April 24, 2025 • 17 mins
Join us for an engaging episode of Small Talks for Big Change as we chat with Jannine Glista, CEO of Biz Kid$. Discover how Biz Kid$ is revolutionizing youth financial education through innovative classroom initiatives and hands-on experiences. Learn how early financial education is empowering young minds to become future kidpreneurs. Don't miss this inspiring conversation on nurturing financially savvy kids and making financial literacy a classroom adventure!
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Episode Transcript
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(00:00):
Thank you for joining us for SmallTalks for Big Change, where we
help simplify financial topics tohelp with your financial wellness.
Hello everyone out there andthanks for joining us for a special
youth-focused conversation with thedynamic guest that's innovating in
the youth financial education space.
Janine.
GTA is the CEO and producer at Biz Kids.
(00:23):
And with us today.
Biz Kids is so incredible, you guys.
They have an amazing award-winning TVseries about money and business featuring
young entrepreneur stories, money,content, and startup tools, and real
kids who launch real businesses, bizkids, and there's a money sign for the S.
(00:43):
Mm-hmm.
That's my favorite part is a fun half hourTV series about kids money and business.
Students also love their popularbook, how to Turn a hundred Dollars
Into a Million, and we're gonna talkmore about that later on the show.
They are also closely collaboratingwith the community at elementary
schools and bringing education andfun activities to the classroom.
(01:06):
Janine will have to talkmore about the money vortex.
Mm-hmm.
Later on too, where kids have achance to grab cold hard Cash.
Biz Kids is a long establishedpartner to credit unions, and Janine
and I are geeking out a bit becauseit's also Credit Union Youth Month,
and because we're passionate aboutempowering you through education.
(01:27):
We are so excited to welcomeJanine Glister to the studio.
Janine, so fortunate to have you here onthe show to celebrate Youth Month with us.
And I didn't mean to call you a geek.
I am a geek when it comes tokids and money and financial
education, so thanks for having me.
I. So we just held an educational webinarabout teaching kids the language of money.
(01:49):
Mm-hmm.
Because we know it's so importantto initiate these conversations
and with technology, we shouldbe thinking about having these
talks at an earlier age with you.
Is that right?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
I would say as soon as possible.
Okay.
Um, I would say.
Probably in elementary school, the numberone thing is to open a savings account.
(02:09):
Uh, of course we lovecredit unions, um, but.
You know, a savings accountanywhere would, would be great.
And get, get kids making, uh,a regular habitual deposit.
So every week go with them nomatter how, how big or how small.
Just get that really good earlyhabit formed, as young as possible.
And then talk about the age that weshould start to have these conversations.
(02:32):
Because what we keep hearing is thatit, it should start younger and younger
and I think the assumption might be.
Maybe when they turn 13 and they'reeligible to have an account.
But I've got a 10-year-old at home.
Mm-hmm.
And she's been purchasing Robloxand things on the internet and
needing money at school andthings earlier and earlier on, so.
Mm-hmm.
(02:52):
What age would you say kind of is a sweetspot to start having these conversations
or getting that account opened?
Yeah, I, I think elementary school isperfect because, that's when they're
learning about denominations and thevalue of money and what money can buy.
And again, if you get them openingthat savings account and that habit
established really early in elementaryschool, that will bode them well by
(03:12):
the time they get to middle school,because that's around the time kids
start getting their first debit card.
Right.
Some of them are actually gettingtheir phones in in middle school as
well, and we wanna get to them beforeall the advertisers do because once,
once they get their phone, then.
Then they can see, oh, you know, so andso is wearing, you know, this, or I need
these sneakers or whatever, like thepressure to compete with their peers
(03:35):
and to be affected by all the ads thatthey're seeing on their, on their phone.
Yeah.
Like we, we really need to get tothem before the advertisers do.
Yeah.
Are you noticing too, that kids arestarting to have to use digital payments
and pay with their phone earlier now too?
Yeah.
And that you actually broughtup a good, good thing like.
I use, you know, my phone a lot morethan ever, you know, to pay for things.
(03:56):
And, and that's tricklingdown to the kids too.
Yeah.
And money isn't even like real anymore.
Like you don't handle itas much as you used to.
You don't see it as much as you used to.
And you know, our research hasshown that, , people who actually
live more of a cash existence.
End up spending maybe 18%less because nobody, nobody
wants to break that 20, right?
Yep.
