It's Not About Money

While we all want to encourage our kids to aim high, it’s equally important to teach them how to assess whether their ambitions are grounded in reality—or floating in a cloud of wishful thinking.

Charla (jokingly called the “dream crusher,” though she prefers “fantasy crusher”) unpacks what separates a dream from a fantasy.
Hint: it has a lot to do with effort, natural talent, and whether your child is self-motivated to put in the work when no one is watching.

Using relatable stories—including one about their own son’s baseball aspirations—Matt and Charla demonstrate how to recognize the signs of real passion versus temporary whims.

1. The Difference Between a Dream and a Fantasy
Dreams are based on ability, passion, and a willingness to work hard. Fantasies are just nice ideas with no plan or path forward.

2. Real-Life Clues That a Dream Might Be Worth Pursuing
From independent practice to asking for lessons, Charla outlines what to look for when evaluating your child’s ambition.

3. Four Questions to Ask Your Child (and Yourself)
Help your kids self-reflect with a simple framework:

Do I have the ability?

Will I put in the effort?

Are there clear steps to take?

Has anyone else done this successfully?

4. How to Redirect Without Crushing Spirits
Even if the original dream isn’t realistic, kids can often pivot toward related paths that still align with their interests—without setting them up for future frustration or failure.

→ Ask your child thoughtful questions instead of offering blind encouragement.
→ Download Charla’s Dream vs. Fantasy checklist (coming soon on the blog!).
→ Share your own stories on social and tag us—we’d love to hear how you’re guiding your kids through this process.

Explore more parenting and finance resources:
https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

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The post Is It a Dream or Just a Fantasy? Helping Kids Discern Their Future appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla celebrate Financial Literacy Month by spotlighting five game-changing personal finance books for adults who want to improve their own money skills in order to better teach their kids.

If you’ve ever felt underqualified to guide your children in money matters, this episode offers an encouraging and practical starting point. Charla’s curated list includes approachable, insightful titles that cover everything from money mindset to budgeting, saving, and the psychology of financial decision-making.

Many adults never received formal financial education, learning instead through trial and error or family dynamics filled with silence or shame around money. Charla emphasizes that to raise financially literate kids, parents need to first feel confident in their own knowledge.

Charla shares five of her favorite titles:

Your Money or Your Life – Shift your mindset by connecting money to your life energy.

The Index Card – Simple, actionable advice that fits on a single card.

Get Good with Money – A holistic guide to achieving financial wholeness.

The Psychology of Money – A fascinating look at how behavior and emotion shape our financial choices.

ME: The True Story of a Made-Up Thing – A historical and humorous look at what money actually is.

These books not only build adult confidence but also equip parents to have meaningful conversations with their kids about money—setting the foundation for lifelong financial health.

Grab one of the recommended books and start reading!

Got a favorite finance book? Tag @beyondpersonalfinance and share it with us!

Not subscribed yet? Join our email list for more insights and free resources.

Read Charla’s blog: beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog

Explore our curriculum: beyondpersonalfinance.com

The post Top 5 Personal Finance Books Every Parent Should Read This Financial Literacy Month appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

Should you show your kids your finances? In today’s episode, Charla and Matt dive into this question and discuss why they believe the answer is no. While financial transparency is important in some areas, sharing exact numbers with kids can often do more harm than good.

Charla explains that children lack the life experience to fully grasp financial nuances. Without proper context, they may develop unnecessary worries, entitlement, or an unrealistic view of money. Instead of exposing them to real financial pressures, parents can teach financial literacy in a way that fosters independence and critical thinking.

One powerful tool for this is simulation-based learning. Rather than showing kids real family finances, Charla recommends giving them opportunities to make financial choices in a controlled environment. This is why she created Beyond Personal Finance, a curriculum that takes teens through a 20-year financial journey where they must make decisions about careers, housing, transportation, and more. The results? Eye-opening experiences that help them understand the consequences of financial decisions—without the real-world risks.

Matt and Charla also discuss how parents can integrate financial lessons into everyday life, from budgeting for groceries to saving for big purchases. By guiding kids through decision-making processes rather than just giving them financial figures, parents can equip them with the skills they need to be financially responsible adults.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why revealing your finances to your kids may not be the best approach

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Beyond Personal Finance

Would you share your finances with your kids? Let us know in the comments!

The post Should You Show Your Kids Your Finances? appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla dive into a key topic for parents of teens—helping kids develop financial responsibility by contributing to their own expenses. While some parents might hesitate at the idea, Charla explains how strategic financial contributions help teens learn valuable money lessons before adulthood.

