Money talk can be awkward—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, host Michelle Arbuckle (Executive Director of the OLA) sits down with certified financial planner, bestselling author, and all-around money guru Shannon Lee Simmons to chat about Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life, her forthcoming book aimed at helping teens build financial confidence.

From budgeting bubble tea money to investing for the future, Shannon shares practical advice for young people learning to navigate their finances—and explains how libraries can play a vital role in financial literacy. Whether you’re a parent, educator, librarian, or teen yourself, this episode is packed with tips to help the next generation feel good about money.

✨ Learn how to track, save, spend, enjoy, and grow your money—without guilt, shame, or spreadsheets.
📚 Find out how libraries can support financial literacy in a fun, engaging way.
💡 Discover why it’s never too early (or too intimidating!) to start investing.

📖 Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life hits shelves April 1, 2025, from HarperCollins Canada.

🔗 Learn more at newschooloffinance.com
📘 Book link: shannonleesimmons.com/books/making-bank

Chapters

00:00 - 00:54 | Meet Shannon: Financial Literacy for the Next Generation

03:41 - 05:07 | Teen Money Mistakes: Shannon's Personal Journey

08:50 - 09:43 | The Five Money Pillars: Why Teens Need Financial Skills Now

19:37 - 21:36 | Beyond Shame: Creating Healthy Money Relationships with Teens

34:19 - 37:32 | Investing vs. Gambling: How Libraries Can Protect Teens in the Digital Money Age

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This podcast is hosted by Michelle Arbuckle and produced by Gina Freitag.  

Editing and additional production support is completed by Helen Chevreau. 

Promotions and communications for this podcast are executed by Laurel McLeod.

For programming inquiries, please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠education@accessola.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.  

For promotional and sponsorship inquiries, please email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠communications@accessola.com⁠⁠