money money money 824b raising money-smart teens: Mandy Money & how to teach financial basics
Jun 18, 2025
Barbara van der Merwe, creator of the Mandy Money resource for high school financial education, discusses the urgent need to teach teens about personal finance. She shares effective strategies for engaging in money conversations that foster understanding and reduce anxiety around financial differences among peers. The podcast highlights how Mandy Money aligns with school curriculums and emphasizes the importance of introducing financial literacy early. Barbara also teases her upcoming board book for younger children, aiming to cultivate money-smart habits from a young age.
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Involve Teens in Real Finances
- Treat teenagers like adults by involving them in age-appropriate financial conversations.
- Show real financial documents or processes to foster curiosity and maturity around money.
Teens Need Exposure, Not Expertise
- Teens don't need to master finance at school; exposure is key.
- Early engagement builds confidence to learn more about money independently later.
Use Personal Money Stories
- Share your personal money stories openly with children, including mistakes.
- Normalize money struggles to create an open, shame-free conversation around finances.