Candace Okin wouldn’t let a corporate layoff in 2019 define her. Instead, she turned it into a springboard for a remarkable journey that equips the younger generation for financial success.
Okin saw an opportunity to teach her son valuable financial literacy concepts that helped her during her unemployment. The result? She wrote “Mason Makes Money,” a children’s book that breaks down fundamental entrepreneurial and money management tips in a way kids can understand.
Her passion didn’t stop there. In 2020, she furthered her mission by launching a non-profit organization, Mason Make Money Fund (MMF), dedicated to nurturing young “kidpreneurs.”
She’s hosted several in-person and virtual events this year, including a weekly “Business Basics and Money Management Series” with Harris County Public Library’s La Porte Branch and a weekly financial segment on the organization’s Mason Makes Money Radio in partnership with All Real Radio.
MMMF also hosts Kids Konnect, a free online event featuring financial professional Mia James. The traditional school system has a gap, and Okin said the organization is working to fill it.
“I remember learning about economics and money on the national scale for one semester in school, but there was no real emphasis on personal finance,” she said. “Society throws the phrase “make money” in our kids’ faces, but making money isn’t really the issue. It’s management that will help you keep your money. Our schools need to teach the basics earlier.”
Her six-year-old son, Mason, is learning valuable lessons about earning, saving, and budgeting through age-appropriate methods.
The key to the method is relatability. Okin uses toys and their prices in catalogs to introduce concepts like cost and saving. Earning a smiley face at school translates to a dollar or two added towards a desired toy, like a bubble machine.
This system keeps Mason motivated and reinforces the idea of delayed gratification. She also co-leads family meetings where finances are addressed calmly and productively.
“I encourage other parents not to hide their failures from their kids because it can be used as a lesson,” she said. “I feel some parents and caregivers, they don’t, they don’t feel equipped to teach their kids, but that shouldn’t stop you guiding them.”
The best part about her work is that MMF awards three $500 micro-grants to three kid entrepreneurs yearly to fund their businesses. Since the organization launched in 2022, MMF has engaged with nearly 100 youth through funded grants, free in-person or virtual workshops, and literacy-based programs.
Here are a few tips Okin recommends parents and children incorporate into daily life to foster healthy financial habits:
Budgeting Basics: The first step is creating a realistic budget. This involves tracking monthly income and expenses to understand your financial landscape.
Spend With Awareness: Developing a system to track spending allows you to stay within your budget and identify areas for potential savings.
Debt Management: It is crucial to limit unnecessary debt. When borrowing is necessary, ensure the repayments fit comfortably within your budget.
Saving for the Future: Make saving a priority by setting aside monthly money. This can be used for emergencies, special occasions, and long-term goals.
Live Within Your Means: Carefully consider your income when making purchases. Avoid unnecessary expenses and focus on smart buying decisions.
Finding Balance: Financial responsibility requires a balanced approach. Allocate funds for necessities, savings goals, and some well-deserved fun.
To learn more about MMMF and the organization’s many tools, resources, and events, please visit
www.masonmakesmoneyfund.org.
