Plain talking, take-no-prisoners, Gail Vaz-Oxlade is our second “Financial Writers Who Inspire Us” honoree. She just released her latest book, Money Talks. Subtitled When to Say Yes and How to Say No, it tackles all sorts of financial situations that modern people find themselves in due to various relationship dynamics – everything from aging parents with dwindling nest eggs to the particular challenges facing blended families. As usual, it’s a straightforward but insightful read.
We watch her TV shows, but hope they won’t be necessary in the future.
Can we create a future where far fewer people have to face the often extreme pain of a financial overhaul? We think we can – and it’s why we like to say that teaching your kids to think before they buy is really the best gift you can give them. Gail is not only an author; she is the pillar of three wildly popular TV programs: ‘Til Debt Do We Part, Princess, and Money Moron. In each, with her signature matter-of-fact demeanor, she holds up the financial mirror, has people take a good hard look, and then assigns unique and creative challenges capable of bringing about personal finance change for people who want it. Instead of Stacey and Clinton showing people “what not to wear”, Gail shows them “what not to buy”, and why. We love her television work as much as her writing. That said, our vision is a future where it will no longer be necessary.
Every single adult who has ever been on a Gail Vaz-Oxlade program was once just a kid. As Gail herself says, “It takes monumental effort and a lot of gumption to do things differently.” So, just imagine if kids learned early and well the lessons that Gail has to deliver the hard way to adults on the verge of financial ruin. Our mission is to help parents raise financially literate, thoughtful consumers out of the gates.
How can the DIMS SCORE® Calculator get that job done?
How can we create a future where far fewer people have to face the extreme pain of a financial overhaul? We begin by teaching kids how to think before they buy when their money personality is still being developed. Safe, free, quick, and available wherever you can access the internet, the DIMS SCORE® Calculator asks kids simple questions about typical childhood purchases before they spend their money or anyone else’s. Your kids can’t calculate the DIMS SCORE® for a possible purchase and not have a better handle on how much they’ll use and appreciate an item or experience. They won’t be able to attend an event without understanding how much safe transportation, snacks, and souvenirs add to the total cost of seeing, for example, the Toronto Raptors play. And we’re pretty sure Gail would say, “That’s a good thing”!
Society probably won’t put Ms. Vaz-Oxlade out of business anytime soon – but if you run into her – tell her about a new little NPO who is trying. Funnily enough, we don’t think she’ll mind one little bit!
To learn more about our particular brand of fun-damental financial literacy, click on the blue or grbuttons below.
Child Development Financial Literacy Inspiring Financial Writers
