Let's Play Money

What really happens when kids aren’t taught about money? In this episode, Mara takes a closer look at the quiet, real-life patterns that can follow people for years - often starting in childhood. From a conversation with a woman in her 70s to young adults struggling to earn and manage money, these stories show how early experiences shape lifelong habits. But this isn’t just about what goes wrong....

In this episode, Mara introduces a brand-new tool for families: the Let’s Play Money Zine. If you’ve never heard the word zine before, it simply means a small mini-magazine; something simple, creative, and fun to read. Mara created this zine as an easy way for parents and kids to start conversations about money, creativity, and entrepreneurship without needing a full lesson plan. In this episode,...

Kid Vendor Day has become one of Snohomish’s most loved community traditions—and today we’re taking you behind the scenes. In this episode, Mara sits down with Sarah, Executive Director of the Snohomish Farmers Market, and Krystal, Executive Director of the Snohomish Chamber of Commerce, to explore how Kid Vendor Day empowers young entrepreneurs and brings families together in memorable, meaningfu...

January often comes with pressure — to reset routines, make plans, and “do money better” as a family. In this episode of the Let’s Play Money Podcast , Coach Mara invites parents to take a calmer approach. Instead of goals, systems, or overhauls, this episode focuses on noticing small money moments that are already happening in everyday life. You’ll hear: Why money confidence starts with awareness...

2025 was a big year for kid entrepreneurs! In this episode, Coach Mara recaps the top highlights from a year filled with youth business programs, farmers market partnerships, and fun subscription boxes that help kids learn about money. You’ll hear about:  • New Kidpreneur Kits launching in multiple Washington markets  • The first-ever Let’s Play Money subscription boxes  • A record-breaking Kids V...

In this episode of the Let’s Play Money Podcast , host Mara Williams introduces her brand-new book, Maria Martinez Turns Art into Income —a bilingual story (English & Spanish) that helps families talk about money, creativity, and culture. Mara is joined by Jen, who helped translate the book into Spanish and shares her perspective as a mom raising a bilingual child. Together they discuss: Why i...

Pam and Crystal join me to reflect on their experience volunteering with the Let’s Play Money program at the Boys & Girls Club, where they worked with 5th graders to teach essential money skills. In this episode, we talk about why business owners choose to invest in the next generation, the impact of teaching financial literacy before high school, and share personal stories about our own child...

In this very first episode of Let’s Play Money , I’m sharing something personal— my own money story. From childhood lessons to real-world wake-up calls, you’ll hear how my experiences (and coaching hundreds of families and small business owners) led me to write The Little Books of Big Business and create play-based tools that make learning about money fun and meaningful for kids. I’ll also give yo...

Welcome back to Let’s Play Money — the podcast that helps parents and grandparents raise money-smart kids through play, storytelling, and simple coaching conversations. I’m your host, Mara Williams — author, coach, and believer that financial literacy starts early and sticks best when it’s fun. Today, I’m joined by my friend and fellow entrepreneur Jason Erwin — a local business owner and homescho...

Welcome back to Let’s Play Money — the podcast that helps parents and grandparents raise money-smart kids through play, storytelling, and simple coaching conversations. I’m Mara Williams — author, coach, and big believer that learning about money should feel like playtime, not pressure. Today’s episode is something a little different — I’m unboxing the very first Let’s Play Money subscription box,...