58 : Want to Raise Kids Who Understand Money? Start at the Dinner Table.
If you’re an entrepreneur, you already know the power of taking control of your future. But what about the next generation? How do you teach your kids the value of money, hard work, and contribution—without the overwhelm, entitlement, or guesswork?
In this episode of the Accidental CEO Podcast, I had the pleasure of talking with Courtney Nein, a licensed financial coach with Dinner Table Academy, who helps families build financial competency and confidence at home. Her powerful approach helps parents raise value-driven kids who understand money—not just how to spend it, but how to earn, save, and invest it with purpose.
We talked about entrepreneurship, parenting, mindset, legacy building, and how to structure a thriving home economy system. If you’re a business owner who wants your kids to learn real-life money skills and develop a healthy relationship with responsibility, this is a must-listen.
From Corporate Climb to Coaching Families: Courtney’s Journey
Courtney’s professional background spans from finance and education to network marketing. She’s a former financial advisor, a successful social selling leader, and a passionate teacher. After navigating life as a single mom and building a million-dollar business, she realized her true calling: helping families empower their kids with financial education and leadership skills.
She now coaches through Dinner Table Academy—a mission-driven movement that teaches families to build heritage over inheritance, using a simple but powerful “home economy system.”
The Home Economy System: 3 E’s to Raise Financially Empowered Kids
Courtney shared the 3 E’s that form the foundation of a functional family economy:
- Expectations – These are the basic responsibilities each child has as part of the household (like making the bed or setting the table). No payment involved—just what it means to be part of the family.
- Expenses – Kids learn to manage “wants” vs. “needs.” If they want the upgraded sneakers or snacks at the game, they take ownership of paying for those extras.
- Earning – Children are empowered to earn through “gigs,” from chores to creative entrepreneurial efforts (like running a trash-can cleaning business or babysitting). They can track it all through the free GravyStack app.
This model teaches kids real-world money management skills in a safe, supportive environment—long before they’re out on their own.
Building Legacy, Not Just Wealth
One of Courtney’s most compelling insights is the focus on building heritage over inheritance. True legacy isn’t about leaving behind a bank account—it’s about raising humans who know how to think, lead, and contribute. It’s about raising emotionally intelligent, financially competent kids who can thrive without being handed everything.
Courtney says it best: “We need to shift from raising entitled kids to raising empowered ones.”
For the Entrepreneurial Parent: Time, Guilt, and Modeling Resilience
As a single mom and CEO, Courtney has firsthand experience with juggling family, business, and burnout. Her advice for other entrepreneurial parents?
- Quality over quantity: Even 15 minutes of fully present time with your kids is more powerful than being half-present all day.
- Model healthy struggle: Let your kids see you try, fail, and keep going. That’s how they learn resilience.
- Ditch the guilt: Prioritize your own fulfillment. A happy, healthy parent is the best gift you can give your child.
SUBSCRIBE ON YOUR FAVORITE PODCAST PLAYER
Apple Podcast Player | Spotify
Final Takeaway: Raise Kids Who Can Take the Shot
Whether you’re a business coach, creative entrepreneur, or parent just trying to do your best—you can’t afford to skip teaching financial literacy at home.
By treating kids with respect, teaching them how to earn, and helping them feel capable, you’re setting the foundation for generational confidence and success.
Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
