In this episode, Yanely Espinal talks to Mellody Hobson, Co-CEO and President of Ariel Investments and New York Times bestselling author of Priceless Facts About Money. Melody shares the inspiration behind her new children's book, which she intentionally crafted as a "gateway" book that teaches adults through kids by making financial concepts fun, accessible, and rooted in real facts. She discusses her long-standing concern about America's financial literacy gap and explains how the pandemic finally gave her time to write the book. Drawing on examples like money slang, everyday decision-making, and historical origins of currency, Melody emphasizes that children are far more capable of learning complex financial ideas than adults often assume. She also highlights the importance of early exposure by describing the Ariel Community Academy model, where first graders receive real dollars to invest and learn financial concepts progressively through graduation. The conversation explores Melody's personal journey and how those experiences inform her mission to help the next generation build confidence and knowledge.
