Your Teen's Brain on Money with Shannon Simmons

Goals, Grit, and Some Woo Woo Sh*t

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Listen. If you think this episode is just for parents of teenagers, I need you to hold up. Because what Shannon Simmons and I dig into here isn’t just about managing your kid’s allowance—it’s about navigating a totally different financial universe than the one we grew up in.

I invited Shannon back on the pod because her last episode was a fan fave, and now she’s got a new book that I devoured in 24 hours. It’s called Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life and it’s basically financial literacy for teens—but don’t get it twisted. This is not some dry “save your pennies” snoozefest. It’s about understanding the real financial landscape your kids (and let’s be real, you) are living in.

We talk about how today’s teens have never even touched money—like, cash—because everything is tap, tap, tap on a phone. Combine that with Finfluencers on TikTok, access to investment platforms at 18, and insane social pressure from the Sephora skincare aisle, and you’ve got a perfect storm of confusion, shame, and money mistakes waiting to happen. Shannon breaks down how to actually talk to your kids about money, how to let go of control without losing your mind, and how to set boundaries that don’t involve micromanaging their bank account like a total psycho (guilty ✋).

And hey—if you don’t have teens? You still need to hear this. Because we’re all unlearning money shame and trying to build a better financial foundation. This episode is warm, smart, and a little spicy (as always). You’re gonna want to listen twice.

What’s Inside:
• Why money is a whole different ballgame for Gen Z (and how their brains are wired for danger)
• How Finfluencers are actually shaping teen money habits (not always a bad thing!)
• The emotional side of money—shame, fear, and passing down your own baggage
• Why buying lunch at the cafeteria might be a non-negotiable life skill (no, really)

Let’s be real—

What does “financially thriving” look like to you? Is it your kid building a bomb-proof money mindset? Is it not flinching when they ask for $20 for TikTok face serum? Is it you not spiraling every time they blow it all on sushi and bubble tea? Look, it’s possible. That kind of emotional and financial peace? That’s rich.

I brought Shannon back on the pod because I want that for you—and for your teens. So tell me: what’s your biggest WTF when it comes to kids and money? Come chat with me on Instagram. I need to know I’m not the only one who’s been Oliver’s dad. 😅

Mentioned in This Episode:
Making Bank: Money Skills for Real Life by Shannon Simmons
Shannon Simmons
Oonagh Duncan on Instagram
Fit Feels Good
Leave me a voice note on Speak Pipe!