Math Games and Consumer Math Skills

Written by: Daniel Gleich

Anyone who has ever received incorrect change understands the importance of mathematics when dealing with money. Calculators and cash registers help but only work when given accurate numbers. Making calculations rapidly in one's mind can save people money while fostering skills that will be beneficial for many years to come.

Money: Dollars, Coins, and Saving

Money has been around since the dawn of currency. In the past, coins were made from precious metals, with their buying power determined by the economy and availability of that metal. Eventually, coins were allowed to be made out of various materials and still hold value, thus resulting in items such as nickel-coated copper coins. Before paper money existed, individuals could exchange physical money for gold or silver at a bank. One of the most beneficial uses for money is to save it. Even small amounts can accumulate large sums over time when taking advantage of compound interest.

• Coin Collect Game

• Money - Word Problems Game

• Use The Money To Make Different Amounts

• Counting Money Game

• Shopping And Math Game

• Cool Counting Money Game

Counting and Skip Counting

Skip counting helps people learn how to do multiplication and division. The skip-counting method involves continually adding the same number to the last one. Commonly, this number is 10 or 2. To illustrate, if you start counting from 0 with an increment of 2, your sequence would be 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, and so on.

• Skip Count Race

• Skip Count Forward

• Balloon Pop Skip Count

• Counting Items By Skip Counting

• Skip Counting And Spatial Recognition

• Space Pets | Skip Counting Games For Children - Roomrecess

Addition and Subtraction

Incorporating addition and subtraction into your mathematical and money skill set is the first step to mastering more complicated concepts, such as multiplication, division, and exponential. By grasping these two core functions, you can learn any other type of math. It is also important to note that these skills apply to many activities in everyday life and can even be enjoyable to practice.

• Mental Math Train

• Connections Game With Addition And Subtraction

• Math Space Game-Addition And Subtraction Of Money 

• Rooftop Ride

• Flashcard Answers Game

• Math Playground-Addition Games | Subtraction Games 

Multiplication and Division

Multiplication and division can provide faster solutions for monetary calculations than addition and subtraction. For instance, 5 × 5 is the same as adding 5 five times; however, multiplication simplifies the process. Instead of having to count or add up several numbers, it makes it easier to get an answer quickly. The division works in reverse: while multiplication adds groups together, division breaks a large number into smaller groups.

• Mummy Marathon

• Town Creator

• Becoming Lord Voldemath

• Drag Race Division

• Flappy Factors

• My Smart Horse: Multiplication

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is an excellent way to exercise the mind. It encourages creative thinking by allowing individuals to explore different issues and devise solutions. It can be an essential skill when dealing with money-related issues. Problem-solving promotes learning and helps stave off age-related decline of cognitive function. Additionally, engaging in problem-solving activities can be amusing, making it easier to work out the brain.

• Disaster Master

• Math Millionaire

• Math Boy Game: Problem-Solving Math Game

• Frog Jump Game For Kids

• Fun Money And Math Problem-Solving Game

• Water Park Math

Shopping and Spending

Shopping and spending can be enjoyable but may also bring financial trouble when the money runs out. An essential part of life is applying math to budgeting. You have living expenses that can either be fixed or variable. Some are necessities, while others are beneficial but not necessary. Formulating a budget that incorporates all expenses while allowing for savings, investments, and planning for the future is an effective way to accumulate wealth and become financially stable. Putting away money now ensures a brighter fiscal future.

• Bill Counter

• Money Town: Shopping And Spending - Money And Math Game

• Money And Shopping Games At Coolmath Games

• Shopping Game - Web-Based Activities For Grades K-3

• Lemonade Stand - Shopping And Spending - Money And Math Game

• Bus Money - Shopping And Spending - Money And Math Game

Additional Financial Literacy Learning Games

• Hit The Road: A Financial Adventure: This interactive game focuses on budgeting and being money-savvy. Players take a virtual road trip and make decisions about their finances. They must establish a budget, use resources wisely, and handle debt properly. Instructions for playing Hit the Road are easily understandable, making it an accessible game.

• Money Magic: Money Magic educates learners on the fundamentals of financial management. Players take control of protagonist Enzo, who tends to prioritize immediate desires over future objectives. Players must decide between short-term satisfaction and long-term investment when playing the game.

• Payback: Say farewell to student loans - virtually, at least. Payback encourages future college students to contemplate their student loan debt. It is possible to achieve a degree without taking on too much of this kind of debt, and the game demonstrates how. As an extra, participants can battle it out to win up to $125,000 in scholarships that Next Gen Personal Finance is offering. The game is accessible in both English and Spanish languages.

• Spent: Spent encourages players to gain insight into the hardships of making ends meet on a limited budget. Through this game, players will be able to comprehend how households have to make hard decisions regarding their spending when living off a meager salary. They will learn about being financially conservative while determining essential needs against unnecessary desires.

These educational games offer a creative method for providing people with financial literacy opportunities. They promote vital money management skills but also make the learning experience enjoyable. Moreover, these games offer a superb chance for educators and learners to have conversations about financial knowledge.