My First Financial Literacy Workshop was a Success

Today I was given the opportunity to speak to parents who attend a parent participation preschool about how to talk to their children about money. There were six parents in attendance, although I wish I could have reached a larger audience, having a small group for my first workshop like this helped to keep the entire group engaged.

The workshop was titled "Money Talks for Kids (Pre-K Edition)." We discussed the following topics:

- Financial goals for your keiki
- Why it is important to talk to your keiki about money
- What kind of example are you currently setting for your keiki about finances and money. 
- What kind of example do you want to set for your keiki about finances and money. 
- How to teach the value of money to your keiki
- Age appropriate activities to help teach your keiki about money and related concepts
- How to battle the "gimmies" (when your keiki nags for items at the store /expects gifts from relatives)
- Tips and advice on how to start a chore/allowance system with your keiki

Because it was a small group, I sat with the group in a circle and we were able to have an open dialog about these topics. I compiled some information to re-cap the workshop. I wanted to highlight some insights that this group was able to provide. Of my participants, 66% of them were self-taught about finances and money, however 100% of them believe that it is the responsibility of the parents to teach their children about money and finances. Knowing this bit of information helps to reiterate how important it is for parents to be their child's first teacher when it comes to money and finances. I now have some data and feedback from this small group to be able to create a curriculum to reach this demographic.

One comment left by a participant, let me know that I was able to reach my participants and bring them a new way to think about money. She wrote the following on her evaluation and feedback form "I have learned how to look at money differently and how to use it wisely." If I can touch just one person's life each day, I know that I will help others to live a life with less financial worries and have a better financial future.

This first experience was a success in my book. I look forward to making a career out of helping others through workshops like this. I have another one scheduled in April, but the audience is college students. I'll be sure to post about my experience.