3 money lessons a mom and entrepreneur says her kids learn just from watching her work

In 2008, Ja'Net Adams faced a significant life change when she was laid off from her pharmaceutical sales job in Kernersville, North Carolina. The sudden loss of 60% of her household income and health insurance, while raising a one-year-old, forced her to pivot. During her four months of unemployment, she developed a broader plan to pay off $50,000 in debt, start her own business, and transition from her full-time role with minimal stress.

Fast forward to 2022, Adams successfully achieved her goals, allowing her two children, JR and Jocelyn, to witness firsthand the power of resilience and hard work. She incorporates financial education into their daily lives, such as playing the NPR podcast Marketplace Money at home. Although her children may find talk radio boring, Adams recognizes its impact, noting that they pick up valuable lessons about finances simply by being exposed to these discussions.

Adams engages her children on real-world issues, like the reasons behind businesses closing during the pandemic. One memorable lesson came when Chick-fil-A ran out of sauces; she explained the supply chain crisis, helping them understand concepts like demand and supply. This approach not only demystifies financial concepts but also connects them to everyday experiences.

Her children are aware that her work directly affects their family's well-being. When they question why she spends extra hours on the computer, Adams explains the nature of her work and the time zone differences that require her to stay engaged. This transparency instills in them an appreciation for the effort required to provide for the family.

Through her role as a debt payoff coach, Adams emphasizes the importance of delayed gratification to her children. When they ask for toys, she uses those moments to remind them of their long-term goals, like a trip to Disneyland, fostering a healthy relationship with money. She encourages them to understand that patience and planning can lead to greater rewards in the future.