Posted Under: Next BIG Thing, Startup

Today, we speak to Kathy Griffin for our “Next BIG Thing” series, for her award winning startup MoneyU.  Given Kathy’s skill-set and background she was able early on to spot the financial burden young adults are plagued with.  Kathy advocates that it’s in our national interest to help students become financially capable citizens. Today’s young adults are the next middle class, though sadly they are the fastest-growing segment of bankruptcies.  Through her online, game-based course, Money U, young adults acquire essential financial knowledge and skills to become financially self-sufficient.

Kathy originally grew aware of the rising national crisis of financial illiteracy when she led popular workshops for parents on teaching their kids about money. Over time more parents of teens and young adults attended because their kids were ALREADY in financial trouble. MoneyU debuted in February 2008 after four years in research and development.  Kathy financed the venture herself, wrote the business plan and won admission to the local incubator allowing access to entrepreneurial-minded people.

Since 2008, MoneyU received the Award of Excellence from Tech&Learning, as “one of the best education offerings of the year”, became a required prerequisite for all freshmen enrolled in University of Illinois-Chicago’s (UIC) Business College, and has an alumni community of 8,000 people.

MoneyU’s most difficult challenge is the financial sector itself. Overwhelmingly, the financial literacy materials and programs used in schools are developed and donated by the financial industry or the nonprofit arms of the financial industry.  Although they want to be seen as good citizens, the financial industry has an inherent conflict of interest.

Kathy is looking to receive more publicity for MoneyU, specifically towards young adults who need these skills, their parents, educators, workforce training, angel investors and policy people who wish to help. Anyone interested in helping MoneyU should contact Kathy Griffin at Info@MoneyU.com or by calling 877-669-7648

We wish all the best to Kathy & MoneyU