HT Games
Check It Out
Balancing a checkbook is a valuable life skill, and one cashflow skill that many adults still have not mastered. Check It Out requires kids to use math skills to balance a pretend checkbook. The game begins with a positive bank balance and comes with a mock registry and 45 game cards, detailing a specific financial transaction. For instance, one card instructs the player to pay for scuba rental at a cost of $88.54, requiring the child to make the appropriate registry entry and calculation. Check It Out can be modified to meet the child's skill level, by allowing rounding of numbers or calculator use. Check It Out is provided by KERA Public Broadcasting in Texas and is part of their Math Can Take You Places series.
Monopoly
According to the Hasbro website, the Parker Bros. board game Monopoly has been in constant production since 1935 and for good reason. Monopoly educates players about money management. All players receive an inflow of cash every time they go around the board, and cash flows out when players pay rent or buy property. Cash also flows in and out based on chance. For instance, players may have to pay money for taxes or win money in a beauty pageant. For players who are too young to benefit from Monopoly, there is Monopoly Jr.
The Game of Life
The Game of Life is another popular cash flow board game from Hasbro. In The Game of Life, players must choose an occupation for which they are paid a salary. Players must borrow money from the bank to pay if they choose to go to college, and they are given the opportunity to purchase homes, get married, and have children, all of which cost money. Players also have to repay the loans with interest. Players' cash also flows out for the purchase of insurance policies and life's unexpected expenses, such as hospital bills and stolen property. Players have a chance to earn money from investment opportunities and random events, such as winning the lottery.