Financial literacy for children
Most of us learn about money the hard way.
Make Sense of Pence helps children learn it the easy way: early, confidently and with a lot more fun. Meet Hootini, our money-wise owl, and explore games, books and workshops that make money make sense.
Money has gone invisible
Children start forming money habits by about age seven. Yet fewer than half say they've had a meaningful financial education.
Meanwhile, money has disappeared from view. Cards, phones, watches, even fingerprints. "It's only 89p" is one tap away. Children know every way to pay, but not what money is really worth.
When money lessons arrive late, they usually arrive the hard way: through debt, stress and worry. We think children deserve better.
Start early. Make it fun. Make it stick.
Make Sense of Pence gives children the words, ideas and confidence to make informed decisions about money. We don't tell them what's right or wrong. We help them understand how money works, so they can choose well.
Start early
Habits form around age seven, so the best time to talk about money is before the habits set.
Make it fun
Games, stories, puzzles and Hootini keep children curious instead of bored.
Make it stick
Real-life scenarios and plain language mean the ideas carry over to the shop, the screen and home.
Four ways to join in
The app
Puzzles, games, a pretend bank and a world to explore with Hootini. £1.99 once, no ads, no extras.
Get the appWorkshops
An interactive Money Wise Workshop (50–70 minutes) for Years 4–6, delivered in your school.
Book a workshopHootini's Helpers
Everything you need to run the workshop yourself. Free for teachers, parents and PTFAs.
Download freeBooks
Four books for ages 3–13, from Hootini's first adventure to A Bit More Sense of Pence.
See the booksRead the books
Funny, relatable stories that ease children gently into being sensible with money, and get the whole family talking about pocket money.
Who are you?
I'm a parent or carer
Start with the app and the books. Safe, calm and screen time you'll feel good about. Simple ideas that help you start money conversations early, without needing to be an expert.
I'm a teacher
Book a workshop, or become a Hootini's Helper and run it yourself with our free pack. Lesson-ready, curriculum-friendly and designed to slot into your timetable.
I'm a PTFA or community group
Bring a Money Wise Workshop to your school, for free. Give every child the chance to learn about money, whatever the school budget.
Over 1,000 pupils and counting
"I recently introduced my child to Make Sense of Pence, and I've been genuinely amazed at the transformation! Not only was she thoroughly engaged from cover to cover, but her enthusiasm for learning about money has been nothing short of impressive."
Charlie Roche
"My 10 year old daughter loved this book! It's a great way to ease kids gently into the concept of being sensible with money, and it triggered a great conversation about how she will think differently next time she has pocket money to spend."
Joanna Hall
"Money can be confusing if you don't know how it works. I liked the games because it was scary to think how expensive some things actually are!"
Pupil, Malvern Parish
"Paul's ability to simplify financial concepts engaged the children and encouraged them to actively participate in discussions. … We highly recommend Make Sense of Pence for any school seeking to enhance financial literacy education."
John Moore Primary School
"The students absolutely loved the session. Many of them mentioned that the quiz was their favourite part."
Lilleshall Primary School
"I never realised that a watch could be more expensive than a house!"
Pupil, Dean Close
Don't fear money. Respect it. Be careful with it.
The three things every child leaves our workshops with. Now they can take them home.
