The inspiration of children and their brilliance and passion! The word wela is the root of the word "wealth" and means an abundance of valuable resources and possessions. Since all young children have an infinite supply of "valuable resources" within them - such as determination, imagination, optimism, perseverance and the belief they can do anything - this seemed a natural choice. Nancy and a group of children came up with the word zela while playing a game to find something fun that rhymed with wela, luckily the last letter worked!

nancy@zelawelakids.com

Hi Nancy,

I wish we had “Built a Bank” sooner, it would have stopped so much begging for me to buy my daughter Lauren (8) things.  Now she manages her own money and is learning for herself the value of a dollar.  In fact last week she wouldn't buy some earrings because they cost too much.  She learned the hard way about how much taxes are.  It's a beautiful thing, I am learning to let go of trying to control what she spends her money on and am letting her make her own choices, and, at the same time she is making amazing choices.

I remember humming and hawing about giving Lauren an allowance and how to teach her about spending and saving...then I realized, why am I trying to reinvent the wheel here.  Nancy has already done all the research and I just have to trust in and follow her lead.  It's working out amazingly well!

 Thanks, Nicola King

"In her Zela Wela Kids books, Nancy Phillips has created an absolutely priceless and fun way to teach your children about the value of money. Her books are all so much fun. They are a MUST READ for any and all parents. Truly. If you have children... buy at least one. I'll bet you won't stop there."

Kevin P. White, MD, PhD award-winning, best-selling author of 6 books.

Hi Nancy,

Since finding your Zela Wela Kids blog and buying all of your books I feel like I've found a treasure trove of great information that, not only supports what I've been saying, but also teaches me more on topics that I, as a parent, am very interested in and thankful for learning about.  I especially love the book on teaching the difference between needs and wants.  I love your wish list and use it for both of my kids.  I also love the idea of kids building their own "GISS" bank.  That was an awesome activity that my kids and I really enjoyed.

Thank you so much for the wealth of great information that you supply me with and I really look forward to your new blog posts as well as your tweets.  I plan on giving your books to my family members and neighborhood kids as Christmas gifts and spreading your good word.

Kind regards

David Vogelsang, Financial Confidence blogger

Hi Nancy,

I cannot tell you how passionate I am about your mission. Your blog post on why entrepreneurial thinking skills are essential in kids addressed exactly what I've been thinking about and wanting to teach my two sons.

Nancy, I just want to thank you for what you are doing with zelawelakids. It is truly phenomenal. I want to support and promote your mission in ANY way I can.

I am positive that the women entrepreneurs that I work with want to teach their children these skills as a young age precisely because the careers they will have do not exist yet. As a woman entrepreneur, I am committed to teaching my sons these values, but I had no idea how to do it. And then the Universe brought me to you, Nancy!

Vrunda Davé, Ph.D. 

Founder, The Soul Entrepreneur, Business Breakthroughs for Women Entrepreneurs

Dear Nancy,

Thank you ... I personally loved it (the book) and I am going to make my own cereal box bank. It is also an amazing idea having give, invest, save and spend because it is a perfect balance between needs, wants and feeling good. I also liked how interesting the book is and how it makes you want to build a bank of your own. I think everyone should have their own bank.    

From Nolan, age 14

Press Release May 2013:

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The 15 Most Critical Financial Life Skills Your Children Need to Know

Audio for Parents Now Available  Globally! How to Teach Your Children the Most Critical Financial Life Skills   

“This incredible program shows parents how to help their children prepare for success in today’s world. Nancy Phillips has laid it out simply and effectively so parents finally have a roadmap to follow.”

Brian Tracy, world renowned business author and speaker.

The Parents Guide to Kids and Money

Tips for Helping Your Child Get Off to a Great Financial Start

"It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings."

Ann Landers

"Desire - the starting point of all achievement"

Napoleon Hill

"The good life is inspired by love and guided by knowledge."

Bertrand Russell

"An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest."

Benjamin Franklin

 "There is no better time to teach kids about financial matters. If we can help kids understand money matters and the consequences of their decisions, we can help them develop healthy habits early on that will serve them a lifetime."

Warren Buffet

“The best way to stop a bad habit is never to begin it.”

J.C. Penney