How to Raise Money-Smart Kids: What a Middle School Class Taught Me About Money

What happens when you hand a mic to a room full of 8th graders and start talking about money? You get insights that are smarter, bolder, and more financially sound than you’d expect — and in some cases, more than most adults can offer.

In this episode of Everyone’s Talkin’ Money, I’m taking you behind the scenes of my daughter’s middle school Career Day, where I spoke about being a money expert and podcaster. But instead of just lecturing, I flipped the script and asked them the big money questions. What I heard blew me away.

We’ll explore:

• How a one-quarter financial literacy class (just 45 days!) is shaping the way kids think about saving, spending, and investing
• Why kids associate money with freedom — and adults with stress
• Actionable ways parents, guardians, and educators can start real money conversations with kids (without eye rolls or lectures)
• The simple frameworks I use to teach kids how to spend, save, and give with purpose
• What my first job as a “toast girl” taught me about assigning value to every dollar

Whether you’re a parent, educator, or just someone who wants to raise a generation of money-smart kids, this episode will leave you inspired — and ready to start the conversation.

Tune in to hear how just a little bit of financial education can go a very long way.

What you'll walk away with:

• Money is about feelings, mindset, and not just spreadsheets.
• Kids can have a strong financial foundation if taught early.
• Engaging kids in money conversations empowers them.
• Every dollar should have a purpose to instill confidence.
• Teaching kids about money can prevent future mistakes.
• Financial literacy classes in schools make a difference.
• Kids understand concepts like delayed gratification and impulse spending.
• Adults should share their money mistakes to teach wisdom.
• Saving and budgeting are essential skills for kids.
• Money management is about balance between spending and saving.

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