Diamond Anderson joined NGPF last month as the Partnerships & Adoption Manager for the Southeast. Passionate about educational equity, she grew up in a family of educators and has carried on that legacy in her own career path. Learn more about Diamond.

How My Parents Shaped My Financial Future

Growing up, my parents weren't just concerned with providing us with love, support, and a good education; they were deeply invested in our financial futures. They understood that true wealth extended far beyond material possessions – it was about freedom, opportunity, and the ability to shape our own destinies.

My dad, a man of strong convictions, often emphasized the importance of education. "College or the military," he'd say to my brother and I, "those are your paths to a better life." He saw these as avenues to gain valuable skills, discipline, and open doors to a world of possibilities.

While the military was my brother’s path, and college was mine, his words consistently resonated with us. We fully understood that achieving our dreams would require dedication, hard work, and a solid foundation.

Wealth Isn’t Just About Money

My parents instilled in us the concept of "open-ended wealth." They taught us that wealth wasn't solely about accumulating money, but about building a life rich in experiences, relationships, and personal growth. This perspective shifted my focus from simply earning a paycheck to understanding how to make my money work for me.

My own curiosity and drive fueled my desire to learn more about personal finance and defining what it meant for me, because let’s be honest… journeys around personal finance looks different for everyone.

I started small - asking my parents the WHY behind their choices around money, reading articles, watching videos on social media, and not being afraid to ask those deep, kind of “taboo” questions around money. I truly operated in the “closed mouths don’t get fed” mentality, as I knew that it was better to ask than not know.

As I delved deeper, I realized the profound impact of financial education. It wasn't just about managing money; it was about understanding its power, making informed decisions, and achieving long-term goals.

Now What?

Formerly supporting school districts with EVERFI, I worked with school districts in the Southeast to leverage their curriculum for effective personal finance education. I’m excited to have joined Next Gen Personal Finance, honing my skillset and knowledge while still working with school districts across the region.

I am fortunate to be part of an organization that empowers teachers with the tools and curriculum they need to guide their students to achieve financial well-being. Not only am I passionate and excited about sharing my knowledge with others, but I am also experiencing firsthand the positive impact of financial literacy on my own life.

Knowing that I am contributing to a mission that empowers others to achieve financial freedom is incredibly rewarding. It gives my work a deeper meaning and provides a sense of purpose that extends beyond my own personal gain.

And Yet Again, They Were Right

I am incredibly grateful for my parents' guidance. Their emphasis on education, their broader definition of wealth, and their encouragement to explore my own financial journey have laid the groundwork for my brother and I to have a fulfilling and prosperous life.

I know others, especially those who look like me, aren’t always given the guidance and opportunity that I was. However, I do believe it is my job to ensure that those special to me are taught some financial literacy skills.

I believe that personal finance is a critical life skill, and I am passionate about sharing this knowledge with others, just as my parents shared it with me.

About the Author

Diamond Anderson

Diamond grew up in a family of educators and is passionate about educational equity, which led her to role at NGPF as the Partnerships & Adoption Manager, Southeast, working with school districts in GA, SC, NC, AL, MS, and LA. She worked at Duval County Public Schools –one of the largest districts in Florida– for six years, first as an ELA teacher (starting as a TFA Corp Member) and then becoming an Instructional Reading Coach. She has a M.Ed from The University of Texas at Arlington and completed her undergrad at James Madison University. Diamond also founded a virtual assistant agency that supports minority-owned small business owners with social media management and general administrative needs. She resides in Charlotte, N.C. with her dog, Chase.

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