Why is this subject, “Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet,” important in the world?
Financial literacy is an essential skill that all individuals need throughout their adult lives. The earlier that fundamental money lessons can be discussed and taught, the easier it will be for children to transition into adulthood and live financially stable lives where their dreams and goals can become realities.
What is the pressing issue right now, and how are you addressing it?
Discussions of money at home are often considered taboo or inappropriate. Some parents don’t always know how or when to discuss certain financial topics with their children. The Owning the Dash Kids’ Books give parents an easy tool that uses storytelling to help their children better understand various basic financial principles. The stories help lead to conversations and help children better understand what emotions they may experience in the future when faced with similar financial situations.
Anthony C. Delauney Biography
What is your background in this subject?
I have worked in the financial services industry for the past two decades, helping families develop financial plans that comprehensively address their broad range of goals and dreams, including cash flow management, debt elimination, protection planning, new home purchases, family planning, education and retirement planning, investment education, and estate planning. I have acquired the professional certifications of Certified Financial Planner™ practitioner, Chartered Financial Consultant®, Chartered Retirement Planning CounselorSM, Retirement Income Certified Professional®, and Behavioral Financial Advisor™. I’ve made it my professional mission to promote childhood financial literacy and to guide families on their journey to financial freedom.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I was voted by my peers in high school as “the most worrisome person” in our school.
What are your passions outside of your career?
Writing children’s picture books and adult self-help books has become a passion over the past three years. In addition, I love volunteering and finding different ways to help support children’s hospitals. I’m excited to share that I will be repelling down the side of a seventeen-story building later this year to support Duke Children’s Hospital. You can learn more about the event here: OVER THE EDGE FOR DUKE CHILDREN’S | Duke Health Children’s Giving (dukechildrens.org). I also love attending my son Jason’s gymnastics tournaments and my daughter Abbie’s theatrical performances.
Are there any social causes that you believe in and support?
I am very passionate about helping sick children and families in need. I’ve worked closely over the years with Duke Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network.
What is next for you?
My plan is to write a series of nine children’s picture books that each teach a basic lesson about money. Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet is book #3 in the series. In addition to writing the books, I have also created free games and activities that accompany the books. The goal is to create tools (books, games, activities) that parents, teachers, and librarians can use to promote childhood financial literacy. Information on the free games and activities can be found here: For Kids « Owning the Dash.
Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet
Tell me about your book.
The story behind Rohan and Nyra and Big Sister’s Bet is the result of a game that my son and I played in our backyard several years ago. We played catch with a football, and I told him I had an idea. For every catch that he made, I would give him a quarter, but if at any point he dropped the ball, he would lose all of the money, and the game would be over. I also told him he had to choose when we would stop playing. He agreed, and we started throwing passes. Soon he had made it up to $5 and then $10, and then $15. As the total got larger, I started to ask him if he wished to keep going. He would pause and think but then say that he wanted to try for a few more. We made it up to $18.50. I asked him if he wanted another throw. He paused for a full minute, and then he said, “Just one more!” I did as he requested and passed him a perfect spiral. It sailed between his hands into his chest and down to the ground.
I didn’t say a word. I just watched as he paused and stared at the football in silence. I could see the thoughts running through his head. He was upset, but more importantly, he knew his fault was his own. He knew that he had the option to stop and that he chose to take the gamble and keep going. While he didn’t make any money that day, I know that our simple game will be one that he never forgets. It was his first real glimpse into how emotion and greed can lead us sometimes to make decisions we regret. I know in the future, if we play the game again, he will set a target goal for how much he wants to make and then stop when he reaches that goal. Such an understanding will serve him well regarding more significant financial decisions in his future.
Create your Backyard the Perfect Outdoor Living/Work Room (Opens in a new browser tab)
Where can people buy the book?
The books are primarily available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Mascot Books. Links to these sites can be found here: Books « Owning the Dash
