SparkMoneyIQ Introduction

Over the past 12 months, I have spent a significant amount of time discussing personal financial matters with high school students.  As a public speaker, entrepreneur, and father I’ve learned it’s never too early to start discussions with students and new business owners about the impact of everyday financial decisions, especially with teenagers. This is a critical time when teens are preparing to make huge, and potentially life-impacting decisions about finances.  While not every teenager will need to be a financial whiz, they will all be confronted with the realistic challenges of transitioning from an insulated and familiar world of education to an independent and unremitting world of work, and the related financial decisions that go along with the process.  

So the question to ask is: 

When is a good time to introduce everyday financial concepts to teenagers and high school students? 

YESTERDAY.

Why SparkMoneyIQ?

For the modern high school student, financial literacy has evolved from a “nice to have” educational platform to a “must have” necessity to prepare students for the complex contemporary workforce.  In many cases, including Rhode Island, states have mandated financial literacy for all K-12 students.  SparkMoneyIQ developed the interactive workshop series consistent with the fundamental financial principles outlined in the most recent publication of National Standards for Personal Financial Education which is organized around six topics including:

While there are several low-cost online, automated learning tools currently offered in the marketplace SparkMoneyIQ founder Tim Sawyer provides a unique opportunity for students to engage, ask questions and benefit from his thirty years of real-world experience as a mortgage loan officer and two-time INC 500 startup co-founder.  Tim has lived in this world over his entire professional career.  In addition to financial concepts, Tim brings the topics to life with stories of how he has applied each of these principles at various points in his career.  Students will often hear Tim say, “so practically speaking, this is how it applies in real life” followed by a personal example. Obviously, you can’t get that from an online learning tool. Equally as important Tim has been a professional teacher for more than two decades.  He has taught more than 10,000 CEOs, business owners, sales and marketing people, financial advisors, insurance agents, and the everyday people who contribute to the success of their business.  His lectures are designed to EDUCATE, EMPOWER and INSPIRE those in attendance.

Introduction to Principles of Personal Financial Management

In this one-hour dynamic and interactive workshop, students will learn the basic principles of personal financial management. From a cup of Starbucks to college financing decisions…it all adds up. Workshop attendees will interact with the course instructor to build their own current and future state personal budgets.

Key Concepts: 

• Income and daily spending analysis 
• Exploration of needs vs. wants 
• The impact of financial trade-offs 
• Needs vs. wants applied to college selection and student loan borrowing
• The 4 types of schools to get your degree
• Nurse, teacher and banker – real world budget creation from college to independent living
• Plug and play with dynamic earnings and cost of living matrix

“Tim came and spoke to the youth we serve about his story and the path he took to entrepreneurship. Although not the traditional route, it was the route that our population can identify with. They needed to know that they are not defined by their mistakes, as long as they take ownership of them. The presentation left the group feeling inspired and ready to get back on track to reach their goals. Thank you, Tim!”

Aja Chase

Coordinator, RI Learn To Earn

Personal Finance for a Happy and Healthy Lifestyle

Now that we have established the difference between needs and wants, this workshop unpacks the various mechanisms for borrowing and saving. The key to financial well-being starts with understanding how to live within our means which includes avoiding common mistakes made when starting out on your own. Early retirement planning and responsible borrowing can make the difference between peace of mind and the constant anxiety associated with financial stress.

Key Concepts: 

• Funding your college education / student loan pros & cons
• Establishing good credit habits / building your credit score
• Credit cards that make sense AND one’s that don’t 
• Financing a car/ lease vs. loan 
• 401 k, IRA and the importance of starting early 
• Basics of taxation I your first tax return 
• Should I buy or rent?
• Understanding the mortgage application process 
• Compensation beyond salary – exploring basic benefits

“We have been collaborating with Tim for over four years and his participation in our events always delivers an unforgettable experience for learners. His energy and passion for teaching are infectious. When onstage presenting, Tim not only brings the data and science behind topics but he infuses real world experience that is relatable to the learners. Tim’s energy and enthusiasm during his presentations keep the audience engaged and looking for more. He always leaves the learners wanting more! Tim never disappoints.”

Elizabeth Wheeler

(VP of Marketing Tarsus Medical)

Creating a Successful Small Business

There are many ways to achieve a rewarding career. For some, it may be going to work as a teacher, accountant, or social worker, others may choose to go into business for themselves. Starting a small business can be a challenging and rewarding experience for independent-minded graduates. Understanding the steps required to create, launch and successfully run a small business can save young entrepreneurs time and money.

Key Concepts: 

• How to write a simple business plan 
• Understanding the different types of corporate structure
• Funding the new business 
• Creating a simple budget
• Setting realistic goals
• The importance of finding a good mentor
• Cost effective marketing strategies and the importance of social media

“I invited Tim Sawyer to be a presenter at the 2021 Rhode Island DECA Fall Leadership Conference this year. Knowing Tim and his vast knowledge of entrepreneurship and start up businesses, I knew he would be perfect to present an honest, passionate and brutally transparent presentation to the hundreds of young people at the Leadership Conference. His experience, his success, and his creative insight and account of lessons learned was invaluable and inspirational to our budding business leaders of tomorrow.”

A. MacLeod

(M.Ed – counselor, administrator, DECA Advisor)

This is How We Do It
Crystal Clear Digital Marketing Case Study

Hold on to your hats during this exciting one-hour journey of how Tim and his partners grew a business from zero to 10 million in revenue in less than 7 years. In this workshop, the instructor will walk the audience through the process of starting a business to a private equity exit valuation of $37.5 million dollars.

Key Concepts: 

• Choosing the right business / financial model 
• How to begin with the end in mind – setting up for exit
• Fundraising for your start-up
• Understanding your “big why” 
• How to avoid costly common mistakes 
• Sales marketing best practices to grow your start-up
• Real life trade offs – what are you willing to sacrifice? 
• Life beyond Shark Tank 
• Going once, twice sold -when is it time to sell 

“I joined Deca to become motivated and self-directed. After sitting in on Tim Sawyer’s workshop my entire mindset shifted! Tim is not only knowledgeable but extremely passionate about entrepreneurship. I am so grateful I was able to attend because I left the workshop feeling both empowered and inspired! I can’t wait to own my own business someday!”

Carlena Smith

(M.Ed – counselor, administrator, DECA Advisor)

Sales and Marketing Courses

Sales and marketing are essential functions for any successful enterprise. I have taught sales and marketing concepts to more than 10,000 professionals across multiple industries. My lectures are centered on the simple concept that every for-profit business must do three things successfully: they need to FIND, SELL and KEEP more customers profitably.

SparkMoneyIQ has created two powerful introductory courses specifically for high school students based on the model above.

Key Concepts: 

• How to launch a business using a blend of modern marketing tools including web site design, social media, email marketing, podcasts and event planning.
• How to increase the quantity and quality of traffic to their web site and phones
• How to develop a powerful brand 
• How to use talk tracks and scripting to provide on point and concise messaging to the modern consumer
• How to use modern software tools to manage customer interaction and a sales pipeline
• How to use presentations to turn consumer red lights to green lights and so much more!