Moms. Entrepreneurs. Money Mavens.
Carpool Queens. Allowance Authorities.
How our mission to financial literacy for kids began.
As young, fresh-out-of-college analysts at Goldman Sachs, our Co-Founders and Co-CEOs, Carissa Jordan and Nikki Boulukos would have never guessed how their paths would converge nearly a decade later.
After subsequent stints at J.P. Morgan and in the start-up world, respectively, Carissa and Nikki found themselves in the same Long Island suburb raising their young families. With their shared passion for finance, these two new mothers began to wonder how to talk to their kids about money.
Carissa and Nikki quickly realized there was no blueprint to giving young children a financial foundation and knew that simply needed to change.
After brainstorming over countless playdates and post-bedtime conference calls, Benjamin Talks was born. As an ode to Benjamin Franklin, Benjamin Talks pays homage to a Founding Father who was also a founding voice to the American approach to personal finance. In his well-known essay, The Way to Wealth, Ben Franklin’s pragmatic advice offers a timeless, yet relevant perspective on industry, work ethic and frugality. The Benjamin Talks Team hopes to continue the critical conversation that Ben Franklin started, all in a relatable and approachable way.
Carissa and Nikki are joined by Editor in Chief, Emily Turilli, who attended Harvard with Nikki, and Alanna Weiss, Head of Social Media & Marketing, also a Goldman Sachs alumna. Together, fueled by little sleep and a lot of coffee, these moms have embarked on a project to create the next generation of money-smart, market-savvy kids by helping parents teach their kids about money.
Our Mission
Our mission at Benjamin Talks is to educate, engage and empower our children with the financial foundation they need to thrive.
Children are taught about fitness and nutrition, shoe tying and bike riding, yet we ignore some of the most important skills kids need for life. Financial literacy for kids is critical for their future success.
SPENDING. SAVING. GIVING.
Together, we can set the stage for our budding bakers, businesspeople and biologists to make a life doing what they love most. We all know the best things in life are free (so keep the giggles, nature walks, and puddle jumping coming), but let’s take the mystery out of money so our kids know their worth, no matter what path they choose to take.
Why is financial literacy important?
An understanding of money and finance from an early age will teach your child to make smart money decisions and set them up for financial success in the future.
Our children’s exposure to financial literacy currently ranges from inconsistent to nonexistent. Additionally, most of the resources out there target teenagers and beyond. We believe this is far too little, far too late.
Studies show that money habits, including the ability to plan ahead and delay gratification, are typically formed early in childhood. In fact, by age seven, kids have established their attitudes towards spending, saving and giving. Yet at least half of all parents, (yes nearly 50%!) say they rarely, if ever, discuss family finances with their children.
Many people simply don’t have the language or resources to answer their children’s questions on the subject.
This is where we come in.
We have guides on topics covering all areas of financial literacy to help you teach your child about money.
Get to Know the Team
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Nikki Boulukos
Co-Founder/Co-CEO
Mom of ThreeSpends too much on...caffeine. I'm our local coffee shop's #1 customer and biggest fan.
Saves buckets by...clipping coupons! This habit is inspired by my grandmother, who still mails me them on the reg.
Gives happily to...empowering girls through sports.
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Carissa Jordan
Co-Founder/Co-CEO
Mom of ThreeSpends too much on…books, books, and more books! And high heels. It's all about the balance, people!
Saves buckets by...meal planning and cooking at home.
Gives happily to…innovative scientific research in the medical field.
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Emily Turilli
Editor in Chief
Mom of ThreeSpends too much on...baby presents, birthday gifts, Santa duty. Gift giving is my love language.
Saves buckets by...outfitting my three children entirely in hand-me-downs from their older cousins.
Gives happily to...supporting education, health and family services.
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Alanna Weiss
Head of Marketing and Social Media
Mom of ThreeSpends too much on...skincare products! With three young kids, there is not nearly enough sleep happening to keep me looking fresh faced. Bring on the serums!
Saves buckets by...four words: Amazon Subscribe and Save.
Gives happily to...promoting land conservation and environmental protections.
Our Partners
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Femi Foye
CEO & Co-Founder of D.R.E.A.M.
Spends too much on…athletic shoes.
Saves buckets by...finding deals on Google shopping.
Gives happily to…supporting the educational advancement of inner city youth.
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Dr. Michelle Barton
Psychology Consultant
Spends too much on…interior design, I love to change things up.
Saves buckets by...working from home and being my own dog walker (for now).
Gives happily to…supporting mental health services in underserved communities.
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Jackie Cella
Technology Consultant
Spends too much on…art supplies. My kids love a good craft...and so do I!
Saves buckets by...making my coffee at home every day.
Gives happily to…education and mental health services.
Get in touch with the team: TeamBT@benjamintalks.com
Follow us for kid-friendly money tips with some parent-friendly financial humor sprinkled in.