In the Beginning
At SammyRabbit.com, we’ve been on a mission to teach young kids and families about money since 2001—and we’re still going strong!
Just the other day, I was watching an interview with Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary on CNBC. Among other things, he emphasized how critically important it is to teach young kids about money. That comment immediately brought me back to the beginnings of our own journey doing just that—and the single, powerful question that started it all:
If I could teach just one money lesson to a child, teen, or adult—something they could act on immediately that would have a life-changing impact—what would it be?
That question emerged from three key life experiences:
Heartfelt conversations with adults who expressed deep regret and frustration over not learning money skills when they were young.
Growing up in what I affectionately call “upper poverty.” Although we didn’t have discretionary income, my parents instilled in us the importance of making smart money choices from as early as age 4 or 5. We learned that every penny counts, and with hard work and saving, we could earn and afford what we truly wanted. That mindset aligned perfectly with core personal finance principles—and changed my life.
Beginning to save and invest at age 21, starting with my very first paycheck. I adopted two powerful habits early on: pay yourself first and live on less than you earn—and never looked back.
Ultimately, the one lesson I chose to champion—especially for children—was:
Pay yourself first, which I translated for kids as:
“Saving is a great habit!”
It’s simple, powerful, and actionable. It lays the foundation for lifelong financial well-being. It’s the pathway from financial instability to financial stability, security, and independence.
Every journey is unique, and the timeline may vary, but the formula holds true. It also helps explain why sudden wealth—like lottery winnings or unearned income—often fails to create lasting financial well-being. One path builds habits and discipline; the other doesn’t.
Since then, we’ve been building a movement around this and other core principles to help children and families develop strong money habits as early as ages 3, 4, and 5. We do it through songs, stories, and experiences that teach children to save early, dream big, set goals, read regularly, and make good choices consistently.
What About You?
Now I’m curious…
If you could only share ONE money lesson with someone—what would it be?
Drop your answer in the comments, send us a message, or share your thoughts on social using #SammyRabbit.
Let’s keep the conversation going—and keep empowering the next generation, one "head, heart, and habit" at a time.
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