Zach Teutsch is the founder of Values Added Financial, and a former leader at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. He’s also a husband, father of two, and a master of weaving big-picture life principles into day-to-day parenting.

In this episode, Zach and I talk about building independence in kids, creating household shortcuts to reduce decision fatigue, and why boredom is one of the best gifts you can give your children. He shares his unique frameworks for parenting, money, relationships, and emotional resilience. We discussed:

• Parenting with the end in mind: Zach shares how picturing his kids as independent, kind 18-year-olds shapes his daily parenting choices and guides when to step back versus step in.
• Fostering independence and confidence: Why letting kids take on age-appropriate challenges, from solo store trips to handling money, builds resilience and reduces anxiety.
• Teaching money through experience: Zach’s allowance and charitable giving system helps kids make “safe” mistakes and understand value, trade-offs, and generosity.
• You can’t change feelings: The science behind why emotions can’t be reasoned away in the moment, and how validating kids’ experiences builds trust and emotional maturity.
• Boredom as a virtue: How slowing down, resisting screens, and embracing quiet moments leads to more creativity, mindfulness, and deeper connections.

Where to find Zach Teutsch

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-teutsch/ 
• Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/zteutsch.bsky.social 

Where to find Adam Fishman

• FishmanAF Newsletter: www.FishmanAFNewsletter.com 
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamjfishman/ 
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startupdadpod/ 

In this episode, we cover:

(00:00 ) Introducing Zach Teutsch, founder at Values Added and dad of two

(02:58 ) Parenting with the end in mind

(04:25 ) Raising confident, independent kids

(12:02 ) Teaching kids about money early

(17:48 ) Why you can’t change feelings

(26:52 ) Advice Zach wishes he had

(31:22 ) Being your kids’ emotional go-to

(32:38 ) Simple rules for parenting

(33:43 ) The power of showing up

(36:25 ) Boredom as a parenting superpower

(38:45 ) Being a kid is hard

(42:44 ) Relationship principles that work

(49:09 ) Talking AI with your kids

(53:10 ) Lightning round: parenting wins, fails, and quirks

Resources From This Episode:

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451663889 

Bluey (TV Series): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7678620/ 

My Cousin Vinny (Film): https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104952/ 

Claude AI: https://claude.ai/ 

Values Added Financial: https://valuesaddedfinancial.com/ 

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint/

Carla’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qcrzFhbeIVs

Law & Order SVU: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0203259/

George Kinder: https://www.georgekinder.com/

Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com/ 

@zteutsch.bsky.social

zach@valuesadded.com

Melatonin: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-melatonin/art-20363071 

—

For sponsorship inquiries email: podcast@fishmana.com.
For Startup Dad Merch: www.startupdadshop.com