasingly important role. Money Week is a great opportunity to pay attention to financial matters at school, but also at home.
Tips
On the Nibud website you can find more information on what you as a parent can do. Also, the free online course “I’ll never get anything” from Nibud helps parents teach their child how to manage money. You can take the course for free at home, at a time that suits you. You choose which topics you want to view and which age is appropriate for your child. The course consists of short assignments and recognisable examples.