Matt and Charla break down the big three expenses where teens should have skin in the game: school wardrobes, car expenses, and cell phones. These high-cost items are often a source of tension in families, but by involving teens in financial decisions, parents can teach budgeting, trade-offs, and personal responsibility.

Key Topics Covered:

Call to Action:

Get the Full List! Matt and Charla only covered three of the seven key expenses teens should contribute to. Grab the full list in this episode’s show notes or visit the blog for details.

Join the Conversation! What expenses do your teens contribute to? Have you seen any lessons stick? Share your experience in the comments or on social media!

Connect With Us:

Read more on Charla’s blog: Beyond Personal Finance

Subscribe to our email list: Get episode updates and financial tips for teens! Subscribe Here

Explore our courses: Give your teen the financial head start they deserve! Beyond Personal Finance Courses

The post 7 Things Your Teen Should Pay For appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla discuss the powerful connection between self-control and financial success. Research shows that a lack of self-control is a significant predictor of future money problems, and as parents, we have the opportunity to help our kids develop this crucial skill early. Charla shares insights on how to foster self-control in children, explaining why small financial decisions now shape long-term habits.

Through personal stories, including her own struggles with impulse shopping and her strategy for avoiding temptations, Charla highlights the importance of modeling financial discipline for kids. The conversation dives into why delayed gratification is critical, how impulse spending can lead to financial instability, and the practical ways parents can help their children build self-control.

Key Topics Covered:

Key Takeaways:

Call to Action:

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The post The 1 Predictor of Money Problems appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of It’s Not About Money, Matt and Charla introduce a special session designed to help teens understand the reality of paychecks. Charla recently taught a virtual one-hour lesson to students across the country, and today, she shares that session with you. If you’re a parent looking for a quick, impactful way to teach your teen about paychecks, deductions, and net income, this is the perfect episode to share with them!

Key Topics Covered:

Many teens step into the workforce unaware of how much they will actually take home. Charla emphasizes that understanding paycheck deductions early prevents surprises and financial miscalculations. Learning these concepts in advance allows teens to budget wisely and make informed financial decisions from their first job onward.

Teens often assume they get to keep every dollar they earn. Charla breaks down gross pay vs. net pay, explaining deductions for federal and state taxes, Social Security, and Medicare. Through examples and interactive exercises, students see firsthand how much money is deducted before their paycheck reaches their bank account.

Understanding paycheck deductions is an essential life skill. Charla introduces paycheck calculators and simple methods to estimate take-home pay before even accepting a job. This helps teens set realistic financial expectations and avoid overspending based on incorrect assumptions about their income.

Call to Action:

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The post You Don’t Get To Keep All You Make appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode of *It’s Not About Money*, Charla is once again joined by her daughter, Kate, to dive into an important topic—confidence. As a high school senior preparing for college, Kate shares her perspective on how she built confidence over time and how parents can support their kids in becoming independent, self-assured young adults.

Key Topics Covered: 

– How Confidence Develops Over Time

Kate reflects on how confidence isn’t something you wake up with one day—it grows through experiences and small wins. She shares how being encouraged to handle things on her own, rather than having her parents step in, helped her develop resilience and belief in herself.

– Taking Small Steps to Build Independence 

Charla explains how she intentionally gave Kate opportunities to practice independence in low-risk situations, such as taking her first solo flight in middle school. These experiences helped prepare Kate for bigger moments, like traveling abroad with her school group.

– Handling Real-World Challenges 

Kate recounts situations where she had to rely on her own problem-solving skills, such as staying home alone for the first time, dealing with minor car accidents, and even navigating a difficult breakup. Each experience reinforced her ability to handle tough situations on her own.

– Overcoming Fears Through Experience 

One of the most entertaining stories Kate shares is how she faced her lifelong fear of roaches while living in a dorm over the summer. Instead of panicking, she took charge, realizing that her ability to handle small fears helped build confidence in other areas of life.

– Why Parents Should Step Back 

Charla emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to figure things out for themselves. Whether it’s making phone calls, cooking meals, or handling difficult conversations, parents who always step in may unintentionally hold their kids back from gaining confidence.

 Call to Action: 

Connect With Us: 

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

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

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post Small Steps, Big Confidence appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Charla is joined by a special guest—her daughter, Kate! As Kate prepares to head off to college, they discuss the essential life skills every teen should master before leaving home. From money management to car maintenance, Kate shares her experiences, successes, and challenges in becoming independent.

Key Topics Covered: 

– Learning to Spend Wisely  Kate has always been a natural saver, but Charla explains why learning to spend money wisely is just as important. To help her practice, Charla implemented an allowance system where Kate is responsible for buying her own Starbucks and gifts for friends. This approach has helped Kate become more intentional with her spending while still holding onto her saver mindset. 

