In a world where more people are looking online for gaming, and more kids are looking down at their smartphones, it’s nice to know that there’s a resurgence of the good old-fashioned Family Game Night happening in American homes these days. In this article from U.S. News, podcaster Joe Saul-Sehy highlights a few fun board games that also offer essential financial lessons the whole family can learn from.
If you haven’t played a board game lately, you might want to reconsider. A board game renaissance is afoot, and mostly because makers have thrown lots of activity into small packages. No more waiting your turn as someone else rolls a die and moves his or her piece. Today’s games keep you in the action. Now it’s easy for families of all ages to have fun learning about money and spend quality time together.
Here are some games that should make your short list if you’re interested in financial topics.
Topic: Basic Math
Game: Monopoly Junior
Teaching children consumer math is simple with Monopoly Junior. This game differs from Monopoly, which can take hours. Instead, players take a fun trip around the board, visiting places kids enjoy like the pet store and the playground. Players purchase attractions, make change and visit each other’s properties. My twins’ first “aha” moment about numbers and recognizing the difference in currency occurred while playing this game.
Topic: Real Estate
Game: For Sale
How about some fun buying and selling property without all the hassle? For Sale is an easy card game about real estate. Players spend the first half of the game acquiring properties and the second half trying to sell those properties to other players for the most profit. No heavy strategy here. Older children will grasp “buy low, sell high,” and adults can springboard this lightweight idea into heavier concepts.
Topic: Mergers and Acquisitions
Game: Acquire
Want to buy stocks and merge companies? Your best bet is Acquire. The board and pieces are reminiscent of Scrabble. Every tile has a specific spot where it fits. If two tiles end up side-by-side, a company is formed. The player who laid the tile gets a founder bonus and then buys more shares. Prices rise as companies grow. When two companies merge, payouts go to the largest shareholders, but everyone in the acquired company receives something. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins. Made by the same designer who created I’m the Boss!, it’s a simple, yet strategic look at how a company grows and its stock follows.
