Welcome to 25 STORIES! 

The first 25 STORIES book will be live on October 3, 2018!  Click here to be emailed when the book is live.

Keep an eye out, we are currently looking on the next 2 books! To be notified when they are live click here!

Do you have an interesting career? Could you imagine yourself as the subject of a book?  I know, for many of you (even Vijay - from the first book) think "no way, I don't do anything interesting, my life is boring!" I highly doubt that!  If he can do it, so can you!   We can help remind you of real stories that happened along your journey.  Tell us your line of work, your length in career and your contact information. To get started click here.

Imagine this…you are out shopping with the kids and they haven’t asked for one thing! Nothing is being thrown into your buggy, no one is crying or begging you for you to buy them anything!

How does it feel? Peaceful, relaxing, enjoyable even?

You’re probably laughing silently, thinking that it’s not possible.

I am here to tell you it is! 100% without a doubt - this could be your life too!

Kids are sponges, they learn from your example, but when you try to explain something, many times it falls on deaf ears.

Here are 3 key things that will help you right now:

1. Say no and mean it! You might want to get the earplugs, but trust me…it is easier each time.
   

   Remember, it is for their future, to make them strong.

   No need to raise your voice or give them your famous look (you know the scary one that makes the kids shake in their boots).
   

   Just your normal voice without explanation. “No”.
   

   Doing this over time actually develops more respect for you and let’s face it…they are testing your limits. They want to know how far they can push before they get the dreaded ‘No’.
   

2. The next few times they ask for something, have them do the research.

   Where is the best price? Are there any coupons or price-matching available? Where is the money coming from?
   

   They need to understand that your money isn’t always at their disposal.
   

3. Teach them goal planning. Help them discover actionable things that they could do:

   a) to show that they are responsible enough for the item

   b) to earn the money if they are old enough (allowance or job) or how they could save the money from birthdays and holidays

   c) give them a choice. Here’s what I mean…if I get to choose either having a fun family outing or buying the latest video game, then I am now more invested in the outcome.
   
   My decisions become more meaningful and important. I feel heard and valued when I have a say.
   

   Just make sure to give them a choice of that immediate request and something you actually want to spend money on.

   
   That’s the feeling the kids need to thrive!
   

By putting these tips into practice now, you are putting a halt to the behaviours you don’t like, while encouraging the behaviours you do like.

And…you are saving yourself a lot of tantrums and arguments later!

If your kids are ages 5-8 and you need even more help, don’t fear. The ‘Kids’ Money Course 101’ is here and we’ve done all the work for you.

Sit back, watch the lessons with the kids, and let Dollar Bill do the work!

Dollar Bill takes the kids to Money Island where they follow a map to find the buried treasure. Along the way the kids learn basic money skills, the value of a dollar, build solid decision-making skills and much more!

Check out our lesson plan here: http://emmacarson.teachable.com/p/kids-money-course-101

Let’s face it, not everyone reading this has kids that age. You may need help too!

We have a free Facebook group called the Kids’ Money Course and we’d love to have you join us.

We share money tips and tricks for kids of all ages.

One last thing…we are currently working on our next level ‘201’ for kids ages 9-12 so stay tuned!

Remember: Time flies, be money-wise!

Learning about money doesn’t have to be drab and boring!

I don’t know about your family, but when I was small, I absolutely didn’t want to listen to my mom. My favourite words to her ‘I know Mom’ rolled off the tongue so easily as my ears closed to anything she was saying.

Like most of us, I ended up getting my first introduction to money playing games like Monopoly.

Buying up all the properties we can, while envisioning what we will buy when we get the kitty (we used to put $500 + in the middle of the board and when you land on ‘free parking’ you win that money!). We used to stay up for hours just to win the marathon game.

Nowadays, there are many more fun ways to learn about money! Board games, apps, books, and online courses!

Over the next few weeks we will share with you some of our favourites, starting with board games.

Oh, before I forget, these are affiliate links. Should you buy something, I will get paid by Amazon. It doesn’t change your price at all.

