Hi, I’m Mara—mom, business coach, and author of The Little Books of Big Business series. I’ve walked the path of raising kids into financially confident young adults, and I know firsthand how crucial those early lessons about money can be. Now, I’m here to help you navigate this journey with your own children or grandchildren—and make it fun, engaging, and full of “aha” moments for your whole family.
Money might seem like a big, serious topic, but I believe it doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming. My approach is all about learning through play. Through my entrepreneurial books for kids, “Let’s Play Money” worksheets, and hands-on programs like Kid Vendor Days at local farmers markets, I help families turn financial literacy for kids into a playful and empowering experience.
The Problem We Can’t Ignore
When my kids were in grade school, high school, and even college, I noticed a shocking trend: schools weren’t teaching financial literacy! They learned math, reading, and science, but practical financial skills—like saving, budgeting, and understanding a paycheck—were missing from the curriculum.
This wasn’t just my family’s experience—it’s the reality for most kids. While schools focus heavily on STEM subjects, financial literacy for kids is often an afterthought. My kids took advanced STEM classes, but neither spent even an hour learning financial basics.
The results? Teens and young adults enter the real world unprepared for critical milestones like managing bills, building credit, or avoiding long-term debt.
According to Vince Shorb, CEO of the National Financial Literacy Council:
“Educational standards have been laid out for the rest of the core curriculum most students receive, but not yet for financial education – a topic that would benefit 100% of American children and teens.”
The good news? You don’t have to wait for schools to fill this gap. As parents, grandparents, or mentors, we have the power to equip our kids with essential financial skills.
Start Early—Start with Play
From the moment kids grasp the concept of money—whether it’s pointing to their favorite cereal at the grocery store or swiping a toy cash register—they’re ready to start learning. The key is to meet them where they are, using stories, play-based learning, and real-life experiences to introduce important concepts.
That’s where my Let’s Play Money approach comes in! I’ve developed resources that make financial literacy for kids accessible, engaging, and fun for all ages.
Story-Based Learning The Little Books of Big Business series teaches practical money lessons through relatable stories. This approach, known as narrative or story-based learning, connects emotionally with kids, helping them visualize situations and better retain information. It’s an especially effective way to teach abstract concepts like financial literacy for kids.
Interactive Worksheets My Let’s Play Money printable packets are packed with activities that bring financial literacy standards to life, including:
Spending & Saving
Credit & Debt
Employment & Income
Investing
Risk Management & Insurance
Financial Decision-Making
Through these packets, kids explore youth entrepreneurship, money math, vocabulary, business games, and life skills—all through the lens of play. And yes, there’s plenty of coloring!
Simple to Use The worksheets are easy to download, print, and use right away.
Easy to Understand The books are engaging for younger kids and teach complex topics in simple terms.
These resources aren’t just tools for learning; they’re building blocks for your child’s future. When families talk and play with money together, kids don’t just understand money—they gain confidence in handling it. These early lessons create a strong foundation for future success.
The Teenage Years: Why Starting Early Matters
As a mom of young adults, I know firsthand that the teenage years are a pivotal time for financial conversations. This is when kids start craving independence, but it’s also when they’re faced with major financial decisions, like:
Saving for their first car
Managing a part-time job paycheck
Deciding on future pathways (think student loans, credit card debt, etc.)
If we wait until the teenage years to teach them about money, we’re playing catch-up. Starting earlier—between the ages of 6 and 11—lays a foundation of trust and knowledge that grows with them. By the time they reach their teenage years, they’ll have the tools to make smart choices and the confidence to come to you with questions.
Let’s Build Their Future—Together
The skills kids develop today will shape their tomorrow in ways we can’t even imagine. Teaching financial literacy for kids isn’t just about avoiding mistakes; it’s about empowering them to:
Dream big
Plan for success
Create opportunities for themselves
Through fun and meaningful activities, I’ve helped families like yours raise kids who:
Have started their own micro-businesses and learned to make money
Understand what things cost and contribute to family financial decisions
Are already budgeting and saving for their own needs and wants (short-term & long-term)
And let me tell you—it’s never too early or too late to start. Whether your child is five or fifteen, there’s always a way to make learning about money engaging and relevant.
Don’t Wait to Get Started!
If you’re ready to turn money lessons into family fun, I’ve got the tools to help.
The Little Books Of Big Business BUNDLE is where it all starts!
The BUNDLE includes:
The first four books in The Little Books of Big Business series (in a fun briefcase kit with money envelopes, stickers & more!)
12 activity packets (we print one for you & you download your grade choice of 11 more)
A cute kitty pillow
A handy canvas bag to keep it all together
Let’s teach your kids how to “play money” today so they can confidently navigate their financial future tomorrow. You’ve got this—and I’m here to help every step of the way.
Join the Conversation!
Together, we can raise a generation of financially savvy, independent kids—and have fun while we’re at it!
I’d love to hear your thoughts: How are you teaching your kids about money?
Share your experiences in the comments, and let’s inspire one another to create brighter tomorrows for our kids.
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