Today's Podcast Featuring Author and Personal Finance Educator Tony Steuer
We just finished a Sammyriffic podcast with financial wellness advocate and educator Tony Steuer as part of our Childhood Money Memories series!
Watch the podcast above and below explore 13 “Gold Karat” takeaways from the show to help you teach kids and students about money!
About Tony
As a young person, Tony loved collecting comic books, listening to records—especially the Grateful Dead—and earning money working at his school gym, where he often got to play basketball on the job.
Today, “Big” Tony is married and the proud father of a teenage son. He’s also a respected financial educator, the author of several personal finance books, including Questions and Answers on Life Insurance, and the Head Financial Wellness Advocate at Paperwork. In addition, Tony is a podcaster and speaker, dedicated to changing the way people think about money so everyone can achieve financial well-being.
Here are 13 Gold Karat Takeaways from Tony’s interview
(1) You Can Have Fun Working
Tony first realized in high school that you can earn money and enjoy yourself at the same time—a lesson many young people don’t realize. Work doesn’t always have to feel like a chore!
(2) When You Love Your Work, Life Gets Better
Doing work you enjoy brings excitement and positive energy. It uplifts you and everyone around you. Life is simply more enjoyable when you love what you do.
(3) Time Flies When You Enjoy the Job
A sign you’re in the right role? You lose track of time. Instead of watching the clock, you’re immersed in the experience.
(4) Understand the Real Cost of Debt
Tony wishes he had known more about credit cards as a teen. Borrowing money isn’t free—you pay interest, which makes things more expensive. It’s always better to earn interest than pay it. Saving is the opposite of borrowing: with savings, your money works for you!
(5) Talking About Investing with Your Kids Matters
Tony enjoys the conversations he has with his teenage son about investing. It’s a valuable bonding and learning experience.
(6) Always Look for Value—In Investing and Spending
Whether buying stocks or everyday goods, Tony teaches his son to look for value. Wise consumers and investors seek the best return for their money.
(7) Teach Kids to Ask Smart Spending Questions
Tony works with his son on slowing down spending decisions. Smart spenders pause to ask:
Is this a good way to use my money?
Is this the right price to pay?
Asking questions before buying builds strong financial habits.
(8) Be Frugal, Not Cheap—Know the Difference
Tony and I agree: being frugal means getting the most value for your money, not just buying the cheapest option. Kids should learn the power of comparison shopping, value-hunting, and making thoughtful spending choices.
Woohoo! Tony is a Sammy Rabbit All Star Reader!
Check out the Sammyriffic reading job Tony did for Sammy's All Star Reader program—great work inspiring kids to build smart money habits Tony! View Reading.
Contact us to be a featured Sammy All Star Reader!
(9) Being Ready = Building Resilience
Saving money prepares you for life’s surprises—both good and bad. The habit of planning ahead and being ready creates security and opportunity.
(10) The #1 Money Habit for Kids: Learn, Then Act
Tony’s top advice for young people? Be a lifelong learner—and take action on what you learn.
Sammy Rabbit says: “Learning is a great habit. Be a lifelong learner!”
The more you learn, the more you can earn—and the better your choices become.
(11) Money is an Essential Life Skill
No matter your career path, you’ll deal with money. That’s why personal finance should be taught in schools. It’s about controlling your money—so it doesn’t control you.
(12) Saving for What You Love Feels Great
As a kid, Tony saved up for comic books and records. Working gave him the freedom to buy what he wanted—a feeling of accomplishment that still motivates him today.
(13) Make Family Financial Talks a Habit
Tony and I both believe families should schedule regular money conversations. Talking openly about finances builds stronger habits, confidence, and understanding for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Tony Steuer’s childhood money lessons, family experiences, and professional insights remind us of an essential truth: Teaching kids about money—early and often—lays the foundation for brighter, more secure futures.
Watch, listen, and share Tony’s interview and this blog!
Discover more about Tony on his website: TonySteuer.com
Thank you Tony!
Share your childhood money memories!
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Together, let’s help kids establish great money habits. dream big and build brighter financial futures!
Take a Sammyriffic Step or Two Today to Advance a Child's Financial Literacy:
Enroll a child in Sammy Rabbit's Money School with a Free or low cost Premium Membership. Then have your child or student start exploring the site by reading Sammy's Big Dream, or listening to a Sammy song, or solving a Decode and Sing secret money message. One small habit can create a lifetime of impact.