So for kids, like if, if they're juststarting out and they're starting to
(04:21):
rely on their phones more than everfor making payments and purchasing
things, like the concept of holdingonto money, it's not even real, right?
It's like this vague concept, andthat's why I, I think, you know, getting
them to start young, understandingmoney before they get their phones.
Is is just so important.
Yeah.
Are you also of the school of thoughtthat it's, it's just never too early
(04:42):
to start having conversations nomatter how complex or how simplified?
, well, I think elementaryschool's really good timeframe.
And I think, you know, a lot of peopleunderestimate kids' ability to mm-hmm.
Understand.
Complex money topics.
For example, I've been working closelywith Val Chapman, who has an organization
called Financial Literacy for Kids.
And we've been working at aTitle one school in Oakland.
(05:04):
And, she's done a lot aroundthe SIFMA stock market game.
And kids in grades four andfive have placed first in their
category for six sessions in a row.
And that's kids who are nine and 10.
Yep.
With a virtual trading account.
And then also we've worked with thesame population, the same kids, nine
and 10 years old, to launch businessesand go out into doing, street
(05:26):
festivals as young entrepreneurs, andthey're making their money and they're
putting it into their savings account.
So, you know.
That's grades four or five.
You know, it, I, I feel likethat's, that's a good, good time.
That's a good timeframe for them to learn.
Excellent.
That's incredible.
Never too early.
So, biz Kids has been aroundsince 2008, and you guys
have, have really done it all.
(05:47):
It started your first.
Five years with thereally successful TV show.
Mm-hmm.
And then you guys movedon to online games.
You had the book of course.
Mm-hmm.
You guys also have online courses mm-hmm.
Available for kids too.
Mm-hmm.
But we met because we recentlydid a joint event out in Oakland
where we were with a classroom.
They did a field trip at ourPatelco Oakland branch, and
(06:10):
then we convened for this.
. This, this great eventwhere we had the mm-hmm.
Money vortex and I'm, I'm probablybutchering the name there.
The, the Hurricane of money.
The hurricane of money.
In my head it was the money vortex.
But can you talk about why,you know, we have all these
amazing digital resources mm-hmm.
The show, the book, et cetera.
Mm-hmm.
Why did you guys feel it wasimportant to get back in person?
(06:32):
Mm-hmm.
Back to the communityand in front of the kids.
Mm-hmm.
Well, in, in, in the lastyear, I've done a lot of work.
In the Oakland Unified SchoolDistrict helping kids, learn how
to launch businesses, and we noticedthat the hands-on experiences
really were having an impact.
And it's a way to stand out from all the,the work they do in the classroom as well.
And so we're launching these live,interactive, money pop-up events,
(06:56):
where kids, can experience thesereally fun, large props and games
that tie to specific money concepts.
And, our goal is to base all ofthis around regional and national
business pitch competition.
And, and it's a way to engagekids on a completely different
level that's super memorable.
And we're also be able to pull incommunity partners, like credit
unions, or financial literacy advocatesor smart debit card companies.
(07:20):
And it's a way to create kindof a community partnership
around uplifting a whole region.
So we're, we're really hoping tolaunch that in Oakland, this year
and then expand along the West coast.
Between 2025 and 2026.
Amazing.
And I think we can both agree thatevent we had a month, was it a month
ago, was super successful, fun.
And I mean, I think we, we measurethat success just by the enthusiasm of,
(07:43):
of the kids on that day, but even theprincipal and the teachers got behind
it and they were all excited about it.
Just a great day overall.
Yeah.
The kids are still asking him,when's Smith Janine coming
back with a hurricane of money?
Not the money vortex.
Yeah.
But you know that, thatevent we had, 120 students.
Incredible.
We had, five or six, principals.
(08:04):
From schools in the OaklandUnified School District.
We had the SIFMA Foundation, theCalifornia Department of Education.
We had a couple, financial literacyadvocates, , and then 10 banks and
credit unions were represented.
So we can pull together a strongcommunity partnership to uplift kids
in a region and help them becomefinancially and economically empowered.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
(08:24):
So, biz kids is a super innovativeway to appeal to youth with this
concept of making a million dollars.
Mm-hmm.
Janine, I've also got a 13-year-old sonwho is super incentivized, by money.
He just has an awarenessof spend and costs.
Mm-hmm.
And he's, he's very focused ongetting to his million dollars.
Mm-hmm.
Why is this concept and approachwith young people, so successful?
