Financial literacy often arrives too late in life—usually when young adults are already juggling student loans, rent, and credit cards. Curtis Sanders wants to change that by starting the conversation much earlier.
Sanders shared how his work as a financial literacy coordinator inspired him to create a new children’s book series designed to introduce money concepts in a way kids can understand. While working with college students, he noticed many understood basic ideas like budgeting but still struggled to make responsible financial choices. That realization sparked a simple question: What if kids learned about money before those habits formed?
His answer is “Moe’s Money Moves,” a storytelling-based series for children ages 5–10. Guided by a friendly character named Moe Money, the books introduce foundational financial concepts through engaging stories. The first trilogy, called The Blueprint Trilogy, focuses on essentials like budgeting, planning, saving with purpose, and understanding needs versus wants.
The first book, “Nile’s Awesome Car Fund,” is now available on Amazon, with the remaining books in the trilogy releasing about six weeks apart. Each story builds on the last, helping young readers progress through different levels of financial understanding.
Beyond storytelling, the series encourages family conversations about money. Each book includes interactive sections for parents and children to reflect on decisions made in the story. Future releases will also include companion workbooks designed for classrooms and families alike.
Sanders hopes the series becomes more than just books—it’s a tool to help normalize conversations about money. By introducing financial concepts early, children can grow up viewing money not as something intimidating, but as something they understand and manage with confidence.
Sanders is available for speaking engagements at moesmoneymoves@gmail.com.
Transcribed by AI with human review for readability.
Randy Eccles: This is Community Voices on 91.9 UIS. I'm co-host Randy Eccles. Today we're joined by Curtis Sanders. You've been a guest here before and shared some vital information with us about financial literacy. What's evolved since the last time you've been here?
Curtis Sanders: I’ve been working on a new children’s book series. Last time we talked about my Spring City Stories series, which focused on emotional intelligence and everyday parenting situations. Since then, during my time here at UIS as a financial literacy coordinator—talking with students and coworkers about finances—it sparked something new for me.
Curtis Sanders: Speaking with students made me realize how valuable it is to introduce financial literacy earlier. Even at college level, students are already worrying about debt, classes, and their next steps. That can make learning about finances feel intimidating. So, my idea was to start younger, take the information I share on campus and make it digestible for children while they’re still curious and in a safe learning space.
Randy Eccles: When you say younger, what age group are you targeting?
Curtis Sanders: The series is aimed at kids aged five to ten.
Randy Eccles: And this is a series of books?
Curtis Sanders: Yes. The long-term goal is for it to function like a system. We’re starting with storybooks that kids can connect with. The books are organized in trilogies, each covering a set of financial concepts through three guided stories. Each story represents a different level so children can progress and build their knowledge.
The central character is a guide named Moe Money. He helps kids think about money in a fun, approachable way. The first trilogy is called The Blueprint Trilogy. It introduces concepts like budgeting, planning, saving with purpose, and understanding needs versus wants.
Randy Eccles: I have a 15-year-old, and I’m always trying to figure out the best way to introduce financial literacy. She hasn’t had to pay rent or grocery bills yet. But with inflation lately, even grocery shopping has become a conversation about money. What’s the best time to start introducing financial literacy?
Curtis Sanders: It depends on the child, but as soon as they start noticing transactions—like going to school, visiting stores, or buying something with their own money. That can be as early as five years old.
The key is learning by seeing and having natural conversations about money. The goal isn’t to make five-year-olds financial experts just to get them thinking about it and comfortable asking questions.
With my own kids, ages six to fourteen, I try to explain my thought process. For example, when planning a vacation, I talk through the costs—flights, food, accommodations, and timing. I include them in the decision-making, so they understand how financial choices are made.
Randy Eccles: Some people say giving kids allowances tied to chores teaches financial responsibility, while others disagree. What’s your take?
Curtis Sanders: I think it can be a great tool. It helps kids understand the concept of earning money. Even if they don’t fully grasp saving yet, they realize they had to work for that money.
I’ve seen with my own children that when they spend money they earned, they think more carefully before buying something because they know it took effort to earn it.
Randy Eccles: We’re talking with Curtis Sanders about his new book series. Are the books available now?
Curtis Sanders: Yes. The series is called Mo’s Money Moves. The first book, Nile’s Awesome Car Fund, just launched and is available on Amazon. It’s the first book in the trilogy. The next two books will release about six weeks.
Randy Eccles: You’ve worked with college students at UIS on financial literacy. Were many of them already financially literate when they arrived?
Curtis Sanders: Some understood the basics like budgeting, but many struggled with decision-making. They might know what a budget is but still overspend—like buying Starbucks every day and running out of meal plan funds by the end of the semester.
One of the biggest lessons is understanding needs versus wants and taking responsibility for spending.
Randy Eccles: What’s next after this trilogy?
Curtis Sanders: The goal is for Mo’s Money Moves to become a resource for families and schools. After each trilogy of stories, we’ll release a workbook that expands on the concepts and allows parents or teachers to guide kids through activities.
Randy Eccles: If someone wanted you to speak to a classroom or organization about financial literacy, are you available?
Curtis Sanders: Absolutely. People can reach me at MoMoneyMoves@gmail.com.
Randy Eccles: As we look at economic changes over the past few years, what advice do you have for people navigating financial uncertainty?
Curtis Sanders: Be very aware of your spending. Plan carefully, prioritize your needs, and save what you can for a rainy day. Wants are okay too, but they should be planned for and fit within your budget.
Also, remember that budgets aren’t static. You should review and adjust them as circumstances change.
Randy Eccles: What about credit cards and building credit?
Curtis Sanders: Using credit responsibly can help build your credit history. One strategy is to put regular expenses—like groceries—on a credit card and then pay it off with money you already budgeted for those purchases.
But you must be careful. Avoid unnecessary spending and always plan to pay the balance off to prevent interest from piling up.
Randy Eccles: What questions about finances do you get most often?
Curtis Sanders: Recently, it’s been about salary negotiation, especially from students entering the workforce. They want to know how to ask for what they’re worth.
My advice is to research the market, understand the value of the role in that location, and know your floor and ceiling before negotiations begin.
Randy Eccles: Let’s recap your book series and where people can find it.
Curtis Sanders: Mo’s Money Moves is available on Amazon. The first book, Nile’s Awesome Car Fund, introduces financial literacy concepts through storytelling. Each book also includes a parent section with discussion questions and a badge system to help kids feel proud of their progress.
Randy Eccles: Anything else you’d like people to know?
Curtis Sanders: It’s important to include children in conversations about money. When kids see how adults make financial decisions, they become more comfortable discussing money and are less anxious about handling it in the future.
Randy Eccles: Curtis Sanders, thank you for joining us.
Curtis Sanders: Thank you for having me.
