Teaching Children Financial Literacy: Spencer Hawthorne Jr. on Money & Generational Wealth
By Lana Reid | January 18, 2023
As part of the Black Men Matter Series, Lana Reid sits down with Spencer Hawthorne Jr., author, entrepreneur, and accountant, to discuss teaching children financial literacy through his book series Jayden’s Quests. Spencer shares how introducing money concepts at an early age helps children develop understanding around saving, spending, and responsibility. He reflects on why early financial education is critical to long-term economic empowerment in Black communities.

In this episode of The Male Perspective, Spencer Hawthorne Jr. offers an accessible and practical conversation about financial literacy for children and families.
Spencer explains how Jayden’s Quests was created to simplify financial concepts for young readers through storytelling. He discusses how children can begin learning about money by understanding everyday ideas such as budgeting, saving, and decision-making in ways that feel relatable and engaging.
Throughout the conversation, Lana Reid and Spencer explore the importance of normalizing financial conversations within families. Spencer emphasizes that many adults were never taught foundational money skills, making early education essential for breaking cycles of financial insecurity. He shares how introducing financial literacy at a young age builds confidence, awareness, and healthier relationships with money over time.
The discussion also highlights equity and generational impact. Spencer reflects on how access to financial education can help close wealth gaps and empower future generations. He underscores that teaching children about money is not just about numbers, but about preparation, opportunity, and long-term stability.
This episode reinforces the importance of early financial education as a tool for empowerment, responsibility, and generational wealth-building.
About the Guest
Spencer Hawthorne Jr. is an author, entrepreneur, and accountant focused on financial education for children and families. Through his book series Jayden’s Quests, he helps introduce foundational money concepts in accessible, age-appropriate ways that support long-term financial literacy and empowerment.
For more information on Spencer Hawthorne Jr.:
https://www.jaydensquests.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jaydensquests
https://www.instagram.com/su_spence813
About the Series
This episode is part of the Black Men Matter Series, highlighting Black men who are authors, educators, and professionals advancing financial literacy, education, and generational knowledge within their communities.
About the Host & Organization
The Male Perspective is hosted by Lana Reid, founder of Conversations in Color, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) grassroots organization dedicated to providing uplifting and community-building spaces of dialogue for Black voices.
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