(08:48):
Well, historically, our, our show andour content has been really successful
because we use humor, because humorties to emotion, and it's a great
way for kids to remember concepts.
We also have a really uncannyway of making a vague concept.
Super visual.
And then also we've got these storiesof young entrepreneurs, so kids are
(09:08):
more open to learning from their peers.
Mm-hmm.
And they're also inspired to replicatewhat they're seeing on, on the
television series and also like on ourblog and our, webinars that we do.
So, I think the combination of humor,making something really visual that's
vague, and then also these inspiringstories of young entrepreneurs goes a long
way to helping kids learn about money.
And then to your point about your son,like the million dollars, like, you know,
(09:32):
everybody wants to be a millionaire.
Right, right.
Me included.
Yeah.
You know, just as a nice ring to it.
So, yeah.
And it's, it's possible.
It's possible for kids to.
Become millionaires ifthey start young enough.
And, you know, that's the concept inthe book that, you know, we, we tease
them along that they, they can becomea millionaire, if they follow the
not so secret secret to, to turninga hundred dollars into a million.
(09:55):
Alright, so let's talk about this book.
And we are gonna gift a luckylistener a copy of this book later.
You talked about.
Being creative and illustrative mm-hmm.
In this book definitely accomplishes that.
You co-author this book again.
Mm-hmm.
It's how to Turn a hundreddollars into A Million.
Tell us about the inspiration for this.
Oh gosh.
Well, around season five, we, we justfelt like there was so much more content.
(10:19):
That we wanted to share thencan fit in a 30 minute episode.
Like there's always stuff being left onthe cutting room floor, right in the edit
room and you know, technically speaking.
And so we felt like if we had, abook we could do a deeper dive.
And we could lay a completefoundation from beginning to end
on what a child needs to do, tobecome financially independent.
(10:40):
Because each episode could only focus onone specific topic, but a book could be
much broader based and we could probablyreach a different audience, maybe people
who weren't able to tune into to a series.
And then, we ended up developingbonus content for parents.
To go along with the bookso parents could log online.
We cherry picked, you know, top videosthat correspond to each chapter.
(11:03):
And, they could watch the video, sharethat with their child, use a downloadable
digital tool and all corresponds to theentire book so they could start having
this natural conversation in the family.
And, then they can use that to, get theirchild on the road to financial freedom.
And it's really great because there's,there's pretty complex principles in here.
I'm, I'm seeing this, calculationfor compound interest.
(11:26):
Yeah.
And again, really creative and,visual and easy to understand
because that's, that's a prettyhard principle to teach, isn't it?
Yeah.
We, we, we really break itdown and we lead them along.
Like we, we don't start there of course.
Like we get them understandingthe concept of interest.
And then, eventually build up to thisnot so secret, secret to turning a
hundred dollars into a million, whichis the power of compound interest.
(11:47):
And I will tell you, once kidsknow and understand how compound
interest works, they start makingdifferent decisions about their money.
Yep.
They're not so eager to spend it.
Right.
Because they realize, that, you know.
If they can save a thousanddollars, you could plug that into
a compound interest calculator andsee how much it'll be in 50 years.
(12:07):
Yeah.
Like it's actually mind blowing.
If I let it sit, it will grow.
Right.
And I can't tell you, Janine,how many times, and we're out
in the community, our teams.
Talking to adults and teaching adults,and there's still so many older folks
who don't understand compound interests.
So again, going back to thepoint of the earlier, the better.
Yeah.
And there is a way todemonstrate it, mm-hmm.
A complex principle at a early age.
(12:29):
Yeah.
Just by the way that you frame it.
Actually we did to, and in one of our,as a sidebar, in one of our episodes
on compound interest, what we did iswe, we, we took one of our hosts, we
dressed her up in hockey gear becausethe graph that shows the power of
compound interest mimics a hockey stick.
And it starts off, you know, not very muchhappening in the first, you know, couple
(12:52):
of years, but then it really takes off.
Yeah.
And so that's one of the ways weused, you know, something kind of.
Visual.
Yeah, just, and just before theshow, we were talking about hockey,
so no, no surprise that you guysincorporated a hockey stick into there.
I love that.
Pink Canadian.
I might have had a littleinfluence on that sketch.
Okay.
I see a quote from Bill N, the scienceguy on the back of the book here.
(13:14):
What's Bill Nye got to do with the book?
Oh gosh.
