Money-Smart Monday

with John Lanza

Hello, friends,

Twenty years ago, my wife and I were on a mission to raise money-smart kids. We searched everywhere for tools to help us.

And we found … nothing. 👀

So we built something from scratch. That’s how The Money Mammals began.

As we head into November, I’ve been reflecting on how the challenges that inspired The Money Mammals are just as real for today’s parents.

Beware of Scammy McScamster!

Our kids are growing up in a world where scams don’t look like scams. They come disguised as DMs, giveaways and “quick money” links from friends.

Nearly one in three teens has already been targeted by an online money scam—most through social media. So helping kids spot Scammy McScamster isn’t just smart; it’s a form of digital self-defense.

In her latest Art of Allowance Podcast appearance, Cameron Huddleston shared a few scams​ families should have on their radar.

And this topic connects directly to digital literacy—a subject I explored with Erin McNeill of Media Literacy Now and Diana Graber of Cyber Civics.

Because being money-smart is only possible when kids are media-smart, too.

Not on the same page as your partner?

Raising a money-smart kid in a culture obsessed with consumption can be tough. And doing it while you and your partner disagree about what “money-smart” even means? Next-level tough.

One of the most common parent questions I field in my Art of Allowance Academy courses is:

It’s a real conundrum. But the ever-wise Barbara Coloroso offered this advice​ in our recent chat.

And Megan McCoy, the first Certified Financial Therapist-I™, shared strategies for helping couples find money harmony during our podcast conversation.

Maybe the best investment we can make isn’t in the market—but in how we talk about money together.

It was twenty years ago ...

My wife and I were new parents who set out to make money lessons fun for kids.

Today The Money Mammals’ mission has grown into helping credit unions build money-smart families—like yours—for life.

You can read the full origin story on LinkedIn​.

Three meaningful quotes

Each quote above is a reminder that the real lessons start inside us. And our kids.

Until next week, enjoy the journey!

John,
Your Chief Mammal

📗 Get The Art of Allowance (for parents)​
📚 Get the “Share & Save & Spend Smart” series (for kids)​
🫱🏻‍🫲🏽 Become a partner or book me to speak (for businesses)

P.S. Please consult with a financial or investment professional before making any decisions that might affect your financial well-being.

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