 Here’s a few we like:

Learning Resources Money Bags Coin Value Game, Money Recognition, Counting Game, Ages 7+

·       Players collect, count, and exchange money all the way to the finish line

·       Learn valuable money skills through fun game play

·       Includes game board with spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice

·       2-4 players

·       Pretend bills measure 6.25" x 2.625", pretend coins range from .80" (penny) - .995" (quarter)

Check it out here: Money Bags Game

Money Match Me Cards

·       52 Cards

·       Cards are "3" x 3 7/8" Ideal for teaching Grade 1 to Grade 3 Ages 6 to 8

 Check it out here: Money Match Me Cards

Wonder Forge Big Money Game for Families & Kids 8 & Up - Perfect for Groups & Game Nights

·       What you get - 1 game board, 1 dice cup, 6 dice, 47 cards, 120 bills and instructions.

·       Fun play experience – big money is a board game for adults, families and kids age 8+ you play that combines rolling dice to collect sets with buying properties and earning money.

·       Easy to understand instructions – high quality, Easy to understand instructions make it easy to start playing right away.

·       Great replay value – a fun money game that can be won in under 40 minutes, 2-5 players, with dozens of outrageous assets to buy like a candy factory and drone racing League add further delight to game night!

Get a closer look here: Big Money Game

Moneywise Kids 

·       Two levels of play

·       Two players can play

·       For 7 years and above

·       Teaches kids to make change and budget

·       Tips for parents and teachers

Get your copy here: Moneywise Kids

Just in case you don’t have your own Monopoly game you can get it here:

 Monopoly Classic Game 

·       Buy, sell, dream and scheme your way to riches

·       Players buy, sell and trade to win

·       Build houses and hotels on your properties and bankrupt your opponents to win it all

·       Chance and Community Chest cards can change everything

·       Includes game board, 8 Tokens, 28 Title Deed Cards, 16 Chance Cards, 16 Community Chest Cards, 32 Houses, 12 Hotels, 2 Dice, Money Pack and Game Guide

Get it here: Monopoly

Cheers to making learning about money fun for the kids!

If you are looking for an even better way to teach the kids about money and how to be responsible with it check out our Kids’ Money Course 101 for ages 5-8!

 Remember: time flies, be money-wise.

I have a surprise for you 🥰

I am super excited to tell you this!

The Kids’ Money Course 101 (beginner level) is about to pre-launch tomorrow! Yep, tomorrow!

It will be the lowest price and that price will only last until Tues July 21, 2020.

If you’ve ever wanted to teach money skills to the kids while increasing their self-confidence and decision-making skills YOU NEED THIS COURSE!!

So many people have said to us that they wish this course was available when they were kids, so be sure to check it out for yourself!

We officially launch Wednesday July 22, 2020 - when the price goes up!

TO HELP YOU GET THE CONVERSATIONS STARTED…

We’ve got a FREE 3-Day Challenge “How to Start Money Conversations with the Kids” for you! Starts TOMORROW! 🥰

It’s not easy to start when you don’t know where to begin. We will show you an easy method for success that will leave you feeling proud and listened to!

You will walk away with a cheat sheet that you can use immediately to get the ball rolling!

Details: Wednesday July 15 - Friday July 17!

Each Live class will start at 1 pm EST and will be 30 minutes or less held right in our Facebook Group https://facebook.com/groups/KidsMoneyCourse!

There is a special bonus for those joining live!! 😉

Register here to get the cheat sheet and join us: https://www.subscribepage.com/kidsmoneycourse3daychallenge

I can’t believe it! We are finally at the editing stage of the Kids’ Money Course 101 - the beginner lessons.

It has taken so much to get here and let me tell you, it is worth the wait! I wish I had this course growing up.

If you haven’t heard about the Kids’ Money Course, let me share some cool things.

The Kids’ Money Course is for anyone who needs assistance teaching kids money basics. It is aimed for ages 5-8, but will work for a slightly older audience too!

The Kids’ Money Course includes short videos, printables, and allows for interactive discussions in our exclusive Facebook group.

It has been designed to encourage discussions, increase self-esteem, build decision-making skills and there are challenges at the end of each lesson to put into practice what has been learned.

Basically, we are here to help you set your child up for success!

The lessons learned can be brought into many other areas of your precious ones lives and you will see their confidence grow as you advance to each lesson.

If you already have children with basic money skills, there is still plenty here that probably hasn’t been discussed yet.

Such as, ‘the real value of money’. We discuss not only the monetary value, but also things like the replacement cost, the time/energy it take to get the item again, and much more.

