It's Not About Money

It’s Not About Money is part of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network — and the network has a birthday this month.

This month the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network turns thirteen, and this is the birthday episode.

The format is simple. Hosts from across the network each took one real question from a homeschool parent — the kind that actually lands in an inbox — and answered it. Thirteen questions, about half an hour, running on every feed in the network this week.

Who you will hear: Felice Gerwitz on whether to homeschool at all · Hal and Melanie Young on boys who will not sit still · Dr. Melanie Wilson on why you are already behind · Sabrina and Vicki from 7Sisters on the high school transcript · Sue Myers on a fever and a two-year-old · Meryl van der Merwe on teenagers and AI · Meredith Curtis on getting the joy back · Lisa Nehring on life skills before they launch.

Felice closes it herself, with the part she does not usually say out loud: what it cost to keep this network on the air for thirteen years, and why the people who podcast here are unsung heroes.

If you have only ever listened to this one show, consider this your introduction to the rest of them.

The Sweet 13 Giveaway is open. More than $1,500 in prizes, four drawings across October, and a free party favor for everyone who enters. Enter at ultimateradioshow.com/sweet-13 — October 1 through 29. No purchase necessary, US residents 18+, official rules here.

Presented by Eden’s Table. Use code EDEN13.

The post Sweet 13 Bonus: The Network Turns Thirteen appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

They discuss how these experiences can help foster responsibility, financial independence, and a solid work ethic, all while equipping young people with valuable life skills.

Sponsored by CTCMath.com

Key Points Discussed:

– No Paying for Chores: Charla shares why she’s firmly against paying children for chores, explaining that chores are essential household tasks that everyone must contribute to, not something to be seen as optional or something to be negotiated. By reframing the approach, chores are presented as a responsibility rather than a money-making opportunity.

– Allowance and Budgeting: The hosts discuss how to give kids an allowance, but with a twist. Instead of giving money for discretionary spending, the allowance is tied to necessities like school clothes, activities, or supplies. This method teaches kids how to manage a limited budget and make tough choices when they overspend or need to save for future purchases. It’s about giving them responsibility over their finances while learning from their mistakes.

– Project List for Earning Money: Charla introduces a curated list of 12 projects that kids can undertake to earn money, including tasks like organizing household spaces, yard work, or even pet care for neighbors. These projects not only help them earn extra cash but also reinforce the value of working hard for what they want, creating a sense of achievement and independence.

– Learning Through Consequences: The episode is full of personal anecdotes, such as Charla’s son Jack, who accidentally ruined his white shoes by mowing the lawn, turning them green. These stories highlight how kids can learn from real-life consequences and gain a deeper appreciation for their belongings and the cost of replacing them.

Call to Action:

Connect With Us:

– Read Charla’s blog for more tips: [Beyond Personal Finance Blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

– Subscribe to our weekly email with links to our podcast and blog: [Subscribe Here](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1)

– Explore our financial literacy products for kids: [Beyond Personal Finance Products](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com)

The post Project Ideas to Generate Cash (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

sponsored by CTCMath.com

In this episode, Matt and Charla McKinley welcome their son Jack McKinley back to the studio. They discuss Jack’s summer experiences, his work, friendships, and financial management. The focus then shifts to the concept of a back-to-school contract, a tool that has helped their family establish clear expectations and consequences related to academic performance and personal responsibility.

Key Discussion Points:

Jack’s Summer Recap:

– Matt and Charla discuss Jack’s productive summer, where he balanced work, spending time with friends, and managing his finances.

– They highlight the importance of Jack having more cash left over than spent, a sign of his growing financial responsibility.

Back-to-School Contract:

– Charla introduces the back-to-school contract, explaining its origins and purpose. She recalls how it was inspired by Jack’s high school years.

– Matt shares his initial skepticism about the contract but acknowledges its positive impact on their family dynamic.

– Charla elaborates on how the contract set clear academic expectations and consequences, which helped manage Jack’s time and responsibilities effectively.

