What if teaching your kids about money didn’t have to beawkward, overwhelming, or a little… stressful? In this conversation, Kiyah and financial expert Todd Christensen dive into exactly how families can make money talk normal.

Todd shares age-specific tips for kids and teens, the biggest mistakes parents make, tools for saving and allowances that actually work, and how blended families can align around shared money values. This episode will help you rethink financial education as an everyday skill—and a gift you can pass on to your kids.

**** LET'S CONNECT! ****

🌐 Todd’s Website: https://moneyfit.org

✅ Connect with Todd on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toddrchristensen

📩 Read our Newsletter: https://www.theweeklyparent.com

📷 Follow Kiyah onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkiyahduffey/

*** RESOURCES MENTIONED ****

Money Fit by DRS Blog: https://www.moneyfit.org/blog

Alexander, Who Used to Be Rich Last Sunday (Judith Viorst)

The Berenstain Bears The Trouble with Money

List of FinTech allowance apps (non-endorsed): Greenlight,GoHenry, FamZoo

Compound interest calculator: https://www.investor.gov/financial-tools-calculators/calculators/compound-interest-calculator

**** KEY TAKEAWAYS ****

Money discussions are often avoided due to generationalnorms.

Starting financial conversations early can prevent futureissues.

Children learn about money through observation and experience.

It's important to model healthy financial behaviors for kids.

Open communication about finances can strengthen familybonds.

Blended families may face unique financial challenges.

Regular financial discussions can help families stay on track.

Key milestones should prompt financial conversations.

Using tools and apps can simplify money management for kids.

Teaching kids about money is an ongoing process.

****CHAPTERS ****

00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy and Family Dynamics

02:02 The Challenges of Discussing Money in Families

05:55 Strategies for Initiating Financial Conversations

13:43 Teaching Financial Concepts to Young Children

17:31 Navigating Teenagers' Work and Financial Independence

26:14 Navigating Financial Conversations in Relationships

34:32 Key Milestones for Financial Discussions

37:27 The Evolution of Financial Literacy

39:33 Talking to Parents About Finances

44:45 Allowance and Financial Tools for Kids

**** ABOUT ****

Todd R. Christensen is a financial educator, HUD-certified housing counselor, and Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC®) who has spent more than two decades helping families build healthier financial lives. As the Financial Education & Housing Counseling Manager at Money Fit by DRS, Todd has guided thousands of parents, teens, and young adults through budgeting, debt reduction, saving, credit building, and the financial decisions that shape family wellbeing. He is the author of several books—including Everyday Money for Everyday People and 50+ on FIRE—and is a nationally recognized voice on practical money management.  

Dr. Kiyah Duffey, a celebrated nutrition expert with a PhDfrom UNC-Chapel Hill and founder of Kizingo, leverages her 20 years of experience to parents towards fostering healthier food habits in themselves and their children. As a mother of three and a globally recognized speaker and entrepreneur, she combines personal insight and professional expertise to help you transform your family’s relationship with food.

****KEYWORDS ****

 #financial #financialliteracy #family #familyfinance #money #moneymanagement #financialeducation #parenting #financialconversations #budgeting #saving #teaching#financialcounseling