If you feel that your children need the next level, stay tuned. More advance levels are in the preparation stages.

For now, if you would like some tips and tricks for all ages, join our Kids' Money Course Facebook Group!!

Can’t wait to meet you there!

The learning never stops and why would we want it to? What a boring life that would be!

Here are some things I learned recently:

1. How to use Toonly to create cartoon videos.
   

2. How to use GIF’s, stock photos, transparent background images, vectors, and videos for commercial use! I will blog about this in more detail one day. In the meantime email me if you have a question.
   

3. How to change my mindset about something I have been struggling with all my life. The something isn’t important, it’s the mindset that is the key to success. Here’s how:

   a) Figure out what obstacle you want to defeat.
   

   b) Take an inventory of your thoughts and feelings as you think about or are presented with the obstacle. Write it down. All the good, the disgusting and everything in between. Be brutally honest! This is where most people fail/stop.
   

   c) Be kind to yourself about your thoughts. They were your thoughts at the time. You have the POWER to think differently so why feel bad? Transform your thoughts into what your ideal parent would say to you.
   

   d) This step should be done only after you have completed c). Don’t skip it. Do it two or three times if you need to to feel safe enough to allow the possibility of change.
   

   Then, start problem solving: What is holding you back? What can you do/think/say differently? Take some of the most powerful, yet negative statements you wrote down before and let the positivity shine. Give yourself a couple of key light switch moments. What I mean by that is when you hear yourself saying those negative thoughts choose a couple of trigger words. Use those as your light switch moments - flick the switch and say AND feel the positive words you WANT TO FEEL/THINK/SAY.

   e) Just like anything, practice makes perfect. Stay focused, continue to be kind to yourself, let the past and any shame go and be your best self.

Wishing you the best success in your life! 😘

P.S. If you would like your children to start developing their VIRTUES while introducing the CONCEPT OF MONEY to them check out the KIDS' MONEY COURSE - coming soon!

Woke up early today, no alarm, just opened my eyes and was ready to start the day.

The vibes in the air were so peaceful and light, the roads bare and silent, darkness filed each room. I had gotten myself a glass of lactose-free milk to settle my begging for food tummy and found myself sitting in the meditation room.

I turned on the two sets of starry lights and the light with the red bulb and drifted deep into my mind.

Next thing I knew, it was 5 a.m. and the atmosphere had ever so slightly changed and so did I.

I scampered to the bedroom, got dressed and took Ozzie out for a potty break. Energy flowed through my body.

As I casually strolled back inside, I decided ‘today is the day to change storage lockers’ and began the back breaking work that this body used to love.

Next thing I knew it was 6:45 and it was all done…just like that. Easy peasy.

Meditation is the driving force behind me today. What are you waiting for? Go do it - you’re worth it!

I am patiently waiting while granny has an ultrasound and at the same time feeling quite anxious about getting the Online Kids Money Course ready for launching. I highly underestimated how time consuming making cartoons is! I would be happier with a pen and paper, but then I couldn’t share it with you. I have a whole new appreciation for Disney!

So, where does the time go and why do we experience time differently? More to the point, how does time treat me and me it?

Then yesterday it hit me hard. I wasted so much time doing something I didn’t need to be doing. I couldn’t stop myself. I knew what I wanted/needed to do and yet emotionally I had to try again.

You see, in December my iPhone battery needed replacing. I did a full iCloud backup and all my photos are already on auto backup. So that should have been enough. I also started a “save to this computer” backup but my Apple store appointment was in a few minutes so I had to stop that backup. No problem one would think.

Long story short, they actually gave me a new phone replacement and I lost almost 25,000 photos. Lost, gone, moments of my life stolen from me. I am horrified and distraught.

Okay, let’s face it…the memories are still in my mind for now, but there was 2 trips to India, and many work photos and PDF’s (over 100) are missing too).

If you know me, you’ll understand how devastating it is to this problem solver because worse than the missing photos is the fact that most of the photos should have been automatically backed up and saved on an external hard drive. Yet those old backups won’t open on any computer.

So my mind is constantly working on how to solve that issue. It’s almost an obsession and my trust is broken.

I can’t be the only one who this has happened to, so what are your thoughts? If you have any ideas, please email me emma@25stories.net, I really want to hear from you!