Implementation and Impact:

– Matt emphasizes the importance of drafting the contract collaboratively with the child to ensure they have a sense of ownership and understanding.

– Jack reflects on how the contract provided structure and clarity during his high school years, which was essential for his academic success.

– Charla discusses the challenges of enforcing the contract, noting that consistency is key to its effectiveness. She shares anecdotes of tough decisions, such as Jack missing social events due to not meeting academic standards.

Parenting Insights:

– Charla discusses the long-term benefits of teaching children about boundaries and consequences, preparing them for adult responsibilities.

– Matt talks about the importance of tough love and holding children accountable, stressing that it helps them develop resilience and independence.

– Jack expresses gratitude for the contract, acknowledging that it helped him develop the discipline needed for college and future endeavors.

Connect With Us:

You can find the bank to school contract and read more about this (or past topics) on Charla’s blog:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

To subscribe to the weekly email with links to our podcast and blog, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

To learn more about our unique products designed to increase your children’s understanding of how money works in the real world, go here:  https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/

The post Back to School Contract (Replay) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Teaching Teens the Value of Hard Work

In this episode, Matt and Charla bust the myth that teens will “just get” a work ethic.
Spoiler alert: They won’t.
Work ethic is taught, modeled, and experienced—it takes intentional parenting, not crossed fingers and good vibes.

1. Hard work isn’t natural—it’s learned.
Teens aren’t lazy, they’re just inexperienced. If they’ve never had to work for something, they won’t magically know how to when it counts.

2. They value what they earn.
When teens hustle for something, they care more about it. That shiny new thing feels different when it’s the result of sweat equity.

3. Chores ≠ Jobs.
Chores are unpaid, non-negotiable, and part of being in a family. You live here, you contribute—no negotiations required.

4. Allowance is a tool, not a wage.
Don’t pay for chores. Instead, treat allowance like a soccer ball—it’s practice gear for building money skills.
Need a refresher? Revisit episodes 25-07 and 25-08.

5. “Wants” are work opportunities.
If your teen wants more than the basics—great! That’s a work-for-want moment. Don’t fund the wish. Fund the hustle. Charla’s got a full list of job ideas on the blog (link below).

6. Real-life job ideas we love:

Organizing junk drawers

Shoveling snow

Hauling mulch

“Wee Haul” – a weekly bin-rolling biz

Raking leaves after a storm

Opportunities are everywhere—if they’re willing to look.

7. Not willing to work for it?
Then it may not be worth your money either. That’s part of the growing-up lesson: prepare before the opportunity, not after it arrives.

Require chores – cost of family membership
Provide allowance – practice tool for financial literacy
Offer paid projects – real-world training for work ethic

Charla’s Blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

Subscribe: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

Explore Our Curriculum: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Teaching Teens the Value of Hard Work appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

INAM 25-23: You Can’t Cram for Adulthood

Listen to all of the It’s Not About Money Podcast episodes here.

In this sentimental (and slightly hilarious) episode, Charla welcomes a very special guest—her daughter Kate.

As Kate prepares to launch into college life, the two reflect on the long runway of life lessons that shaped her independence—and why you can’t wait until senior year to teach kids how to adult.

From budgeting and banking basics to managing a credit card and handling group money for school events, Kate shares how growing up in a “learning by doing” household made all the difference. (Yes, there were spreadsheets. But also freedom—and room to make mistakes while the stakes were still low.)

Together, Charla and Kate unpack the myth that kids just magically “mature” when they turn 18. Spoiler alert: they don’t. They need practice, not pressure.

You’ll hear how Kate:

Learned to budget naturally

Reconciled her bank account monthly

Requested reimbursements like a boss

Navigated the wild world of credit cards

…all before setting foot on a college campus.

Whether your child is in middle school or on the brink of graduation, this episode is packed with real talk from a teen and actionable takeaways for parents who want to launch their kids with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Adulthood isn’t a cram session—it’s a long game.