Well, he's a big supporter of Biz Kids.
My original business partnerson Biz Kids we're the creators
of Bel Knight, the science guy.
And, we always say that compoundinterest, is one of the most
powerful forces in the universe.
So it's almost scientific.
That's incredible.
You know, how, how you can usecompound interest to, to turn a
(13:34):
hundred dollars into a million.
All right.
Well, alright.
I think we're hearing a lotabout getting started early.
Mm-hmm.
Initiating the conversationwith our young people.
What would you say about gettingover that hurdle of just getting
the conversation started?
Mm-hmm.
When you guys are doing aton in the community mm-hmm.
Trying to go into the classroom mm-hmm.
And, and start that conversation.
(13:56):
Mm-hmm.
What advice would you giveto parents out there about.
You know, finding theright time place mm-hmm.
Et cetera to, to initiate.
Yeah, that's a great question.
I can understand how some parentsmight feel a little intimidated
about, starting, because maybe theydon't feel like they know everything.
But I think you don't have to knoweverything I said the first step and
just start small, to make a big change.
(14:17):
Yeah.
You know, start small and get yourchild to open that savings account
and make those regular deposits.
And then the second thing would be to.
Help them make money, helpthem make and sell something,
and that will light a fire.
Interesting.
Yeah.
That will really light a fire withthe child to, continue on their
journey to financial independence.
And I think there's so manyresources out there online,
you know, even with biz Kids.
(14:38):
You know, our book is a greatway to initiate conversations.
And I think a lot of times thechild will lead the parent about
what they wanna learn about money.
Interesting.
I'm gonna ask you something totally offcuff, not part of, our prep or outline.
What's your take on allowance?
You brought up a good point there.
It, it, it's getting moneyinto the kids' hands.
Yeah.
So they can, they can practice.
(14:59):
Mm-hmm.
They can ask questions, they canput it into, practice, so to speak.
Mm-hmm.
What, what's your thoughts on allowance?
Yeah, we actually did an episodeon allowance and we were careful
to, be agnostic about it becausesome parents feel like it needs
to be tied to chores mm-hmm.
To be able to earn the allowance.
And other parents feel like,no, we're just gonna give the
child money so they can learn.
Mm-hmm.
(15:19):
How, you know how to use it.
And, I think it could workboth ways, depending on the
family and their circumstances.
But I think, whatever you decide to do.
Once kids have some of theirown money, then they become more
engaged about what to do with it.
Yeah.
Like it's really hard toteach them concepts like.
Interest or investing if, if theydon't have some of their own money,
(15:40):
but the minute they have their ownmoney, they're a lot more engaged.
Yeah.
It's more relevant to themwhen it's in their hands.
Yeah.
Love that.
All right folks.
Well, to learn more about Biz Kids, youcan visit their website@bizkids.com.
Janine, there's a specialoffer for schools mm-hmm.
And groups to purchase this book, right?
Mm-hmm.
On the website?
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
They can go to biz kids.com/book.
(16:03):
And that's where they can find,an order, a copy of the book.
We also offer discount for orders over 25.
So if someone wants to sponsor aclassroom, we can help them with that
and do a webinar and connect withthe teachers, do some training there.
And then there's also the bonus contentfor parents on that page as well.
Okay.
Amazing.
And there's a discount on thepurchase too, that's right.
25% discount.
(16:24):
Okay.
Awesome, folks.
Well, the book again is called.
How to turn a hundred dollarsinto a million, and it's available
on Amazon and we're gonna gift alucky listener a copy of the book.
All you have to do is send us anemail@webinarsatpatelco.org and
we'll pick a random winner toget a copy of this awesome book.
(16:45):
Janine was nice enough to give us acopy and I'm gonna share it with my kids.
I can't wait.
Thank you.
All right.
And then.
We're also encouraging itis Credit Union Youth Month.
Mm-hmm.
Janine, this is ourfavorite month of the year.
Mm-hmm.
Also encouraging everybody out there tonot only enhance your financial knowledge,
check out Biz Kids, check out theirTV show and the book, but get started
(17:07):
in initiating that savings account.
We have a student checking accountalso for teens, ages 13 to 17, and
you can find all that informationon Patelco website at Patelco.
That's patelco.org.
Janine, thank you so much formaking the trek down here to the
studio and celebrating CreditUnion Youth Month with us.
(17:28):
My pleasure.
Thanks for having me.
