AOA 084: Kids Can Spend Smarter — with Karen Holland

In this Art of Allowance Podcast episode, host John Lanza speaks with guest Karen Holland about her nonprofit, GIFTING SENSE®, and its core component, the DIMS – DOES IT MAKE SENSE?® SCORE Calculator. They discuss the importance of teaching kids mindful spending habits, particularly during middle school–a critical time for developing financial literacy. Karen also shares insights on how the DIMS SCORE® helps children make informed purchasing decisions, reduces family discord over money and encourages reflection on spending choices. Her conversation with John emphasizes the need for experiential learning and the role of parents in guiding their kids towards better money management practices.

Karen Holland is an economist, a mom and the founder of the nonprofit GIFTING SENSE®. Karen holds a master's degree in economic history and an honors bachelor's degree in economics. She has been named a Next Gen Personal Finance Distinguished Educator and believes that early success with thinking before buying primes kids to seek out the financial knowledge they'll need later, building confident, financially literate citizens for life.