Financial literacy is a life skill—and it’s never too early to start. In this episode of The Stardom101 Magazine Podcast, we sit down with Shangra-La Jones, nationally recognized financial educator, author, and Advisory Board Member of the Colorado Financial Educators Council. With over 20 years of experience in banking, auditing, and financial services—and two Master’s degrees—Shangra-La shares why financial education must begin in childhood, how underserved communities are impacted by financial literacy gaps, and what practical tools families, churches, and educators can use to build generational financial wellness. We also dive into her Ultimate Financial Literacy Program, her interactive book series for kids, teens, and adults, and why financial literacy equity is essential for long-term community empowerment. 🎙️ If you’re a parent, educator, church leader, or community advocate—this episode is for you.
Shangra-La Jones is an Advisory Board Member of the Colorado Financial Educators Council (COFEC) and an active member of the National Financial Educators Council (NFEC) Financial Advocacy Committee. She holds two Master’s degrees—one in Public Financial Management and one in Public Administration—and has over 20 years of experience in the financial industry as a broker, banker, and auditor.
Since 2008, she has delivered high-quality financial literacy education to youth and adults, focusing on equity, standards-based learning, and community-centered financial empowerment.
• Why Financial Literacy Is a Life Skill
Shangra-La explains why financial education should start as early as age seven and how early exposure builds confidence, vocabulary, and long-term decision-making skills.
• Inside The Ultimate Financial Literacy Program
Learn how her Black-owned education company partners with the National Financial Educators Council to deliver evidence-based, outcomes-driven financial education for underserved communities.
• Teaching Kids Through Word Association
Discover how her word-search and workbook approach helps children, teens, and adults understand financial concepts beyond memorization.
• Financial Literacy & Community Impact
A powerful discussion on working with churches, community leaders, and public platforms to move beyond awareness and toward real financial participation and investment.
• The Cost of Financial Illiteracy
Why even high earners and professional athletes can struggle financially—and what everyday families can learn from those stories.
• Special December Offer
Shangra-La is offering 20% off her financial literacy books for the month of December to help expand access to financial education.
• What’s Coming Next
A preview of her upcoming financial literacy workbook for teens and adults, scheduled for release in 2026.
The Ultimate Financial Literacy Word Search for Kids
An interactive 100-page book featuring over 1,200 financial literacy terms designed to make learning fun and engaging for children.
The Ultimate Financial Literacy Word Search
A 2,000-word puzzle book for teens and adults covering investing, budgeting, risk management, and financial planning.
The Ultimate Financial Literacy Workbook for Kids
A hands-on activity workbook with word scrambles, mazes, and puzzles to build real-world money skills.
🌐 Websites
https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/community-champion-the-colorado-financial-literacy-project/
https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/advisory-board-member-shangra-la-jones/
https://www.financialeducatorscouncil.org/shangra-la-jones-on-savings-expenses-and-budget-planning/
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