Alright, folks, that's gonna do it fortoday on Small Talks for Big Change,
where we help simplify financial topicsto help with your financial wellness.
Happy Youth Month everyone.
We will see you next time.
Delco Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
Thank you for joining us for SmallTalks for Big Change, where we
help simplify financial topics tohelp with your financial wellness.
Hello everyone out there andthanks for joining us for a special
youth-focused conversation with thedynamic guest that's innovating in
the youth financial education space.
Janine.
GTA is the CEO and producer at Biz Kids.
(00:23):
And with us today.
Biz Kids is so incredible, you guys.
They have an amazing award-winning TVseries about money and business featuring
young entrepreneur stories, money,content, and startup tools, and real
kids who launch real businesses, bizkids, and there's a money sign for the S.
(00:43):
Mm-hmm.
That's my favorite part is a fun half hourTV series about kids money and business.
Students also love their popularbook, how to Turn a hundred Dollars
Into a Million, and we're gonna talkmore about that later on the show.
They are also closely collaboratingwith the community at elementary
schools and bringing education andfun activities to the classroom.
(01:06):
Janine will have to talkmore about the money vortex.
Mm-hmm.
Later on too, where kids have achance to grab cold hard Cash.
Biz Kids is a long establishedpartner to credit unions, and Janine
and I are geeking out a bit becauseit's also Credit Union Youth Month,
and because we're passionate aboutempowering you through education.
(01:27):
We are so excited to welcomeJanine Glister to the studio.
Janine, so fortunate to have you here onthe show to celebrate Youth Month with us.
And I didn't mean to call you a geek.
I am a geek when it comes tokids and money and financial
education, so thanks for having me.
I. So we just held an educational webinarabout teaching kids the language of money.
(01:49):
Mm-hmm.
Because we know it's so importantto initiate these conversations
and with technology, we shouldbe thinking about having these
talks at an earlier age with you.
Is that right?
Mm-hmm.
Yeah.
I would say as soon as possible.
Okay.
Um, I would say.
Probably in elementary school, the numberone thing is to open a savings account.
(02:09):
Uh, of course we lovecredit unions, um, but.
You know, a savings accountanywhere would, would be great.
And get, get kids making, uh,a regular habitual deposit.
So every week go with them nomatter how, how big or how small.
Just get that really good earlyhabit formed, as young as possible.
And then talk about the age that weshould start to have these conversations.
(02:32):
Because what we keep hearing is thatit, it should start younger and younger
and I think the assumption might be.
Maybe when they turn 13 and they'reeligible to have an account.
But I've got a 10-year-old at home.
Mm-hmm.
And she's been purchasing Robloxand things on the internet and
needing money at school andthings earlier and earlier on, so.
Mm-hmm.
(02:52):
What age would you say kind of is a sweetspot to start having these conversations
or getting that account opened?
Yeah, I, I think elementary school isperfect because, that's when they're
learning about denominations and thevalue of money and what money can buy.
And again, if you get them openingthat savings account and that habit
established really early in elementaryschool, that will bode them well by
(03:12):
the time they get to middle school,because that's around the time kids
start getting their first debit card.
Right.
Some of them are actually gettingtheir phones in in middle school as
well, and we wanna get to them beforeall the advertisers do because once,
once they get their phone, then.
Then they can see, oh, you know, so andso is wearing, you know, this, or I need
these sneakers or whatever, like thepressure to compete with their peers
(03:35):
and to be affected by all the ads thatthey're seeing on their, on their phone.
Yeah.
Like we, we really need to get tothem before the advertisers do.
Yeah.
Are you noticing too, that kids arestarting to have to use digital payments
and pay with their phone earlier now too?
Yeah.
And that you actually broughtup a good, good thing like.
I use, you know, my phone a lot morethan ever, you know, to pay for things.
(03:56):
And, and that's tricklingdown to the kids too.
Yeah.
And money isn't even like real anymore.
Like you don't handle itas much as you used to.
You don't see it as much as you used to.
And you know, our research hasshown that, , people who actually
live more of a cash existence.
End up spending maybe 18%less because nobody, nobody
wants to break that 20, right?
Yep.
So for kids, like if, if they're juststarting out and they're starting to
(04:21):
rely on their phones more than everfor making payments and purchasing
things, like the concept of holdingonto money, it's not even real, right?
It's like this vague concept, andthat's why I, I think, you know, getting
them to start young, understandingmoney before they get their phones.
