About the Program

The habits children develop early shape the financial decisions they make for the rest of their lives. Through hands-on workshops, Start Smart Think Rich brings financial literacy to life for young learners in an engaging and practical way, leaving them with a foundation they can build on for years to come.

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What Youth Will Learn

The difference between needs and wants
How saving works and why it matters
How to set a money goal and work toward it
How banks work in simple, relatable terms
Smart decision-making when it comes to spending
The value of earning and managing money responsibly

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What to Expect

Every session is interactive and age-appropriate. No lectures. No textbooks. Just real conversation, hands-on activities, and scenarios that connect to everyday life.

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Session Formats Available

One-time workshop sessions
Multi-session series
Summer program and camp presentations
School and after-school programming
Community organization and church youth group events

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Why It Matters

Financial literacy is one of the most important life skills a young person can develop, yet it is rarely taught in schools. Children who learn money management skills early are better prepared for adulthood, more confident in financial decisions, and less likely to struggle with debt later in life.

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Who This Is For

Start Smart Think Rich is designed for organizations, schools, and community groups that serve youth ages 7 to 14

Start Smart Think Rich is available for in-person and virtual delivery, serving youth organizations locally, nationally, and internationally.

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Organizations We Serve

Elementary and middle schools
Summer enrichment and youth development programs
After-school programs
Boys and Girls Clubs and similar youth organizations
Church and faith-based youth groups
Library and community center programming
Corporate community outreach initiatives

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Meet Your Facilitator

Real-World Financial Experience

LaDonna Franklin is the Founder and CEO of Here & Now 4 U and a Business Wellness Strategist with more than 30 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. She holds a Master of Science in Business Psychology and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Franklin University.

Her background spans commercial lending, criticized asset management, SBA loan compliance, and financial recovery. She brings that same depth of real-world financial knowledge into the classroom in a way that young people can understand, connect with, and actually use.

Pricing

Start Smart Think Rich sessions are available for organizational booking. Pricing is based on session length, group size, and program format. Contact us to discuss a package that works for your organization.

Starting rates available upon request.

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MWDBE Academy Trained | SAM.gov Registered-UEI: YJPFM3CJHCS5 | Notary Services

Here & Now 4 U LLC provides educational resources, strategic support, and professional services to support personal, professional, and financial development. We do not offer lending or financial institution services or intervene directly with creditors on behalf of clients.

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