Financial Literacy for Kids:

OUR BT Founders are Passionate about IT!

A Q & A With BT Co-Founders Nikki and Carissa

We sat down with Benjamin Talks’ Co-Founders Nikki Boulukos and Carissa Jordan to ask about their journey to starting a company focused on Financial Literacy for Kids.  Though they started their careers on the trading floor together at Goldman Sachs, these two moms reunited nearly a decade later with six kids between them.  Read on to hear how their unique backgrounds and experiences shaped their mission to make all kids financially fit. 

When did you first become interested in learning about money?

Nikki: “Growing up with two accountants as parents, I definitely had a strong affinity towards math and budgeting from an early age. As far back as elementary school, my older brother and I would count and roll our change and then take a trip to Spencer's Gifts. Our most prized acquisition at the time...a lava lamp! From a very young age, I was definitely a goalsetter when it came to ‘acquiring’ a new toy or ‘earning’ money from a lemonade stand. As this is my third start-up, my parents remind me that I had an entrepreneurial spirit even as a little girl.  They recall that I would often sit outside our front steps in St. Louis, MO selling Gatorade, chips, lemonade (you name it!) to any friendly passersby.”

How was money handled in your family when you were young? How has that shaped your relationship with money as an adult?  

Carissa: “While my parents worked hard to provide for our family, oftentimes money was tight. My mother was always pretty transparent with us about our financial circumstances, and would often reminded us ‘everything costs money.’  We couldn't participate in multiple afterschool activities, we didn't receive an allowance, and we never went on family vacations - we didn't have money for these things.  The combination of a strong work ethic instilled by my parents and my desire for the ‘extras’ fueled my entrepreneurial spirit from a young age.  From babysitting and tutoring in middle school, to waitressing in high school to interning year-round during college, I always found a way to earn money. I learned early on that smart money habits and thoughtful budgeting go a long way.  Even though money was tight, my parents and grandparents (who lived with us in the same two-family house in Queens, NY) always discussed the importance of tipping well, gifting generously and giving thoughtfully. Most importantly, my parents and grandparents treated everyone with respect no matter their background or financial standing.” 

What advice would you give to parents who hope to provide their kids with the tools they need to build a financial foundation?

Nikki: “Educating the next generation with a strong financial foundation is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children. I would encourage parents to start with small teachable money moments as a way to engage with their kiddos. For example, when my kids have a food drive at school, I take a few extra minutes to make a lesson in giving really pay off.  We count their “giving” dollars, take a quick trip to the grocery store (with three kids under five, it’s practically our second home!) and let them choose a food item to pay for themselves.  When my kindergartener totes those peanut butter jars into school, he knows he is helping to feed a hungry family with his hard-earned dollars. Over time, that empowering feeling fuels his giving appetite.”  

What have been the most impactful money lessons you've taught your own kids?

Carissa: “The three most important money lessons I teach my children are to practice spending, saving and giving through allowance, to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit, and to show respect and dignity to everyone, no matter what their circumstances are.” 

Interested in learning more about entrepreneurs? Read our Guides on Career and Entrepreneurship.