How to track a child's cash savings without opening a bank account.

The money can sit in a cash envelope, a parent savings account, or another arrangement. The important thing is that the parent knows what the ledger represents.

Tell the child the truth in simple words: the app shows your savings record, and I am responsible for keeping the real money safe.

Small balances become confusing when changes are delayed. Add a deposit when cash comes in. Add a withdrawal when the child spends. Add a note if the reason might be unclear later.

Pick a regular check-in and compare the ledger to the real money arrangement. If something is wrong, fix it plainly. The correction itself can be part of the lesson.