Our Financial
Literacy Programs
Financial education that is joyful, practical, culturally
grounded — and designed for real life.
Financial education that is joyful, practical, and rooted in real life.
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Mahogany & Friends Foundation delivers hands-on financial literacy programs for children, teens, and adults. Our programs build confidence, healthy money habits, and long-term financial stability—without shame or jargon. Each offering is designed to meet participants where they are and equip them with tools they can use immediately.
Youth Program
Our youth programs build strong money habits early through hands-on learning, games, and real-world application. Designed for children and teens, these programs make financial literacy engaging, confidence-building, and age-appropriate—helping young people understand money before life forces them to learn the hard way.
Financial education that is joyful, practical, and rooted in real life.
​
Mahogany & Friends Foundation delivers hands-on financial literacy programs for children, teens, and adults. Our programs build confidence, healthy money habits, and long-term financial stability—without shame or jargon. Each offering is designed to meet participants where they are and equip them with tools they can use immediately.
Budget DOES IT Workshop
A high-energy budgeting challenge for kids, teens, and families
Budget DOES IT is our signature financial literacy workshop that transforms budgeting into a fun, fast-paced experience. Using games, learning stations, challenges, and storytelling, participants build foundational money skills in a format that feels like play — not a classroom lecture.
Participants Learn
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Needs vs. wants
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Income, expenses & overspending
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How to build and adjust a simple budget
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How to set meaningful financial goals
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Smart decision-making through real-life scenarios
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Saving habits and early money confidence
What’s Included (Depending on Format)
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Financial Literacy Kits
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Free book for every youth: Budget Does It Tea Party
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Mona's Budgeting Adventure Workbook
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Learning Stations & Money Challenges (earn raffle tickets)
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Door Prizes & Incentives (cash prizes, small toys, gifts)
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Snacks (for in-person workshops)
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Skittle-Cents: Tiny Investor Budgeting Activity (always included, Skittles may be purchased by partners)
Format Options
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60–90 minute workshop
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Family version available
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Adaptable for youth ages 6–14; can be adjusted for teens & adults
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Available for schools, after-school programs, and community partners
Watch Our Impact
“Financial literacy touches on important aspects central to Club programs… It helps our members develop critical thinking, decision-making, and long-term planning skills.”
— Michael Gulley, COO, Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Virginia
High Five Savings Challenge
A five-week habit-building savings program for youth
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The High Five Savings Challenge teaches young people not just what saving is, but how to build saving habits that stick. Through weekly lessons, hands-on practice, and real earning opportunities, youth learn to save consistently, make spending decisions, and set goals with purpose.
Participants Learn
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Setting and achieving savings goals
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The habit of saving (“High Five Rule”)
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Creating an emergency fund
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How to track spending and income
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Needs vs. wants
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Sinking funds & saving triggers
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Simple vs. compound interest
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How to use basic banking tools
Program Structure
Week 1–1.5:
Instructional learning about saving, goals, emergency funds, and money confidence.
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Weeks 2–5:
Service-oriented projects where youth earn Mahogany Money.
During these weeks youth:
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Track “income” and savings using a real savings tracker
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Decide how much to save vs. spend
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Shop in the Mahogany Store (snacks, toys, incentives)
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Experience natural consequences of money decisions
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Learn discipline and long-term thinking
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Participate in a “Real Cash Week” challenge where they handle real money
Matching Component
At the end of the challenge, youth receive the amount they “saved” in Mahogany Money in real cash, with the Foundation offering a matched amount up to a set maximum (you choose the number — often $50–$100).
Family Engagement
The final week includes a Family Banking Day, supporting parents as they open bank accounts with their children.
Who It Serves
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Youth ages 8–16
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Excellent for schools, after-school programs, and community partners
First Job Ready
Workforce readiness & financial foundations for teens​
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First Job Ready equips teens with the essential skills needed to thrive in their first job — and manage their first paycheck with confidence.
Participants Learn
Workforce Skills
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Job applications & interview preparation
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Resume basics
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Professional communication & workplace expectations
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Time management & responsibility
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How to advocate for themselves respectfully
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Financial Literacy Skills
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Reading paychecks (taxes, deductions, gross vs net)
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Banking basics: debit, credit, overdrafts, checks
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Where & how to save
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Intro to 401(k), matching, Roth accounts
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Beginner budgeting
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SMART goals
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Avoiding scams & impulse spending
Program Structure
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Delivered over 4–8 sessions
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Includes role-play, games, and interactive scenarios
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Real-world tasks (example: mock workplace shifts)
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Can include field trips (bank visits, employer sites)
Who It Serves
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Middle school & high school youth (ages 12–18)
Adult Programs
Our adult programs provide caregivers and individuals with the tools, confidence, and guidance needed to manage money, reduce stress, and build long-term stability. Through coaching and workshops, participants learn practical strategies they can apply immediately—strengthening financial decision-making for themselves and their families.
Mahogany Parents:
Financial Culture™
One-on-one coaching & workshops for adults and caregivers​
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This transformational program supports adults in building confidence, reducing financial stress, and creating healthy financial habits that can be passed down to children.
Participants Learn
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How to build & maintain a sustainable budget
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Emergency fund creation
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Needs vs. wants in a family context
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Sinking funds & planning tools
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Emotional spending triggers & habit change
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How to set and reach SMART financial goals
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Credit, debt, and repayment strategies
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Saving systems (weekly, monthly, automatic)
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Household communication skills for money
Program Structure
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Delivered over 4–8 sessions
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Includes role-play, games, and interactive scenarios
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Real-world tasks (example: mock workplace shifts)
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Can include field trips (bank visits, employer sites)
Who It Serves
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Adults & caregivers from all backgrounds
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Especially supportive for ALICE families, single parents, returning citizens, and families seeking stability
“This helped me understand budgeting and finally stop overspending. Now my kids and I set goals together — and we’re saving as a family.”
- Parent Testimonial
Community Programs
Expanding access through trusted community partnerships.
Our community programs focus on ensuring every child has access to financial literacy resources. Through the P.U.S.H. Initiative, we place culturally relevant financial literacy books directly into the hands of children—supporting early learning, representation, and meaningful money conversations at home and in schools.
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Support Community Programs:
P.U.S.H. Initiative
Placing Understanding, Stories & Hope in Hands™â€‹
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The P.U.S.H. Initiative places engaging, culturally grounded financial literacy books directly into the hands of children — supporting both literacy and early financial education.
What We Do
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Distribute free or low-cost financial literacy books
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Provide books to schools, libraries, after-school programs
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Support take-home learning with conversation prompts
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Ensure representation in money stories
Why It Matters
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Books spark early financial conversations
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Representation builds confidence
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Reading + financial literacy boosts academic & life outcomes
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Children carry these lessons into adulthood
Who It Serves
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Children ages 3–12
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Ideal for schools, libraries, early childhood programs, and family organizations
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Partner With Us
Together, we can build financial confidence that lasts for generations.
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Mahogany & Friends Foundation partners with schools, nonprofits, community organizations, and corporations to deliver joyful, culturally relevant financial education for children, teens, and adults.
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Every partnership expands access, strengthens families, and creates a pathway to long-term financial stability.