Priceless Facts About Money with Mellody Hobson

Priceless Facts About Money with Mellody Hobson

Author: Next Gen Personal Finance December 10, 2025 Duration: 38:33

In this episode, Yanely Espinal talks to Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and New York Times bestselling author of Priceless Facts About Money. Melody shares the inspiration behind her new children's book, which she intentionally crafted as a "gateway" book that teaches adults through kids by making financial concepts fun, accessible, and rooted in real facts. She discusses her long-standing concern about America's financial literacy gap and explains how the pandemic finally gave her time to write the book. Drawing on examples like money slang, everyday decision-making, and historical origins of currency, Melody emphasizes that children are far more capable of learning complex financial ideas than adults often assume. She also highlights the importance of early exposure by describing the Ariel Community Academy model, where first graders receive real dollars to invest and learn financial concepts progressively through graduation. The conversation explores Melody's personal journey and how those experiences inform her mission to help the next generation build confidence and knowledge.


Behind the mission of Next Gen Personal Finance-a nonprofit dedicated to ensuring every U.S. high school student takes a personal finance class-is a vibrant community of educators constantly refining their craft. The NGPF Podcast sits at the heart of that conversation. It’s a space where teachers, curriculum specialists, and sometimes even students share their real-world experiences and challenges in bringing financial literacy to life. You’ll hear practical discussions about what actually works in the classroom, from innovative lesson plans to navigating tricky topics like investing, credit, and behavioral economics. The episodes, often born from the organization's deep investment in teacher professional development, feel less like formal lectures and more like insightful coffee-break chats with colleagues who are just as passionate about empowering the next generation. Tuning into this podcast offers a direct line to the strategies and stories that are shaping financially capable young adults, all grounded in the high-quality resources NGPF is known for. It’s an essential listen for anyone invested in the practical side of financial education, whether you're in a classroom or simply believe in the critical importance of these skills for the future.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

NGPF Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Abby Coyle and Katie Gracey from Class Bank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Abby and Katie, co-founders of ClassBank, to discuss their journey from teachers to tech entrepreneurs. They explore how ClassBank, a platform designed to simulate real…
Abby Coyle and Katie Gracey from Class Bank [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:24
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Abby and Katie, co-founders of ClassBank, to discuss their journey from teachers to tech entrepreneurs. They explore how ClassBank, a platform designed to simulate real…
Professor Meir Statman, Santa Clara University, on Behavioral Finance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:19
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta welcomes Professor Meir Statman of Santa Clara University, where they discuss his latest insights on behavioral finance. Drawing on a rich academic career and his recent book, "…
NGPF Team Members Amanda Volz and Sonia Dalal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sonia Dalal (Director of Curriculum) and Amanda Volz (Director of Professional Development) from the NGPF Team. Sonia explores NGPF's expanded curriculum, focusing…
NGPF Team Members Amanda Volz and Sonia Dalal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Tim Ranzetta is joined by Sonia Dalal (Director of Curriculum) and Amanda Volz (Director of Professional Development) from the NGPF Team. Sonia explores NGPF's expanded curriculum, focusing…
Joe Lanza from Dow Jones Smart Money Partners [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:54
In this NGPF Speaker Series episode, Yanely interviews Joe Lanza of Dow Jones about their new educational initiative with the Wall Street Journal, aiming to enhance financial literacy resources for educators. Joe shares…
Coach Matthew Dougherty, Paul Smith's College [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:49
In this episode of the NGPF Podcast, Tim interviews Coach Matt Dougherty from Paul Smith's College, nestled in the Adirondacks. Coach Matt discusses his approach to integrating environmental education with athletics and…
Dina and Tony Isola on Improving Financial Literacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:55
In this episode of the NGPF Speaker Series, Dina and Tony Isola tackle financial literacy with a focus on educators. They discuss psychological barriers to effective money management and share insights into teacher retir…
Rod Griffin from Experian on Credit Scores [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:21
In this NGPF Podcast episode, Yanely welcomes Rod Griffin from Experian to discuss the significant changes in the credit industry since 2019, including the rise of "Buy Now, Pay Later" services. Rod shares insights from…