MISSION STATEMENT
Start Smart’s mission is to equip young minds with the skills to make informed financial decisions, fostering a generation that understands the significance of prudently planning for the future. Through interactive workshops, engaging resources, and collaborative initiatives, Start Smart aims to create a foundation of financial literacy that will pave the way for a lifetime of economic confidence and responsible financial management. Together, we can shape tomorrow's leaders into savvy and forward-thinking individuals, capable of navigating the complexities of the modern financial landscape.
I’m Taj Richardson, Founder and Director of Youth Financial Literacy Fund. Since I was ten years old, I’ve asked myself an important question:
"Why don't they teach me about money in school?
It's so important yet there are no classes about it."
This simple question sparked the idea for creating the Youth Financial Literacy Fund. Over the years, my interest in money management and investing has grown, and I have dedicated myself to enhancing my overall understanding of this crucial life tool.
In 2022, I took the initiative to establish the Maryland non-profit organization, Youth Financial Literacy Fund, with the primary objective of providing financial education and instruction to children as young as 9 years old. I achieve this by delivering in-person collaborative presentations to youth groups and offering access to valuable information that empowers children to become more knowledgeable about personal finances.
If your youth group could benefit from the services of YFLF, please feel free to contact me. Let's discuss how we can work together to promote financial literacy among young minds.