A Subject that REALLY Matters – Personal Finance

Don’t get me wrong.  I know education is important.  I took the time and money to get two master’s and a teaching credential!  Education is my passion!  But I find that sometimes what is really, really important in LIFE is not always taught in traditional school settings.

AND THAT IS WRONG!

Yes.  I’m yelling.  Understanding money and economics saves lives and relationships.  It gives a person freedom.  Money is a tool.  And we need to teach our kids how to use it.

Silvia Alabmert Hala is the owner of Creative Wealth International, an amazing company that offers personal finance curricula and activities.  Join me in this episode as Silvia and I talk about personal finance, my experience with one of the Creative Wealth products, the Money Game, and more!

Enjoy!

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Algorithmic Thinking: Building Problem Solvers for Life

Are you a homeschooling parent looking to empower your child in today’s tech-driven world? This episode delves into the exciting realm of teaching algorithms and algorithmic thinking! Discover how teaching algorithms nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. Our practical tips will help you make algorithmic learning engaging and enjoyable right from your homeschool. We’ll show you how algorithmic thinking goes beyond screens, enhancing everyday problem-solving skills and fostering teamwork and resilience. Plus, we’ll guide you on actively shaping your child’s digital experiences through algorithmic interactions online.

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Preparing for the Careers of the Future

Navigating the uncharted waters of the future can be a daunting task, especially for homeschooling parents. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and it often feels like we’re preparing our children for a destination that remains hidden in the fog of uncertainty. In these turbulent times, how can we equip our kids with the skills and knowledge they need when the very landscape of tomorrow remains elusive?

It’s true; the subjects we diligently teach and the experiences we curate for our children might not align perfectly with the demands of future employers. But perhaps therein lies the beauty of homeschooling – the ability to foster a holistic, adaptable, and forward-thinking education.

In this age of rapid change, memorizing facts and figures alone won’t suffice. Instead, we must cultivate in our children a love for learning, a hunger for exploration, and a resilience that enables them to tackle the unknown with confidence. By nurturing these essential qualities, we empower our children to not only adapt to the shifting tides of the job market but to become architects of their own destinies.

Consider this: the skills needed in the future job market may not be limited to traditional subjects. Tomorrow’s employers may prize creativity, critical thinking, problem-solving, adaptability, and emotional intelligence above all else. As homeschooling parents, we have the freedom to instill these attributes through a diverse range of educational experiences.

Interesting in learning more?  Check out this week’s episode, where I share my research on the top 10 skills we should be teaching our kids to prepare them for the careers of the future!

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No Teenagers – a Different Way to Look at Things

There are so many negative stereotypes of teens today.  They are rebellious, moody, lazy, and unmotivated.  Just last week, I was talking to a woman whose teen regularly swears and screams at her.

What if I told you it didn’t need to be this way?  And it starts with YOU.

In this week’s episode, I talk about why “teenagers” aren’t allowed in my home.  And, no.  I don’t kick my kids out when they turn thirteen.

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Cherry Hughes – An Inspiration!

If you’ve ever attended one of my presentations, you’ll understand the central role my mother plays in my life. She isn’t just a parent; she’s my confidante, my mentor, and a great source of inspiration. Her influence on me is immeasurable, and the knowledge she has shared has formed the bedrock upon which I build my work. I genuinely appreciate her willingness to participate in this interview, as it allows me to share her wisdom and insight with a wider audience.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of my mother is her innate ability to connect with children. Kids are drawn to her like a magnet, and it’s not by chance. She possesses a unique gift for speaking to them in a way that makes them feel heard and valued. She takes the time to listen to their thoughts, dreams, and concerns, forging genuine connections that leave a lasting impact. It’s no surprise that children find in her not just a friend but a trusted mentor.

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Dennis DiNoia – Sharing a Love of Math

I don’t know about you, but the idea of having to teach upper-level math to my kids made me question our decision to homeschool.  It didn’t STOP me.  I decided I would figure it out when I got there.  But math was not my favorite subject.  Teaching it to little kids is fun!  “How many red M&Ms are there?  What happens if we eat 2?” type of math I can handle no problem.  And then we throw in the non-traditional learner, and the math gets even more challenging to teach!  My three older kids could take a textbook and learn whatever (even if they didn’t like it), but my youngest two, especially with math, needed something different.  And, to be honest, I wish I had been able to do better in math with all of them.

What I needed to find is someone who loved math and understood learning styles.  And that is Mr. D and everyone who works at Mr. D Math.   

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Jessica Brittani – Calm and Colorful

In a world where everyone could use a helping hand, it’s a powerful reminder that we’re all interconnected for a purpose. This week, I had the incredible privilege of hosting Jessica Brittani on the Realizing Genius Podcast, and her story is a testament to the transformative power of seeking and receiving assistance when it’s most needed.

Jessica’s personal journey is one that resonates deeply. As a teenager, she grappled with her own mental health challenges, facing a turbulent inner battle. But it was the heartbreaking loss of someone dear to her, lost to suicide, that truly shook her world. Determined to turn her pain into purpose, Jessica embarked on a path of becoming a compassionate coach and a passionate advocate for seeking help.

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Audrey Rindlisbacher – The Power of Living Your Mission

Audrey Rindlisbacher is a woman who has lived a life of purpose and passion. Her journey began with a realization that she was not the only one feeling unfulfilled. She discovered that many people had a limited understanding of their gifts and talents and were not living up to their full potential. This realization led her to explore ways to help people discover their uniqueness and find ways to use it to make important contributions in the world.

As Audrey started on this journey, she became passionate about helping people live more principle-centered lives based on universal truths. She believes that the truth sets people free, and she is determined to help them find that truth. Through her work, Audrey has developed programs that focus on living a more principle-centered life while discovering and embracing one’s uniqueness. These programs have helped countless individuals to identify their strengths and talents, overcome their limitations, and create a life of purpose and passion.

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Misty Jaques – Building Relationships and Strengthening the Home

Parenting is not for the faint of heart.  There are so many challenges.  As parents, you give so much of yourself that often you feel like you have no more to give.  It is at these points that reaching out to help is a really good idea.

If you are, or have been, at this point in your parenting journey, be sure to listen to this week’s podcast with Misty Jaques.  She is an amazing mentor that I have worked with and known for years.  She has so much experience and knowledge!

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Kristin Clark – Untangling the Road to a Genius College Experience

My interview with Kristin Clark was so enjoyable!  We are kindred spirits when it comes to realizing the genius in others.  I love how she uses the Clifton Strengths Test to help the students she works with create a vision for their future.

Kristin wants everyone to discover that they can do something they love, where they wake up every day, and it’s not work. She helps people understand their natural talents and what gifts they bring to the world.

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