Our Financial Education Specialist, Kristin Mullady, is on a mission to bring real-world money skills into K–8 classrooms. With a background in teaching and a passion for making financial education fun, she’s helping fill a major gap in our school system—one engaging lesson at a time. In this Q&A, she shares what inspired her to dive into financial literacy, the challenges teachers face, and how her team is making money lessons more accessible, age-appropriate, and actually fun for students and educators alike.

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What inspired you to focus on financial literacy for K–8 students?

I started writing financial literacy curriculum while working at PNWFCU, after years as a middle school teacher. I quickly saw how few free, accessible resources existed for younger students—and how big the gap was in financial education. That gap felt too important to ignore, and I’ve been committed to closing it ever since.

What are some of the biggest challenges teachers face when introducing financial concepts in the classroom?

Time is a major hurdle—financial literacy often isn’t prioritized in K–8 schedules. Many teachers also lack formal training in finance, which can make the subject feel intimidating. Plus, money can be a sensitive topic for students. Our program helps by offering free, inclusive, and easy-to-use resources that support both teachers and students.

How do your materials help make financial literacy more accessible and engaging for both teachers and students?

We use games, real-world simulations, and hands-on activities to make learning about money fun and practical. Our materials are free, easy to implement, and designed to help students connect financial concepts to their everyday lives.

How do you ensure your resources are age-appropriate across such a wide grade range?

We tailor lessons to each age group—using playful, hands-on activities for younger students and more in-depth, real-world scenarios for older ones. Everything is aligned with Oregon standards but adaptable for classrooms anywhere.

What feedback have you received from educators using your materials?

The most common feedback I hear from parents and teachers alike is that they wish they had a program like this when they were in school. When teachers see their students laughing and engaged in meaningful conversations about money, it reinforces that financial literacy doesn’t have to be boring or intimidating. Educators appreciate that the lessons are easy to implement, aligned with standards, and flexible enough to fit into different classroom settings. Many have shared that their students not only enjoy the activities but also continue discussing what they’ve learned long after the lesson ends—which is exactly the kind of lasting impact we aim for.

How do you incorporate real-world relevance into your lessons?

We design our lessons to reflect real-life financial situations students will face—now and in the future. From creating budgets and comparing wants vs. needs to understanding credit, taxes, and savings, each activity connects directly to everyday money decisions. High school lessons go even deeper, covering topics like student loans, paychecks, and credit scores. We also use hands-on activities, games, and real-world examples to help students see how financial choices affect their lives, making the content practical, relatable, and memorable.

How do you stay current with trends and changes in financial education?

We stay up to date by actively following changes in state standards—like Oregon’s evolving financial literacy requirements—and by connecting with educators, industry professionals, and financial education networks. We also regularly review new research, attend workshops and webinars, and gather feedback from teachers using our materials. This ongoing engagement helps us keep our lessons relevant, accurate, and aligned with what students need to succeed in today’s financial world.

What advice would you give to a teacher who’s just starting to bring financial literacy into their classroom?

Start simple and don’t worry about being a financial expert—your enthusiasm and willingness to open the conversation are what matter most. Use age-appropriate, ready-to-go resources that make the topic engaging and relatable for your students. Focus on real-life concepts like needs vs. wants, saving, or how to manage a paycheck—topics that spark curiosity and discussion.

Also, create a safe, judgment-free space where students can ask questions and share their thoughts. Money can be a sensitive topic, so it’s important to approach it with empathy and inclusiveness. And finally, don’t be afraid to learn alongside your students—financial literacy is a lifelong skill for all of us.

What’s next for you in this space—any upcoming projects or resources you’re excited about?

Right now, we’re focused on expanding the reach of our high school financial literacy curriculum. The content is already aligned with Oregon’s updated standards and covers essential real-world topics like budgeting, credit, savings, and preparing for financial independence after graduation.

What we’re most excited about is helping more schools integrate this curriculum across the board—not just in personal finance or economics classes. We’re developing training opportunities for all school staff so educators in any subject area can feel confident weaving financial concepts into their instruction. Our goal is to make financial literacy a shared priority across school communities and get these vital lessons into the hands of more students, regardless of the class they’re sitting in.

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