Making Personal Finance Fun and Hands-On with Stephen Day

Ever wonder why some kids reach adulthood terrified of money while others handle it with confidence? In this episode, Yanely sits down with Steven Day, former high school teacher and author of Teach a Kid to Save: A Fun, Hands-On Approach to Building Smart Money Habits, to unpack how a simple "mini economy" at home or in the classroom can build lasting financial habits. Steven grew up inside one of these systems, since his dad literally wrote the book on it, and now runs one with his own four kids, complete with a seven-year-old who drives a hard bargain over the morning coffee. Along the way, he explains why a classroom economy should be a teaching tool rather than a behavior-control system, how cash-strapped teachers can run one for almost nothing, and why selling "privilege coupons" often beats stocking a store with more stuff. He also makes the case for starting early, tying money lessons to kids' real values and goals, and giving students the rare chance to experience money as producers and investors instead of just consumers. Packed with practical tips, free printable resources, and a few laugh-out-loud parenting moments, this conversation is a must-listen for any teacher or parent who wants to raise money-smart kids. Tune in and rethink what financial education can look like from the ground up.