Is is just so important.
Yeah.
Are you also of the school of thoughtthat it's, it's just never too early
(04:42):
to start having conversations nomatter how complex or how simplified?
, well, I think elementaryschool's really good timeframe.
And I think, you know, a lot of peopleunderestimate kids' ability to mm-hmm.
Understand.
Complex money topics.
For example, I've been working closelywith Val Chapman, who has an organization
called Financial Literacy for Kids.
And we've been working at aTitle one school in Oakland.
(05:04):
And, she's done a lot aroundthe SIFMA stock market game.
And kids in grades four andfive have placed first in their
category for six sessions in a row.
And that's kids who are nine and 10.
Yep.
With a virtual trading account.
And then also we've worked with thesame population, the same kids, nine
and 10 years old, to launch businessesand go out into doing, street
(05:26):
festivals as young entrepreneurs, andthey're making their money and they're
putting it into their savings account.
So, you know.
That's grades four or five.
You know, it, I, I feel likethat's, that's a good, good time.
That's a good timeframe for them to learn.
Excellent.
That's incredible.
Never too early.
So, biz Kids has been aroundsince 2008, and you guys
have, have really done it all.
(05:47):
It started your first.
Five years with thereally successful TV show.
Mm-hmm.
And then you guys movedon to online games.
You had the book of course.
Mm-hmm.
You guys also have online courses mm-hmm.
Available for kids too.
Mm-hmm.
But we met because we recentlydid a joint event out in Oakland
where we were with a classroom.
They did a field trip at ourPatelco Oakland branch, and
(06:10):
then we convened for this.
. This, this great eventwhere we had the mm-hmm.
Money vortex and I'm, I'm probablybutchering the name there.
The, the Hurricane of money.
The hurricane of money.
In my head it was the money vortex.
But can you talk about why,you know, we have all these
amazing digital resources mm-hmm.
The show, the book, et cetera.
Mm-hmm.
Why did you guys feel it wasimportant to get back in person?
(06:32):
Mm-hmm.
Back to the communityand in front of the kids.
Mm-hmm.
Well, in, in, in the lastyear, I've done a lot of work.
In the Oakland Unified SchoolDistrict helping kids, learn how
to launch businesses, and we noticedthat the hands-on experiences
really were having an impact.
And it's a way to stand out from all the,the work they do in the classroom as well.
And so we're launching these live,interactive, money pop-up events,
(06:56):
where kids, can experience thesereally fun, large props and games
that tie to specific money concepts.
And, our goal is to base all ofthis around regional and national
business pitch competition.
And, and it's a way to engagekids on a completely different
level that's super memorable.
And we're also be able to pull incommunity partners, like credit
unions, or financial literacy advocatesor smart debit card companies.
(07:20):
And it's a way to create kindof a community partnership
around uplifting a whole region.
So we're, we're really hoping tolaunch that in Oakland, this year
and then expand along the West coast.
Between 2025 and 2026.
Amazing.
And I think we can both agree thatevent we had a month, was it a month
ago, was super successful, fun.
And I mean, I think we, we measurethat success just by the enthusiasm of,
(07:43):
of the kids on that day, but even theprincipal and the teachers got behind
it and they were all excited about it.
Just a great day overall.
Yeah.
The kids are still asking him,when's Smith Janine coming
back with a hurricane of money?
Not the money vortex.
Yeah.
But you know that, thatevent we had, 120 students.
Incredible.
We had, five or six, principals.
(08:04):
From schools in the OaklandUnified School District.
We had the SIFMA Foundation, theCalifornia Department of Education.
We had a couple, financial literacyadvocates, , and then 10 banks and
credit unions were represented.
So we can pull together a strongcommunity partnership to uplift kids
in a region and help them becomefinancially and economically empowered.
Mm-hmm.
Okay.
(08:24):
So, biz kids is a super innovativeway to appeal to youth with this
concept of making a million dollars.
Mm-hmm.
Janine, I've also got a 13-year-old sonwho is super incentivized, by money.
He just has an awarenessof spend and costs.
Mm-hmm.
And he's, he's very focused ongetting to his million dollars.
Mm-hmm.
Why is this concept and approachwith young people, so successful?
(08:48):
Well, historically, our, our show andour content has been really successful
because we use humor, because humorties to emotion, and it's a great
way for kids to remember concepts.
We also have a really uncannyway of making a vague concept.
Super visual.
