About Us

Shaping the Future, One Financially Confident Kid at a Time

Who We Are

At Young Money Academy, we believe that teaching kids about money isn’t just about dollars and cents—it’s about giving them the tools to shape their future with confidence, independence, and purpose.

We’re a team of educators, parents, entrepreneurs, and creatives who saw a gap in how financial literacy was taught (or not taught) in schools—and we decided to build something better. Something that kids actually want to engage with. Something that grows with them. Something that works.

What We Do

Young Money Academy creates financial literacy programs for kids ages 5–14, blending classroom-friendly curriculum, real-world learning, and a web-based game—Wealthy Way Galaxy—that makes money skills feel like an adventure.

Our approach is playful but powerful. Every lesson is rooted in five key pillars: Money Mindset, Earning & Entrepreneurship, Saving & Growing Wealth, Credit & Borrowing Smart, and Protecting What Matters.

Who We Work With

  • Parents and caregivers looking for practical tools to support their kids
  • Teachers and schools ready to bring financial education into the classroom
  • Community leaders and investors who understand that early financial education is a long-term investment in equity and economic empowerment

Samantha Lathus

CPA and former international accountant with deep expertise in finance and budgeting. She combines her corporate finance background with real-world investing experience to create smart, strategic learning pathways. Her mission: bring financial literacy to the next generation in a clear, empowering way.

Joe Evans

Serial entrepreneur and youth advocate with a passion for making real-world skills accessible to kids. As the founder of Ivy League Kids, Social 45, and other successful ventures, Joe brings a track record of leadership, brand-building, and community impact. At Young Money, he’s focused on reimagining how kids learn about money through storytelling, gamification, and accessible digital tools

Dan Evans

Educator, media producer, and former national TV personality known for storytelling that resonates. Dan has produced for major outlets like Sports Illustrated and brings a unique lens to content creation, blending entertainment with purpose. At Young Money, he focuses on crafting engaging narratives and immersive learning experiences.

Christina Knabjian

With over 15 years of experience designing impactful programs for youth, she blends her background in communication and child development to create enriching out-of-school experiences that support growth, confidence, and well-being. Her mission: help kids thrive through engaging, meaningful programs that meet them where they are.

Karl Lathus

Entrepreneur and real estate investor with a background in construction and business strategy. Karl brings a practical, ownership-driven mindset to financial literacy. His goal is to show kids that wealth-building starts with action and confidence—from the classroom to the real world.

Our Values

  • Access Over Barriers: We design with inclusion in mind—culturally, economically, and educationally.
  • Fun With Purpose: We believe kids learn best when they’re engaged and entertained.
  • Growth That Lasts: We teach real skills, not just games, with tools and stories that stick.
  • Community First: We partner with parents, schools, and local organizations to create lasting impact.

Stay Updated!

Get updates on our curriculum, game progress, new blog posts, and the impact your support makes.