Get A Financial Headstart

In this episode of 'Get the Hell Out of Debt,' hosts Erin Skye Kelly and Carrie Blakeney dive into two key financial questions from listener Dara, who is raising children and seeking guidance on teaching them financial literacy and finding trustworthy financial advisors. Erin emphasizes that the real value in teaching kids about money isn't about growing their savings, but about instilling lifelong habits—like managing their own accounts, tracking spending, and making independent choices. She shares her own family’s approach using network spreadsheets and early access to bank accounts, even in Canada where options are limited. The hosts stress that financial education should be ongoing, fun, and tailored to each child’s learning style, using real-life examples and conversations. On the topic of financial advisors, Erin warns against bank-affiliated advisors, who are often salespeople focused on products, and instead advocates for fiduciary-certified financial planners who offer holistic services including tax and estate planning. She advises listeners to interview multiple planners, prioritize those who align with their goals and treat them with respect, and to view the relationship as dynamic—evolving as their financial situation grows. The episode closes with a strong message: financial freedom begins not with wealth, but with early habits, intentionality, and the courage to seek the right guidance.