– Working in High School vs. College  Unlike her brother, Jack, who worked throughout high school, Kate focused on her rigorous coursework and extracurriculars. Charla emphasizes that every child is different, and parents should tailor their expectations to their teen’s individual needs. While Kate didn’t work in high school, she understands that working in college will be necessary to support her lifestyle. 

– Basic Cooking Skills  Kate openly admits that cooking is not a priority for her. With a diet consisting of grilled cheese, buttered noodles, and Rice Krispie treats, she has mastered just enough to get by. Charla highlights the importance of knowing your child’s personality and teaching them the skills they’re willing to learn, rather than forcing unnecessary lessons. 

– Jump-Starting a Car!  One of Kate’s biggest confidence boosters has been learning how to jump-start a car. After experiencing a few dead batteries, she took control and even demonstrated the process for her classmates. This skill has given her a sense of independence, proving that small wins can significantly boost a teen’s confidence. 

– Researching & Negotiating Purchases  Whether buying gifts or shopping for herself, Kate is a meticulous researcher. She shares how she overcame her hesitation with secondhand shopping, learning to compare options and make informed decisions. Charla offers insights into helping teens understand different online marketplaces and how to spot good deals.

Call to Action: 

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

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

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post 28 Skills Every Teen Should Master appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Matt and Charla dive into listener questions about allowance, covering everything from when to start giving one, how to handle unwise spending choices, and whether all kids should receive an allowance at the same time. Charla provides expert insights on structuring allowance to teach financial responsibility, while Matt keeps the conversation fun and engaging with real-life examples.

Key Topics Covered:

–  Do Siblings Need Allowance at the Same Time? It’s common to assume all kids should receive an allowance at the same time, but Charla challenges this idea. Allowance is a tool for teaching money management, not a right of passage based on age. She explains how parents can stagger allowances based on a child’s readiness, responsibility, and ability to handle money.

–  What If My Child Wants to Spend Their Money on Something Unwise? One of the hardest things for parents is watching kids make financial mistakes. Charla and Matt discuss the importance of letting kids experience small financial failures now—when the stakes are low—so they avoid costly mistakes in adulthood. They share how parents can guide children toward smart spending decisions without taking control.

–  When Should You Start Giving an Allowance? Is seven too young? Charla explains that age isn’t the best indicator—maturity and readiness matter more. She offers tips on evaluating when your child is ready and how to keep the process simple in the early years.

–  What If I’ve Already Been Paying for Chores? Some parents worry that switching from a chore-based allowance will be confusing. Charla reassures listeners that they can transition smoothly by implementing a structured spending plan, ensuring kids understand that allowance is for financial learning, while household chores remain a family responsibility.

–  How Much Should You Give, and When Should You Increase It? Charla shares a practical formula for setting allowance amounts and explains that as kids get older, their allowance should grow—but only alongside increased financial responsibilities. She and Matt break down how parents can shift financial decision-making to their kids while maintaining structure and boundaries.

Call to Action: 

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

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

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post Making An Allowance Count appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

In this episode, Matt and Charla break down the topic of allowance and how parents can use it as a tool to teach kids financial responsibility. They explore the dos and don’ts of giving an allowance, the importance of consistency, and why it should never be tied to chores. Charla shares practical insights on structuring allowance in a way that builds lifelong money skills, while Matt adds his signature humor and real-life experiences.

Key Topics Covered:

–  Allowance as a Payday for Kids: Kids need to learn that money comes at regular intervals, just like a paycheck. When allowance is given consistently, it creates financial stability and helps children develop budgeting skills. Charla explains how irregular allowance can lead to money anxiety and unhealthy financial habits.

–  Why You Shouldn’t Tie Allowance to Chores: Paying kids for chores might seem logical, but it can backfire. Charla and Matt discuss why household responsibilities should be part of being in a family—not something kids expect payment for. They share how detaching allowance from chores prevents entitlement and builds a stronger work ethic.

–  The Purpose Behind Allowance: An allowance isn’t just free money; it’s a tool for learning financial literacy. Charla lays out a simple structure that helps kids learn to allocate their money wisely—spending, saving, giving, and even preparing for unexpected expenses.

–  How Much Should You Give? One of the most common questions parents ask is how much allowance to give. Charla provides a flexible formula based on age and family dynamics, explaining how to make adjustments that fit your child’s needs.

Call to Action: 

Connect With Us:

– Read more about this topic and other discussions on Charla’s blog: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/our-blog)

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

– Learn more about our unique products designed to enhance your children’s understanding of real-world money management: [https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/](https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/)

The post 3 Ways to Make an Allowance Count appeared first on Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.