Why you should care about your kids' financial future. Yep, starting now.

Thanks to our brand partner, Australian Unity

Mere weeks after Christmas, when my 11-year-old had, in his words, "done exceedingly well" in the gift department, I noticed that he had started on his birthday wish list — meticulously written and strategically stuck on the fridge door. Impossible to miss.

This wouldn't be so alarming if it weren't for the fact that his birthday is more than seven months away. His proactiveness was akin to hot cross buns being available on Boxing Day. Reading his list, I frowned and muttered to myself, "Do you think money grows on trees?".

My mum would be proud.

His wish list was ambitious. A request for a computer monitor to go with his gaming keyboard ranked above the latest Beyblades. Fortunately, he no longer wishes for a budgie. We have a cavoodle that chases the cat and barks at birds. A budgie would be the end of me.

To be clear, he is not a spoilt child, he is just genetically wired to enjoy a trip to Westfield. Something to do with apples not falling far from trees, etc.

In my defence, it's not my fault the gaming shop is directly opposite the nail bar. I like to think he's inherited some of my more positive qualities, but his love for new and shiny things is definitely a hereditary trait he got from me.

I want many things for my son — kindness, helpfulness, good manners and the ability to make scrambled eggs, a cup of tea and pack the dishwasher. But what I've come to realise is that financial literacy and planning ahead for their future are just as essential life lessons as making breakfast.

To know the value of learning to save. To save not just for the monetary benefit but for the feeling of accomplishment that comes with achieving a goal. To understand the difference between a need and a want. And to realise that it's never too early to build good money habits — especially when thinking about your child's future.

It can feel overwhelming how quickly the different stages of childhood fly by — one minute they're a toddler and next they're a teen with much bigger financial needs.

One day they might need a car, a deposit for their first home or a financial safety net as they step into adulthood. The earlier you start, the easier it is to set them up for success.

That's where 10Invest comes in. A long-term investment bond designed to help parents invest in their child's future, 10Invest is simple to set up. It follows a 10-year investment strategy, meaning the longer you contribute, the greater the potential benefits. With six different investment options, it's a flexible way to invest in your child's future over time.

You can start with as little as $1,000 (or more if you choose) and contribute as little as $50 per investment option through a regular savings plan. And because 10Invest is designed as a 10-year investment, you can take advantage of compounding returns and tax efficiencies to build a strong financial foundation for your child.

Small steps today can make a big difference in 10 years and beyond.

Last year, my son started at a school that offers a full canteen service each day. I remember during the school holidays, we marvelled at the lunch options — while he was eyeing off the toasties and hot dogs, I was secretly hoping I'd spend less time making lunch boxes that would come home untouched, reasoning that if he chose the salad wrap, fruit and yoghurt, then it would be money well spent.

He started well: a once-a-week treat for him and a once-a-week lunch box packing reprieve for me. Then, we got constant notifications that his account needed topping up, which seemed a little too frequent for someone eating a hot dog and a slice of banana bread once a week (so much for the salad and fruit!).

My husband decided to do a quick audit of his account, and it became apparent that we were not just funding our son's lunch, but also drinks and snacks for his newfound friends.

This experience made me realise just how quickly children's needs change. First, they're asking for lunch money and before you know it, they need help with bigger purchases. It really emphasised why saving early as a parent is so important — and why my son quickly learnt that his chicken nugget fund needed to be cut off.

As kids move into their primary school years and impulsive spending at the shops becomes part of their DNA, it's a case of the sooner the better.

Creating a habit of putting some funds aside now and for the long term (bye-bye coveted designer shoes, hello sensible options) is something I can do to model responsibility and accountability — qualities we can all agree extend far beyond money management.

"That's the power of saving," I tell him, and he nods earnestly.

Check out 10Invest to kickstart your kid's financial future.

Investing carries risk. 10Invest is issued by Lifeplan Australia Friendly Society Limited ABN 78 087 649 492 AFS Licence number 237989 ('Lifeplan'), a wholly owned subsidiary of Australian Unity Limited ABN 23 087 648 888. The information provided is general information only and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should read the Product Disclosure Statements (PDS) available on Australian Unity's website. The Target Market Determination (TMD) is also available on the website.

Feature Image: Supplied.

Australian Unity's 10Invest is an investment bond designed to help you invest for your children's future.

Whether you're aiming to help fund their first house, a car, or create a nest egg, 10Invest provides a tax-effective way to invest. You can start with as little as $1000 and make regular contributions, choosing from six investment options based on your risk tolerance and financial goals. An investment bond like 10Invest is an option for parents looking to give their children a financial head start.