Give teens responsibility with their money, not just cash.

Let them manage real tools (banking, budgeting, credit) with guidance.

Normalize financial conversations at home—early and often.

Connect With Us
Charla’s Blog: beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog
Subscribe: beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1
Explore Our Curriculum: beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post You Can’t Cram for Adulthood appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Welcome back to It’s Not About Money—the podcast where parenting gets intentional and the laughs are free. In this episode, Matt and Charla pull no punches as they dive into a fiery topic that might just make your mornings quieter and your kids more capable: What you should stop doing for your kids immediately.

We’re talking real talk—no guilt, just strategy. Matt opens with a spicy take (calling Charla lazy—bold move) and together they unpack three behaviors parents need to let go of in order to raise responsible, resilient kids. Here’s what made the cut:

If your kid wants a later bedtime, they need to earn it by taking responsibility for waking themselves up. Learn how natural consequences (and a few clever incentives) can work better than mom-as-human-alarm-clock.

Let them wear shorts in December or sandals on a hike. If they’re uncomfortable or end up with a blister, they’ll remember next time. Bonus: fewer arguments for you.

You only get so many words before they tune you out. Save them. Let consequences do the teaching—whether it’s forgotten homework, smelly shoes, or an overflowing trash can.

Charla and Matt share stories, sprinkle in humor, and offer practical tips for dialing back the helicoptering and letting kids experience the consequences of their choices.

Full list of the “7 Things to Stop Doing” is available on Charla’s blog: Beyond Personal Finance

Connect With Us:

Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our–blog

Subscribe: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe–1

Explore our curriculum: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post 3 Things You Need To Stop Doing For Your Kids appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Welcome back to It’s Not About Money, the money podcast for intentional parents!
In this episode, Charla and Matt dive into the second part of their series, exploring how you can help your child take on more responsibility as they grow from ages 11 to 18.
If you missed Part 1, where we discussed the younger age groups (2–10), check it out in the show notes.

• Ages 11–13: Becoming Capable
Kids in this range are gaining independence and confidence. They can take on tasks like organizing common areas, doing their own laundry, mowing the lawn, and preparing simple meals. Charla and Matt emphasize that teaching these basic skills early helps build both capability and confidence.

• Ages 14–16: Household Manager
At this stage, kids can start managing more complex tasks like deep cleaning areas, grocery shopping with a budget, and even handling basic home repairs. Charla shares how this stage builds on the skills learned earlier, reinforcing responsibility for the whole household.

• Ages 17+: Almost Adults
As your child nears adulthood, it’s time for them to take on the full responsibility of managing their lives, from scheduling appointments to maintaining a household. Charla and Matt discuss how the goal is for kids to be ready for independent living—handling tasks like cooking, cleaning, and managing a budget, with the safety net of being under your roof.

Age isn’t the only factor—maturity, capability, and attitude matter when assigning tasks.

Don’t wait to teach essential life skills. The earlier they learn, the more confident they’ll become.

Use this stage to prepare them for adulthood and set them up for success!

Don’t forget to grab the full chore list and other resources on our blog!

Make sure to sign up for updates from Beyond Personal Finance to get exclusive content!

Thanks for joining us today! Be sure to tune in next time for more insights on raising intentional, responsible kids.

Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog
Subscribe: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1
Explore our curriculum: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Your Child is More Capable Than You Know (Part 2) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla kick off a two-part series on chores, focusing this week on kids ages 2 to 10. Spoiler alert: your kids are far more capable than you might think—and starting early makes all the difference.

Charla shares a practical and encouraging list of age-appropriate tasks that can build confidence, develop independence, and create a household culture of contribution. From toddlers picking up toys to 10-year-olds folding laundry, this episode is packed with ways to engage your child meaningfully in the running of the home.