And then also we've got these storiesof young entrepreneurs, so kids are
(09:08):
more open to learning from their peers.
Mm-hmm.
And they're also inspired to replicatewhat they're seeing on, on the
television series and also like on ourblog and our, webinars that we do.
So, I think the combination of humor,making something really visual that's
vague, and then also these inspiringstories of young entrepreneurs goes a long
way to helping kids learn about money.
And then to your point about your son,like the million dollars, like, you know,
(09:32):
everybody wants to be a millionaire.
Right, right.
Me included.
Yeah.
You know, just as a nice ring to it.
So, yeah.
And it's, it's possible.
It's possible for kids to.
Become millionaires ifthey start young enough.
And, you know, that's the concept inthe book that, you know, we, we tease
them along that they, they can becomea millionaire, if they follow the
not so secret secret to, to turninga hundred dollars into a million.
(09:55):
Alright, so let's talk about this book.
And we are gonna gift a luckylistener a copy of this book later.
You talked about.
Being creative and illustrative mm-hmm.
In this book definitely accomplishes that.
You co-author this book again.
Mm-hmm.
It's how to Turn a hundreddollars into A Million.
Tell us about the inspiration for this.
Oh gosh.
Well, around season five, we, we justfelt like there was so much more content.
(10:19):
That we wanted to share thencan fit in a 30 minute episode.
Like there's always stuff being left onthe cutting room floor, right in the edit
room and you know, technically speaking.
And so we felt like if we had, abook we could do a deeper dive.
And we could lay a completefoundation from beginning to end
on what a child needs to do, tobecome financially independent.
(10:40):
Because each episode could only focus onone specific topic, but a book could be
much broader based and we could probablyreach a different audience, maybe people
who weren't able to tune into to a series.
And then, we ended up developingbonus content for parents.
To go along with the bookso parents could log online.
We cherry picked, you know, top videosthat correspond to each chapter.
(11:03):
And, they could watch the video, sharethat with their child, use a downloadable
digital tool and all corresponds to theentire book so they could start having
this natural conversation in the family.
And, then they can use that to, get theirchild on the road to financial freedom.
And it's really great because there's,there's pretty complex principles in here.
I'm, I'm seeing this, calculationfor compound interest.
(11:26):
Yeah.
And again, really creative and,visual and easy to understand
because that's, that's a prettyhard principle to teach, isn't it?
Yeah.
We, we, we really break itdown and we lead them along.
Like we, we don't start there of course.
Like we get them understandingthe concept of interest.
And then, eventually build up to thisnot so secret, secret to turning a
hundred dollars into a million, whichis the power of compound interest.
(11:47):
And I will tell you, once kidsknow and understand how compound
interest works, they start makingdifferent decisions about their money.
Yep.
They're not so eager to spend it.
Right.
Because they realize, that, you know.
If they can save a thousanddollars, you could plug that into
a compound interest calculator andsee how much it'll be in 50 years.
(12:07):
Yeah.
Like it's actually mind blowing.
If I let it sit, it will grow.
Right.
And I can't tell you, Janine,how many times, and we're out
in the community, our teams.
Talking to adults and teaching adults,and there's still so many older folks
who don't understand compound interests.
So again, going back to thepoint of the earlier, the better.
Yeah.
And there is a way todemonstrate it, mm-hmm.
A complex principle at a early age.
(12:29):
Yeah.
Just by the way that you frame it.
Actually we did to, and in one of our,as a sidebar, in one of our episodes
on compound interest, what we did iswe, we, we took one of our hosts, we
dressed her up in hockey gear becausethe graph that shows the power of
compound interest mimics a hockey stick.
And it starts off, you know, not very muchhappening in the first, you know, couple
(12:52):
of years, but then it really takes off.
Yeah.
And so that's one of the ways weused, you know, something kind of.
Visual.
Yeah, just, and just before theshow, we were talking about hockey,
so no, no surprise that you guysincorporated a hockey stick into there.
I love that.
Pink Canadian.
I might have had a littleinfluence on that sketch.
Okay.
I see a quote from Bill N, the scienceguy on the back of the book here.
(13:14):
What's Bill Nye got to do with the book?
Oh gosh.
Well, he's a big supporter of Biz Kids.
My original business partnerson Biz Kids we're the creators
of Bel Knight, the science guy.
And, we always say that compoundinterest, is one of the most
powerful forces in the universe.
So it's almost scientific.
That's incredible.
