The ‘Start Smart’ program is currently in Port Macquarie and is designed to teach school kids about money management in a motivating and inspiring way.

The aim is to equip students with the confidence and competence to make smart decisions about money – in essence lift their financial literacy.

It was founded in 2007 and has now reached more than one million Aussie kids. It is the largest program of its kind.

Amie Hayes is the primary facilitator of the program helps to deliver these key messages to children with specific workshops designed for different year groups.

They are fun, too, featuring a range of characters including a super hero that helps the kids make smart decisions with their money.

“We do year one to year six across three stages,” she explained.

“Stage one is for years one and two, stage two is for years three and four and stage three is for years five and six.”

The kids are taught the difference between needs and wants, to be smarter with their money when they go shopping and the difference between a credit card and a key car.

“We also teach them not to get tricked my market advertising and have different activities to keep them happy and entertained,” she said.

“It’s definitely important to teach the kids about money at a young age. They see mum and dad spending money all the time, so it’s all about educating them.”

It’s also inline with what students are taught as part of the school curriculum.

“Teachers do a great job but this helps to assist them,” Amie said.

Several local schools have utilised the program, including schools in Wauchope.