In an age where financial literacy is crucial yet often overlooked, local author Juanita Enns is making strides to equip the next generation with essential money management skills. Her book, *Your Kids Own Money*, is a comprehensive guide designed to teach children the fundamental principles of handling money effectively from a young age.
Published in 2021, the book quickly soared to success, becoming a number one international bestseller across six financial education categories. Drawing from her own experiences as a mother of four, Enns explained, “The idea of the book started in 2019. My kids were grown by that time, and I had observed how they managed their own finances. I saw what happened with other kids their age and thought I should really write a book on the lessons we, as parents, can impart to our kids.”
Enns emphasizes the importance of introducing financial concepts to children early on. “By helping our kids organize their money, we realized how powerful these lessons were as they grew older and were able to afford bigger-ticket items,” she said. “It really helped them avoid many of the pitfalls that many people encounter.”
*Your Kids Own Money* simplifies complex financial concepts into what Enns refers to as the “YKOM 4 Pillars for Living a Money Smart Life.” By concentrating on these four key ideas, parents can provide their children with a solid understanding of financial basics. Enns encourages parents to implement these principles early, stating that it sets children on a path toward wealth and security.
The book is structured around these foundational steps such as; Giving, Saving, and Investing. Enns highlights the importance of teaching children to give back a portion of their earnings. “If they are only focused on making money and keeping it all, they can become too fixated on wealth,” she remarked. “Teaching them to give a little away first fosters a healthy perspective on money.”
“There is a very good practice in giving” Enns Continued, “My kids still do it now into their adult years. Just the reward you get in helping someone else out. There's some really healthy aspects in giving”
Investing, often viewed with trepidation, is another focus of Enns' teachings. “It’s vital to teach kids to be comfortable with investing. Tools like Robo Apps, such as Wealthsimple and QuestTrade, make it accessible for everyone—even those starting with just one dollar,” she said. “I recommend starting with as little as five dollars from any income and putting it into a Robo App.”
Enns' commitment to financial education stems not just from her personal experiences but also from her professional background. Alongside her husband, Curt, she has successfully operated fly-in fishing resorts and a private airline in Manitoba, Canada. This business-savvy couple has leveraged hard work and expert guidance to build a thriving enterprise in both the aviation and tourism sectors.
Her passion for finance, coupled with her experience as a mother, has fueled Enns’ desire to help children develop a positive and exciting relationship with money. Through the *Your Kids Own Money* brand, she aims to share valuable lessons that she and her family learned, providing a roadmap to financial freedom.
In her spare time, Juanita enjoys traveling to Canada’s northern regions with her husband and indulging her culinary skills by cooking for guests at their lodge. With a degree in recreation studies, she blends her interests in community service and education to inspire children toward financial stability.
As financial literacy becomes increasingly imperative in today's world, Juanita Enns' work is paving the way for future generations to achieve wealth and security, one lesson at a time.
“One thing I always love to tell people is, that time is your child’s most valuable asset when it comes to money, and kids have the biggest asset in that sense. Far more than us adults. So the sooner they can start, the better!”
In summary, Juanita Enns’ *Your Kids Own Money* stands as a vital resource for parents seeking to instill financial literacy in their children. By emphasizing the significance of early education in money management, Enns not only equips kids with essential skills but also encourages a healthy mindset toward wealth and generosity. Her insights, drawn from personal experiences and professional success, provide a roadmap for families to navigate the complexities of finances together. As we continue to recognize the importance of financial literacy in today’s world, Enns' work serves as a beacon of hope, empowering the next generation to build a secure and prosperous future.
