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A Dog Called Money: Interactive Game for Kids
Play this A Dog Called Money interactive game — a free, friendly kids finance game inspired by Bodo Schäfer's bestselling money book for kids (originally published in German as Ein Hund namens Money). Make six money decisions and learn the dream jar, the success journal, the Golden Goose, and the 50-40-10 rule. Play online right in your browser — no download, no account.
What is "A Dog Called Money" by Bodo Schäfer?
A Dog Called Money (originally published in German as Ein Hund namens Money, also titled Money oder das 1×1 des Geldes) by Bodo Schäfer is widely considered one of the best money books for kids. Through the story of a girl named Kira and her talking dog Money, it teaches six powerful money habits: the dream jar (write down your dreams), the success journal for kids (record five wins a day), the Goose and the golden eggs (save and invest, never kill the Goose), the 50-40-10 money rule (save, dream, spend), the 72-hour rule (act now), and spending discipline (cancel credit cards, ask "Do I really need this?"). This interactive game turns those lessons into six hands-on decisions so kids learn by doing.
How to Play
- Read the scenario — each level is a real money choice a kid might face.
- Pick one of three options before the 10-second timer runs out.
- Watch your pocket money change — good decisions grow it, bad decisions shrink it.
- Flip the card to see the consequence and a lesson from the book.
- Finish all 6 levels to get your money personality and a skills radar.
Core Lessons from the Book
- The Dream Jar Method — write down your dreams and give your money a purpose.
- Success Journal for Kids — record five wins a day to build confidence.
- The Goose and Golden Eggs Story — never kill your Goose; let it lay golden eggs.
- The 50-40-10 Money Rule — save 50%, dream 40%, spend 10%.
- The 72-Hour Rule — act on a decision within 72 hours.
- Debt & Spending Discipline — cancel credit cards and ask "Do I really need this?"
Why A Dog Called Money is the Best Money Book for Kids
A Dog Called Money is consistently recommended as one of the best books to teach kids about money. Unlike dry personal-finance guides, it wraps financial literacy for children inside a warm story — a girl, a talking dog, and six money habits. Parents searching for a children's finance book love it because the lessons stick through narrative, not lecture. This interactive game turns those same lessons into decisions kids can make right now.
FAQ
What is "A Dog Called Money" by Bodo Schäfer about?
It's a children's money book about a girl named Kira and her talking dog Money, who teaches her how to save, invest, and reach her dreams. The German original is titled "Ein Hund namens Money".
How does the 50-40-10 money rule work?
For every dollar you earn, put 50% into your Goose (savings and investing), 40% into your Dream Jar (big goals), and keep 10% for everyday spending. It's a simple rule that makes saving automatic.
Is this game free and do I need an account?
Completely free, no signup, no download. It runs entirely in your browser — nothing you do is sent to a server.
What ages is this game for?
It's designed for kids roughly 8–14, but the money habits it teaches (saving, the 50-40-10 rule, the 72-hour rule) are useful at any age. Parents can play along with younger kids.
Is this game affiliated with or endorsed by the book?
No. This is an independent educational tool inspired by the ideas in A Dog Called Money by Bodo Schäfer. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the author or publisher. The quotes are paraphrased for learning purposes.
Does the game teach real investing advice?
No. The game teaches general habits and principles, not financial advice. The numbers are simplified and exaggerated to make the lessons clear for kids.
Can I play on my phone?
Yes. The game is mobile-first and works great on any screen size.