Let's Play Money

Coach Mara

Let’s Play Money is the podcast that helps parents and grandparents raise money-smart kids through play, storytelling, and simple coaching conversations. Hosted by certified coach and children’s author Mara Williams, each 20–30 minute episode blends creativity with practicality — turning everyday moments into powerful money lessons for kids. From a farmers market business to bake sales to pet-sitting, Mara’s playful, story-based approach makes financial literacy fun, easy to understand, and engaging for the whole family. Each episode begins with a guest sharing their first money memory, explores a topic from Mara’s Financial Literacy Triangle (play, literacy, coaching), and wraps up with a lightning round inspired by her book series, The Little Books of Big Business. Because money lessons don’t need to be boring — they just need to begin.

Episodes

  1. Episode #6: 2025 Year in Review: How Kids Learned About Money Through Play, Community, and Entrepreneurship

    12/11/2025

    Episode #6: 2025 Year in Review: How Kids Learned About Money Through Play, Community, and Entrepreneurship

    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 Vendor program with 52 young sellers  • Over 700 cups of lemonade served at Kla Ha Ya Days  • The release of our bilingual book Maria Martinez Turns Art Into Income  • More than 100 books donated to families, schools, and clubs If you're curious how kids can learn financial literacy through stories, play, and real-life experiences, this recap will inspire you. Perfect for parents, grandparents, homeschoolers, and anyone who loves watching kids grow their confidence. Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.com Follow on social media: Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness Facebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness YouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness TikTok: @letsplaymoney Join the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy tools Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family.

    16 min
  2. Why Bilingual Books and Cultural Traditions Matter for Kid's Money Lessons

    10/15/2025

    Why Bilingual Books and Cultural Traditions Matter for Kid's Money Lessons

    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 it matters for kids to see financial literacy taught in both English and Spanish How cultural traditions like Day of the Dead add depth to money lessons Ways bilingual stories create connection across generations A personal story of how Jen’s son has learned about money through Let’s Play Money programs This episode is all about helping families feel included, represented, and confident in their money conversations—while celebrating creativity and culture along the way. Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.com Follow on social media: Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness Facebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness YouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness TikTok: @letsplaymoney Join the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy tools Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family.

    25 min
  3. 07/27/2025

    "What’s Inside the Box? A Hands-On Look at Let’s Play Money"

    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, with some very special help from my producer’s 4-year-old daughter. We’re coloring together, flipping through the packets, and giving you a peek inside the kind of hands-on learning that makes this program work. If you’ve been curious about what’s inside the box — or how these playful tools really look in action — you’ll love this behind-the-scenes look. Because when it comes to teaching kids about money, everything you need might just be right inside the box. Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.com Follow on social media: Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness Facebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness YouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness TikTok: @letsplaymoney Join the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy tools Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family.

    29 min
  4. 07/27/2025

    Entrepreneurship & Homeschooling: One Dad’s Path to Teaching Money Skills

    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 homeschool dad of three girls. We’re talking about how he’s bringing money conversations into everyday life, why he chose to teach financial literacy at home, and what’s working (and what’s surprised him) along the way. If you’ve ever wondered how to make money lessons part of your family’s rhythm — without making it feel like a lecture — this one’s for you. Because raising money-smart kids doesn’t require perfection — just intention and a little creativity. Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.com Follow on social media: Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness Facebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness YouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness TikTok: @letsplaymoney Join the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy tools Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family.

    44 min
  5. 07/27/2025

    My Money Story: Why I’m on a Mission to Teach Kids Financial Literacy

    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 you a sneak peek at what’s coming:  Practical tools you can use with your kids Tips for building money confidence in your family Real stories from parents, educators, and young entrepreneursThis podcast is your place to learn how to raise financially literate, confident kids—without the stress.   Let’s build serious money skills together—taught through play.   Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.comFollow on social media:Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusinessFacebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusinessYouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusinessTikTok: @letsplaymoneyJoin the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy toolsEnjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family. Visit the website: www.thelittlebooksofbigbusiness.com Follow on social media: Instagram: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness Facebook: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness YouTube: @thelittlebooksofbigbusiness TikTok: @letsplaymoney Join the email list for updates, freebies, and family-friendly financial literacy tools Enjoyed the episode? Please subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with another parent, teacher, or grandparent who wants to raise confident, money-smart kids! Your support helps us spread the message and make financial literacy fun and accessible for every family.

    14 min

About

Let’s Play Money is the podcast that helps parents and grandparents raise money-smart kids through play, storytelling, and simple coaching conversations. Hosted by certified coach and children’s author Mara Williams, each 20–30 minute episode blends creativity with practicality — turning everyday moments into powerful money lessons for kids. From a farmers market business to bake sales to pet-sitting, Mara’s playful, story-based approach makes financial literacy fun, easy to understand, and engaging for the whole family. Each episode begins with a guest sharing their first money memory, explores a topic from Mara’s Financial Literacy Triangle (play, literacy, coaching), and wraps up with a lightning round inspired by her book series, The Little Books of Big Business. Because money lessons don’t need to be boring — they just need to begin.

You Might Also Like