Ever since I published my first book, I Wish They Taught Money In School back in 2013, Monique—my dear friend and fellow advocate—had been nudging me to write children’s books on financial literacy. It was a no-brainer to say yes. But the bigger, looming question was always when. When would I find the time to start?
Then life, as it does, took over. Monique and I both became moms, and suddenly the years slipped away in a blur of playdates, school runs, and bedtime stories. The idea of writing for children took a backseat, overtaken by motherhood. But the pandemic—like a sudden pause button on life—brought with it an unexpected gift: time. Stuck at home in 2021, between Zoom calls and homeschooling, we finally revisited our dream. This was the moment. The question now became what should we write about?
It wasn’t until I reflected on my first book that the answer revealed itself. After its release, I’d often hear from readers: Why is it still so hard to save? Why can’t I get out of credit card debt, even though I know the tips? The reality is, no matter how many financial strategies you learn, if your mindset and habits are deeply rooted from childhood, change feels almost impossible. That’s when it hit me: it’s not just about teaching our kids how to save or invest. It’s about instilling the right values and habits long before they even hear the word "budget."
Think about it. Our behaviors—how we react, decide, and manage money—are shaped by our attitudes, which come from our beliefs. And those beliefs? They stem from our core values, the unspoken principles that guide everything we do. So, before we can teach our kids the mechanics of money, we have to start with values. I couldn’t shake the thought: why, in school, are we taught good study habits but not good money habits? Why are universal values like honesty, patience, and hard work never discussed in the context of money?
This was the seed of our idea. Monique and I decided to start our financial literacy advocacy with stories—stories that would help children grasp the values and habits that form the foundation of smart money decisions. We wanted to build a world where money was more than just numbers—it was tied to the values we hold dear. My task? To outline these values. And Monique would craft the stories that would teach both kids and adults how to guide these vital conversations with the little ones in their lives.
We also realized we needed a central character, someone who would embody these values like a beloved friend or guide. That’s when we created Saffi Squirrel. Squirrels instinctively store food during times of plenty, preparing for scarcity—what better metaphor for financial wisdom? And "Saffi" means wisdom. She became the heart of our stories, the wise friend everyone turns to for advice.
So here they are—the 10 values and habits of a money-smart kid (and yes, adults too):
Money Mindfulness – Making thoughtful financial decisions begins by understanding the difference between needs and wants. When they grow older, it’ll help them differentiate between assets and liabilities and answer questions like, "Do I buy a big house, or buy two smaller ones and rent out one?"
Delayed Gratification – Learning the power of waiting for a bigger reward instead of giving in to immediate satisfaction. In a world full of instant gratification, this is the foundation of long-term investing and planning.
Creativity and Abundance – Embracing multiple sources of income and thinking creatively about money. Kids should know they can earn from their talents and passions—there’s no limit to their potential.
Dreaming Big and Believing in Oneself – Setting bold goals and having the confidence to pursue them. Ask your child: What’s your wildest dream? And how can money help make it real?
Giving and Sharing – The ultimate purpose of money is to make a positive impact on others. Generosity and empathy are values that transcend money itself.
Gratitude and Contentment – Appreciating what you have, leads to a deeper sense of satisfaction. Instead of always wanting more, more, more, let’s teach them to focus on what they already have.
Honesty and Integrity – The value of truthfulness builds trust in financial decisions—from paying bills on time to earning money ethically.
Frugality and Simplicity – Using money wisely and enjoying the simple things in life. Living with less can lead to a fuller, richer life.
Working Hard and Working Smart – The balance between putting in effort and making your money work for you. It’s not just about hard work; it’s about working smart.
Asking and Receiving – Having the confidence to seek help and the grace to accept it. Valuing oneself is at the heart of asking for what we deserve.
Once we had these core values, it was time to bring them to life in stories. Each of the 10 tales will explore one value, and we decided to name the stories after our own children. Monique has three beautiful children, Mattina, Reneé, and Rafael and I have two amazing ones, Alessi and Basti. These stories are filled with Big People Prompts (BPPs) to guide parents in having deep, meaningful conversations with their kids. Wed introduced Saffi Says (SS) to drive home key concepts with fun, memorable chants or phrases that can be used in everyday life.
Our hope? To plant the seeds of better money habits now, so the next generation grows up not just with financial knowledge but with the values that make smart decisions second nature.
And this, my friends, is how "The 10 Values and Habits of a Money-Smart Kid" was born. Here's to creating a future of financially empowered kids—and maybe even a few financially wiser adults, too.
