Money Smart - Keeping the Spirit of Physical Board Games Alive

As a child, I always cherished playing board games. The touch and feel of moving pieces across the board, the joy of sitting around the table with friends and family, the anticipation of what’s coming up next as we play, and the thrill of strategy and luck combined—it was a magical experience that left lasting memories.  I have to say that nostalgia for the games I grew up playing led me to create Money Smart, a fun and engaging game myself, keeping the spirit of board games alive!

In a world where screens now dominate our lives, there's something of a nostalgic feeling about gathering around a physical board game. It's a reminder of our old and simple times, a way to connect with friends and family, and an opportunity to have fun together. Physical board games offer a range of benefits that digital games often lack:

Social Interaction: Board games bring people together in a shared physical space, fostering real-life connections and communication.

Critical Thinking: Many board games require players to strategize, plan ahead, and think critically, skills that are essential in daily life.

Hands-On Learning: Board games often involve tactile elements, which can enhance learning and retention, especially for younger players.

Screen-Free Time: In an age where screens are ubiquitous, board games offer a much-needed break and help reduce screen fatigue.

Money Smart is an innovative board game designed to capture the timeless charm of board games. It's not just a game; it's an educational journey that encourages players to enhance financial acumen via making meaningful decisions throughout the game while having fun. Four important pillars of basic finance are earn, save, spend and invest. The game offers the prospects of earning more, saving and investing smartly and spending wisely–with the goal of increasing the final net worth. The tangible interaction and face-to-face engagement fostered by Money Smart make it a valuable tool for parents looking to balance their children's screen time with meaningful, offline activities.

Fast forward to today, I see the same excitement in the eyes of parents who approach me, expressing their love for board games. One parent shared, "Love your (non-digital) board gaming concept." Another said, "At 12-14 years of age [of our son], one motivation for us is to keep him off screen and indulge in such games rather than computer games." These sentiments underscore the enduring appeal and importance of physical board games in our digital age.

In conclusion, physical board games like Money Smart offer a unique blend of education, entertainment, and social interaction. They remind us of the fun of unplugged play, the joy of togetherness, the value of face-to-face connections, the suspense of what will happen next, and the excitement of potentially winning the game. Let’s embrace the magic of board games and continue to create lasting memories, one roll of the dice at a time!

Anuj Jagannathan

CEO, Propelurs Consulting

Creator of Money Smart