If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else" - Toni Morrison MISSION To empower children and their families with financial literacy life skills, in a way that is proactive, unforgettable and fun.  The CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY? children's book series, family and money workshops and merchandise were created by Candi Sparks.  The project was conceived when her family was faced with a catastrophic illness, and she realized that in addition all the love, education and nourishment that children receive,  they also need to know how to handle money, in order to be successful adults.  Materials and workshops are available nationwide.  Vendor is registered with NYC / DOE and has M/WBE certification. CONTACT INFO Location:  Brooklyn, New York    Phone / Fax:  866.556.2432 Send an email here. MY STORY I was born in the poverty of the South Bronx.  Although poor, my folks refused any form of public assistance.  Instead, they put their hearts and their heads together, to make a better life fo us.  They did not mistake their cirucumstances for their destination and they planned to achieve the American dream while we were all still young enough to enjoy it.   Growing up, my older brother, younger sister and I, watched our parents deny themselves in the struggle to "make it."   They worked two jobs each, to provide for us.  There were four jobs in the household - BEFORE it was fashionable.  I guess they were ahead of their time, becuase these days it seems that everyone has a day job and side hustle just to make ends meet!   Did I mention we had lots of love, attention and old fashioned discipline in our household?!  Eventually, the folks moved the family up the economic ladder to the next wrung - a house in Queens!  The entire time, I was acutely aware of how hard my parents worked (they were always tired and we had to be quiet while they were sleeping).  Do you know how hard it is for 3 kids to watch Saturday morning cartoons being quiet!?    My parents worked so hard and denied themselves in creature comforts, to give the family bigger and better.   I was determined that when I grew up, I would also have bigger and better!    But, like every other child ever born, I figured there must be an easier way to go about it.   (Does that sound familiar?)  I was falling for what I was hearing from my friends and in the ads - that I could do it without working so hard, or so long! I left home shortly after my college graduation, ready to conquer the world!   A decade later, I was working 6 days a week, had racked up $20,000 in credit card debt (not including the car loan), didn't have any savings, and did not own any property.  I was working 6 days a week, yet I had nothing to show for my hard work.  I wanted to have bigger and better, but all I "had" were the chains of debt and a lifestyle financed by credit cards.  The lesson I was trying to teach my parents backfired on me!   I had no concept that financial freedom ies in ownership, or that I should use my productive working years to accumulate the assets I would one day need to retire comfortably.  My only idea of money was that I should pay bills on time.  My borrowing and spending was out of control and even with two jobs, I was just over broke! Years later, I attended a seminar about women and money.  I was so excited when I learned how money works, and how I could get my money to work for me, that I changed my habits.   I began thinking about owning my financial destiny.  I began saving and investing.  My mental and spiritual transformation was so empowering that I wanted to help others to do the same!  I got licensed and began helping others.  Oddly enough, as I took on more clients, I found that the 6 figure income clients were also the ones with the biggest debt!  The size of the financial mess had nothing to do with the size of the income.   As we would work on improving their situations, they would ask me what they could tell their children about money, so their kids could avoid getting into the same mess.  I appreciate these clients because their success inspired me, and they taught me a lesson that helped me to develop the CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY concept - a financial education starts at home.  And since your paycheck doesn't come with instructions (and neither do your kids), without a financial education, the playing field is level - regardless of the income! My journey has led me to look at money in a generational context.  My clients who were having trouble, wanted to know what to tell their children avoid their parents' problems.  This question caused me to reflect on my own life.  What did my parents tell my brother, sister and me about money?   While my parents modeled a great love for the family, and a responsible work ethic.  they never talked to us about about money.   No information was given to us about credit cards, savings, buying property, loans, retirement, insurance, wills....  I learned about them from my friends and the TV.  That's not a failure on their part - things have become alot more complicated and money is handled very differently than it was back in the day.   Plus, my money issues were somewhat different from theirs.   They would never have dreamed of buying anything with "no money down."  But that has become the norm, for some! Now that Americans have had a negative savings rate for several years, foreclosures are on the rise, and an unprecedented number of baby boomers are entering retirement with under-funded savings, it might be a good time to think about what this is teaching our children.  Let's be proactive in helping them get the financial education they need and deserve! If you have some power, then your job is to empower somebody else" - Toni Morrison Candi is a wife and mother of two, holder of the Series 6 and Series 63 investment licenses, is licensed by the Dept. of Insurance, and holds other certifications related to finances.   She has helped individuals and families on the road to financial freedom.  The CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY? series was inspired by her own children, and by other parents who wanted to help children learn the value of a dollar and give them a fun introduction to handling money. Material on this site may not be copied, reproduced or distributed without the express written permission of the author. This website is intended for entertainment purposes and  is not designed to provide professional, legal or financial advice and the visitors to the site assume all liability for any harm, whether direct or indirect from the material on the site.  Professional help is available, but is beyond the intention, design and reach of this web site. Copyright 2006.  Sparks Fly. CAN I HAVE SOME MONEY? is a trademark of Sparks Fly. Toll Free:  866-556-2432