INAM 25-23: You Can’t Cram for Adulthood
Listen to all of the It's Not About Money Podcast episodes here.
In this sentimental (and slightly hilarious) episode, Charla welcomes a very special guest—her daughter Kate.
As Kate prepares to launch into college life, the two reflect on the long runway of life lessons that shaped her independence—and why you can’t wait until senior year to teach kids how to adult.
From budgeting and banking basics to managing a credit card and handling group money for school events, Kate shares how growing up in a “learning by doing” household made all the difference. (Yes, there were spreadsheets. But also freedom—and room to make mistakes while the stakes were still low.)
Together, Charla and Kate unpack the myth that kids just magically “mature” when they turn 18. Spoiler alert: they don’t. They need practice, not pressure.
You’ll hear how Kate:



Learned to budget naturally


Reconciled her bank account monthly


Requested reimbursements like a boss


Navigated the wild world of credit cards


...all before setting foot on a college campus.
Whether your child is in middle school or on the brink of graduation, this episode is packed with real talk from a teen and actionable takeaways for parents who want to launch their kids with confidence.
Key Takeaways



Adulthood isn’t a cram session—it’s a long game.


Give teens responsibility with their money, not just cash.


Let them manage real tools (banking, budgeting, credit) with guidance.


Normalize financial conversations at home—early and often.


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