Also, what is your system for saving everything? Tell me your routine and products! Desperately seeking solutions!

For now, I am going to start checking my emotions when I choose to do something that is not work related. Is it important? Can it wait? Am I being lazy? This should help for now.

We did it!!! Darsh and Mr. Mahua Become Friends takes home the GOLD!!

Thanks so much to first-time, thirteen-year-old illustrator Ryan Lotocki for all of his hard work and dedication in creating digitally what was in my head!!!

Get your copy here

Hi gang! I would like to have a phone call with you!

I am developing a course on working with parents to teach your kids money basics. So if you have a child ages 5-8 and either have no idea where to start introducing money to them or are overwhelmed with making sure you are giving them the right money skills for a successful future, please email me at emma@25stories.net!

I’d love your help in fine tuning it to be exactly what you need. Here is the starting points:

Are you tired of them wanting every little thing when you’re out shopping, or having them throw things secretly into your buggy as you roam the aisles? Or better yet, they beg for that special (expensive) present, only to break it or never use it?

The course I am working on not only teaches money basics, but does so through building their self-esteem and self-worth. As they accomplish each task they will start being proud of what they accomplished, be excited about each step and build the foundation of a successful life, while having fun along the way (and saving you some money too)!

If this is interesting to you email me or pm me on Facebook to set up a call. Thanks for all of your help and support!

This last week has brought some huge ups and downs.

The good stuff: Darsh and Mr. Mahua is finally here! It is FREE in Kindle Unlimited and available for sale in both eBook and paperback formats on Amazon. Click here for more information.

This project alone took me on a steep learning curve through moments of pure joy to utter frustration with the formatting.

I am so proud of this book and it is getting rave reviews:

”Junie loooooooove s your book 😁😁😁😁😁😁😁 he did not lose focus at anytime he asked questions he got excited he is now in his room drawing a picture from the book😁😁😁😁😁 Beautiful book storyline illustrations and I love how I t gives the kids an option to draw their own!!!!

When we read usually halfway through the book he will loose focus and try to have me start another book . Your book he kept his head on my shoulders he understood that darsh was sad and he met a friend which was a tree he loves it!!!!!!!! I love it!!!!!!!” Eliza Inez

Some other challenges this week were financial struggles. On a whole I deal with things in stride. So when my biggest moment of weakness and self-doubts came, I challenged myself to think. Get that brain of mine working for good.

What ended up was a lightbulb moment. I caught a glimpse of my future while looking into my past.

The outcome: A brand new project aimed at teaching children how to learn about money in a fun new way. Stay tuned…

So while there were significant downs this week, the moments of triumph overruled!

There is always a reason, always a lesson to be learned!

It has been a while since the last post. I apologize for that. I have been diligently working on getting Darsh and Mr. Mahua Become Friends ready for preorder. A couple more days away. 😊😊😊

In the meantime Darsh and Mr. Mahua’s Facebook page is going strong. Every Tuesday starting last week is Virtue Day.

Today’s virtue is DETERMINATION.

Determination is about never giving up! Not letting challenges or setbacks get in the way of achieving your goal.

Did you know it took Thomas Edison made over 10,000 attempts to make the lightbulb? Just think where we would be if he gave up after the first try.

1. Watch yourself first...be the example. Do you get frustrated if something doesn’t go your way immediately? Try a more peaceful approach and explain it to your child along the way.

2. Watch your child and gently mention that they have to take some time to come up with a solution. Any time they get frustrated, have them take a deep breath and try again. Maybe they need a longer break or need to sleep. Try a kids guided meditation. Let them do jumping jacks 25 times. Get the brain focused on something other than tv or the tablet.

Bring them back to the situation a little later and watch them grow more confident with every success.

I can’t believe the day is finally here! The Darsh and Mr. Mahua Become Friends cover is ready for the public! Stay tuned, the book will be available soon!

Don’t forget to sign up below for our monthly newsletter so you don’t miss out on all new releases, fun, photos and FREE STUFF!!!

Darsh, a young Indian boy, is having a terrible day. Getting picked on at school and his parents not seeing his tears, he chooses to run away.  He meets Mr. Mahua who becomes a lifelong friend and teaches him valuable lessons. 