Matt and Charla also reflect on how expectations around kids’ responsibilities have shifted over time—and not always for the better. A century ago, children played vital roles in supporting the family. Today, we often underestimate what they can do. Charla challenges parents to raise the bar and let their kids rise to the occasion.

1. Early Helpers (Ages 2–6)
Simple tasks like picking up toys, making beds, feeding pets, and helping set the table give young kids a sense of ownership and belonging.

2. Gaining Independence (Ages 7–10)
Older kids can take on more responsibility—keeping rooms tidy, doing laundry, cleaning surfaces, and preparing snacks—while still enjoying the pride that comes from contributing.

3. The Power of Contribution
Matt and Charla emphasize that these aren’t just chores—they’re the building blocks of confidence, capability, and character.

4. Progress Over Perfection
Don’t expect perfection. Focus on effort, habit-building, and encouraging your child’s growth.

→ Start giving your kids meaningful tasks today.
→ Download Charla’s age-based chore list from this week’s blog.
→ Tune in next week for Part 2: Chores for ages 11–18.

Blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog
Subscribe: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1
Explore our courses: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Your Kids Are More Capable Than You Think- Part One appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla tackle a growing parenting challenge—how to raise kids who are prepared for adulthood before they leave the house.
From household chores to job interviews, this episode unpacks what it really takes to help teens grow into confident, competent adults.

Too many parents focus solely on academics, unintentionally skipping the everyday life skills that make all the difference in the real world. Charla and Matt call out the danger of protecting kids too much and share how small responsibilities now can build the confidence needed for the future.

With humor (and a few “Montana homestead” confessions), they get honest about how trying to delay adulthood can backfire—and why folding laundry, cooking dinner, and filling out forms are not optional life skills.

1. The Myth of the 18th Birthday Magic Wand
Adulthood doesn’t begin with a cake and candles. Kids need to be building real-world skills before they leave home.

2. The Confidence-Responsibility Connection
Charla explains why confidence grows by doing hard things—consistently and over time.

3. The Language Shift That Changes Everything
Stop saying “Can you help me?” Start saying “It’s your turn.” Words matter.

4. Real-World Exposure Matters
From chores to jobs outside the home, kids need practice being accountable to people who aren’t their parents.

→ Start small: assign one daily task your child is fully responsible for.
→ Shift your mindset: you’re not just running a household—you’re raising an adult.
→ Follow us on social and share how your family is preparing for adulting.

Charla’s blog: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog
Subscribe: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1
Explore our curriculum: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Adulting Is Not Optional – How to Raise Capable, Confident Kids appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this special mother-daughter episode of It’s Not About Money, Charla is joined by her daughter Kate to explore how families can use storytelling—especially movies—to build resilience and connection.

With Matt out this week, the ladies dive into one of their favorite family traditions: watching meaningful shows together to spark conversation and create quality time.

Charla shares how she’s used family movie nights to go beyond simple entertainment, intentionally choosing films that highlight grit, perseverance, and hope. Using curated lists from Common Sense Media, she selects titles that inspire real discussion—and sometimes a little friendly teasing (yes, renting Ant-Man five times is now part of McKinley family lore).

Sometimes it’s not about the perfect movie—it’s about being together and opening up meaningful conversations along the way.

Kids often learn best through observing others. Charla and Kate explain how resilience becomes real when kids see characters struggle, adapt, and overcome.

From The Eagle Huntress to Dancing in Jaffa, Charla shares films (for all ages) that show powerful examples of courage and growth from around the world.

Kate explains how these movie moments can lead to more authentic, less confrontational conversations—and Charla reminds us that sometimes, just listening is the best gift we can give.

→ Choose a resilience-themed movie for your next family night.
→ Use it as a springboard for honest conversation and connection.
→ Find the full movie list in the show notes and this week’s blog.

Blog: beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

Subscribe: beyondpersonalfinance.com/subscribe-1

Courses for Teens: beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Building Resilience Through Quality Time (and Movies That Matter) appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.