Teaching Girls and Boys About Money Equally

Why girls and boys often receive different money messages, how this contributes to later gaps in financial confidence, and how families can close the gap.

Research in several countries suggests that parents often talk about money differently with sons and daughters, and that these differences may contribute to gaps in financial confidence later in life.

Different messages

Surveys in several countries have found patterns such as:

Parents discussing investing and careers more with boys.
Girls being encouraged more to save and be careful.
Money decisions in families often being made by fathers, which children observe.

Why it matters

Globally, women on average report lower financial confidence and have lower participation in investing, even when their financial knowledge is similar.
Women tend to live longer and may have career breaks for caregiving, making financial independence especially important.
In India, many women have limited control over household finances or assets.

Closing the gap

Give equal pocket money and responsibilities to girls and boys.
Talk about investing, careers and negotiation with all children.
Involve daughters in money decisions, from shopping to planning.
Model shared decision-making between parents.
Encourage girls to have their own bank accounts and savings.
Challenge stereotypes, such as “money is a man’s job”.

The role of schools

Financial education in schools can help ensure all children receive the same knowledge, regardless of family patterns.

Beyond gender

Similar gaps can appear by background: children in families with less exposure to banking or investing may receive fewer money lessons. Schools and communities can help level the field.

Two siblings

In one family, the son is taught about investing and the daughter is told to save and not worry about money. Twenty years later, the son manages his own portfolio while the daughter relies on others for financial decisions. Equal teaching could have given both the same confidence.

Thinking financial skills depend on gender

Differences in financial confidence largely reflect different messages and experiences, not ability.

Key takeaways

Parents often give sons and daughters different money messages.
These differences may contribute to later gaps in financial confidence.
Equal responsibilities, conversations and involvement close the gap.
Schools can help ensure all children learn the same skills.