You know, how, how you can usecompound interest to, to turn a
(13:34):
hundred dollars into a million.
All right.
Well, alright.
I think we're hearing a lotabout getting started early.
Mm-hmm.
Initiating the conversationwith our young people.
What would you say about gettingover that hurdle of just getting
the conversation started?
Mm-hmm.
When you guys are doing aton in the community mm-hmm.
Trying to go into the classroom mm-hmm.
And, and start that conversation.
(13:56):
Mm-hmm.
What advice would you giveto parents out there about.
You know, finding theright time place mm-hmm.
Et cetera to, to initiate.
Yeah, that's a great question.
I can understand how some parentsmight feel a little intimidated
about, starting, because maybe theydon't feel like they know everything.
But I think you don't have to knoweverything I said the first step and
just start small, to make a big change.
(14:17):
Yeah.
You know, start small and get yourchild to open that savings account
and make those regular deposits.
And then the second thing would be to.
Help them make money, helpthem make and sell something,
and that will light a fire.
Interesting.
Yeah.
That will really light a fire withthe child to, continue on their
journey to financial independence.
And I think there's so manyresources out there online,
you know, even with biz Kids.
(14:38):
You know, our book is a greatway to initiate conversations.
And I think a lot of times thechild will lead the parent about
what they wanna learn about money.
Interesting.
I'm gonna ask you something totally offcuff, not part of, our prep or outline.
What's your take on allowance?
You brought up a good point there.
It, it, it's getting moneyinto the kids' hands.
Yeah.
So they can, they can practice.
(14:59):
Mm-hmm.
They can ask questions, they canput it into, practice, so to speak.
Mm-hmm.
What, what's your thoughts on allowance?
Yeah, we actually did an episodeon allowance and we were careful
to, be agnostic about it becausesome parents feel like it needs
to be tied to chores mm-hmm.
To be able to earn the allowance.
And other parents feel like,no, we're just gonna give the
child money so they can learn.
Mm-hmm.
(15:19):
How, you know how to use it.
And, I think it could workboth ways, depending on the
family and their circumstances.
But I think, whatever you decide to do.
Once kids have some of theirown money, then they become more
engaged about what to do with it.
Yeah.
Like it's really hard toteach them concepts like.
Interest or investing if, if theydon't have some of their own money,
(15:40):
but the minute they have their ownmoney, they're a lot more engaged.
Yeah.
It's more relevant to themwhen it's in their hands.
Yeah.
Love that.
All right folks.
Well, to learn more about Biz Kids, youcan visit their website@bizkids.com.
Janine, there's a specialoffer for schools mm-hmm.
And groups to purchase this book, right?
Mm-hmm.
On the website?
Mm-hmm.
Yes.
They can go to biz kids.com/book.
(16:03):
And that's where they can find,an order, a copy of the book.
We also offer discount for orders over 25.
So if someone wants to sponsor aclassroom, we can help them with that
and do a webinar and connect withthe teachers, do some training there.
And then there's also the bonus contentfor parents on that page as well.
Okay.
Amazing.
And there's a discount on thepurchase too, that's right.
25% discount.
(16:24):
Okay.
Awesome, folks.
Well, the book again is called.
How to turn a hundred dollarsinto a million, and it's available
on Amazon and we're gonna gift alucky listener a copy of the book.
All you have to do is send us anemail@webinarsatpatelco.org and
we'll pick a random winner toget a copy of this awesome book.
(16:45):
Janine was nice enough to give us acopy and I'm gonna share it with my kids.
I can't wait.
Thank you.
All right.
And then.
We're also encouraging itis Credit Union Youth Month.
Mm-hmm.
Janine, this is ourfavorite month of the year.
Mm-hmm.
Also encouraging everybody out there tonot only enhance your financial knowledge,
check out Biz Kids, check out theirTV show and the book, but get started
(17:07):
in initiating that savings account.
We have a student checking accountalso for teens, ages 13 to 17, and
you can find all that informationon Patelco website at Patelco.
That's patelco.org.
Janine, thank you so much formaking the trek down here to the
studio and celebrating CreditUnion Youth Month with us.
(17:28):
My pleasure.
Thanks for having me.
Alright, folks, that's gonna do it fortoday on Small Talks for Big Change,
where we help simplify financial topicsto help with your financial wellness.
Happy Youth Month everyone.
We will see you next time.
Delco Credit Union is insured by NCUA.
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