Thirteen-year-old, first time graphic artist Ryan Lotocki, stepped out of his comfort zone, tried something new, and created magic!

Families can like Darsh and Mr. Mahua’s Facebook page and interact with the characters!

Here is the cover for Darsh and Mr. Mahua Become Friends…

The other day I was walking sweet Ozzie and out of the blue, I heard people screaming. I glanced their way and saw what I thought was a cat charging full tilt towards Ozzie. As it crossed the thankfully quiet road to our side of the sidewalk, I realized it was a black and white, tiny Chihuahua. When he jumped the curb and landed on the grass, I took one step in front of Ozzie, leaned forward, pointed my finger and said a sharp “NO.”

The Chihuahua stopped dead in his tracks looking at me quizzically as if he had never heard those words before, turned around and bolted back home. Ozzie hadn’t moved, flinched, or barked. He just stood there knowing I had his back.

The Chihuahua’s owners were still panicked and I was laughing. Now, had it been a German Shepherd or a Pit bull, I probably would have freaked out at least on the inside. But the courage this tiny thing had to charge me and my seventy pound dog was incredible!

As we walked further, still smiling, I started to think about where I am lacking in courage. Or more to the point, where I was being fearful. Can I actually make money writing? Can I get this body in a healthier state? Will I be okay when the last close relative I have - my granny - leaves the body?

From that moment on, I decided that whenever I am fearful, I will remember that courageous Chihuahua and keep moving forward, keep striving for my dreams, and know that everything will be alright!

This is an entry from the non-judgemental Facebook Group I started for the current Work in Progress. If you would like to join the group click this link.

Week 12:

Last week was one of the most stressful weeks of my life.  This new mindset made it much easier to cope with the craziness.  

Instead of shovelling food into my mouth to numb my emotions, I ate mindfully, stopping when I was full. Eating minimal chips and choosing milk or iced tea instead of pop. I walked close to five thousand steps every day on purpose not out of necessity. 

What I wasn’t prepared for was what would happen when the stress was eased.  When those moments of rushing from driving my friend to her appointments, then to the hospital to see grandma. Sometimes only home to sleep.  

When granny was told she could go home in a couple of days and my friend gathered her courage to get back behind the wheel, when my cousin who said I was dead to her didn’t bother me anymore and when a dear friend’s trouble with the law was finally free without any fines or jail time, I could breathe again. 

Even though in the middle of the week I was a zombie, I still wanted to feel every emotion.  I chose to go for walks to clear my mind and get some happy endorphins coursing through my veins. 

It’s the weekend where things went downhill. I was completely exhausted and was so happy I had worked through those moments of anxiety without reverting back to old habits. Until that one moment of rest and recovery turned into three days of unconscious eating. 

I lost focus because the worst was over. I let my guard down and slept for those three days. In those three days I binged on chips and pop. I said to myself on that first day ”it’s okay.  You did so well this week, and it’s one day.  Don’t feel guilty about it. I will be good tomorrow.”

The problem is once the screws loosened all the old habits came popping out of the woodwork and my pants started to tighten.  I stopped any form of exercise. 

I made a vow to myself yesterday evening after feeling so bloated and ashamed that “it will be okay. Starting right now I will go back to those amazing habits I created and let go of the guilt.”

I don’t like feeling so full it’s hard to breathe. I don’t like my upper tummy being so fat that my arms touch it when I sit down.  I don’t like losing control. 

I felt so free last week and that emotion is in my rear view mirror. Now is the time to see the lesson. I wasn’t prepared and those habits got the better of me. 

Next time I will be ready. Next time I won’t listen to the voice that says just this one day. 

In a way, I am glad it happened. Until I see why and when I break from healthy eating, I cannot change. 

What really occurred was I was temporarily suppressing many emotions. Put them off until there was more time.  I thought I was dealing with them beautifully. They all came at once and overwhelmed me. 

Next time before I allow myself to break the rules so to speak, I will have more conversations with myself. Am I rewarding myself? Am I suppressing something I don’t want to deal with? Am I being lazy? Am I giving up or in?

Until I fully answer those questions I cannot put chips into the body because for me chips are the river that is strong enough to burst the dam.  

I get that now.  I am happy that today I am no longer unconsciously eating. Today I will exercise.  

I am worth it!

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