🎙 Episode 197: Why Money Alone Isn’t Enough – Teaching Teens Financial Confidence That Lasts
Is giving your teenager money enough to prepare them for the future? In this eye-opening solo episode of Let’s Talk Money and More, Lesley Thomas challenges that very assumption.
Prompted by an upcoming presentation to sixth formers in London, Lesley explores why financial confidence must go beyond bank accounts and budgeting—and why adults have a crucial role in shaping how the next generation relates to money. Because when we hand young people financial resources without teaching them how to use them wisely, it’s like handing over the keys to a car without any driving lessons.
Through relatable stories, real-life examples, and insightful questions, Lesley urges parents, educators, and policymakers to rethink financial education—not as a list of do’s and don’ts, but as a foundation for lifelong empowerment.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why having money doesn’t mean having mastery
✅ The role of peer pressure, identity, and instant gratification in teen spending
✅ Why high-achieving teens aren’t always financially confident—and how to spot it
✅ Real-world cautionary tales from public figures who lacked financial literacy
✅ The difference between money management and money confidence
✅ Three powerful reflections to spark meaningful money conversations at home
🧠 Key Takeaways:
✨ “Financial pressure doesn’t always come from a lack of money—it can come from the fear of saying no.”
✨ “Mastery isn’t about maths or intelligence. It’s about self-trust, emotional resilience, and informed choices.”
✨ “We must stop assuming that teens will ‘figure it out’—they need us to show them how.”
📚 More Than Just a Book—It’s a Movement
Lesley’s upcoming book Parents, Let’s Talk Money launches this July. It’s written for parents who want to break the cycle of silence around money and raise financially confident teens—without needing to be financial experts themselves.
🔗 Join the waitlist today to gain early access, live event updates, and exclusive bonus content. The link is available in the show notes.
👂 If You’re a Parent, Guardian, or Educator
Start the conversation. Ask your teen what money means to them. Talk about values, choices, and mistakes. Because their financial future begins with your voice—and your presence.
🎧 Tune in now and learn how to help the young people in your life become financially confident—one conversation at a time.
Connect with Lesley Thomas
Sign up to ‘Parents, Let’s Talk Money’ Book Waitlist
https://lesleyathomas.kartra.com/page/book-waitlist-2025
My website www.themoneyconfidenceacademy.com/
Follow me on Instagram www.instagram.com/iamlesley_thomas
Connect with me on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/lesley-thomas
Book a Free 30 mins call with me - https://calendly.com/lesley-themoneyconfidenceacademy/30mins-121
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