FINANCIAL POWER FOR LIFE™

Preparing Students for the Real World.

Lark & Mimi™: Building Financial Foundations Through Play

Louisiana’s first early learning financial literacy program that grows with students - from Pre-K to High School.

Created by Louisiana native and entrepreneur Kim Marie Braud, Lark & Mimi builds lifelong financial confidence, STEM understanding, and cultural pride through storytelling, creativity, and hands-on learning.

The program aligns with Louisiana’s 2027 Financial Literacy Mandate (Act 480/HB 103) and introduces real-world money concepts in ways children can see, feel, and apply.

At the heart of Lark & Mimi are two lovable characters - Lark, a wise and patient flower guide, and Mimi, a curious and joyful 4-year-old who loves to learn. Together, they make complex ideas simple and fun, helping children discover the value of money, saving, and smart choices through everyday experiences.

“Rooted in Louisiana culture and storytelling, Lark & Mimi helps children connect with financial literacy through play, exploration, and imagination. Designed for parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and inclusive classrooms, it supports all learners - including special needs and autistic students - through accessible, engaging experiences that meet each child where they are”
— Kim Marie Braud

Financial Power for Life™ is a comprehensive financial literacy pipeline designed to grow with students from early learning through high school. Built in Louisiana and now launching nationwide, the Real Money, Real Life curriculum equips teens with the practical knowledge, confidence, and skills they need to make informed financial decisions in everyday life.

Aligned with state financial literacy standards and graduation requirements, this program bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Students engage in hands-on activities, critical thinking exercises, and culturally relevant case studies that make money management relatable and empowering.

What Students Learn

  • Budgeting, saving, and managing credit

  • Banking, loans, and interest

  • Entrepreneurship and career planning

  • Taxes, insurance, and financial responsibility

  • Investing, philanthropy, and building generational wealth

For Educators: The Real Money, Real Life curriculum includes a comprehensive Teacher’s Guide, complete lesson plans, answer keys, and interactive student worksheets. Each module is designed to support academic standards and can be integrated into economics, career-readiness, and life-skills courses.

For Schools & Sponsors: We partner with schools, community organizations, and corporate sponsors to ensure equitable access to financial education. Together, we’re building a financially confident generation across all 50 states.

Our financial literacy program is designed specifically for NIL-eligible high school and college athletes, as well as professionals in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and MLS. 

The 200-page athlete workbook covers 10 comprehensive modules:

Money Basics - What Nobody Taught You: Banking fundamentals, how to write a check, moving money safely, financial identity, and security

Your Sports Income: Reading your contract, understanding your paycheck, multi-state taxes, and the "jock tax," additional income streams

Credit & Debt: Credit fundamentals, major purchases, co-signing traps, and predatory lending targeting athletes

Building Your Financial Team: Who you need (agent, CPA, advisor, attorney), how to hire and fire advisors, and keeping your team accountable

Budgeting & Cash Flow: Living below your means, the first big check, managing family expectations

Investing & Wealth Building: Investment basics, retirement accounts, red flags for athlete-targeting scams, and real estate

Insurance & Risk Management: Disability insurance (career-ending injury protection), life insurance, umbrella liability

Business Ventures: Evaluating opportunities (the restaurant trap!), building passive income, partnerships, and equity

Tax Strategy: Tax basics for athletes, the jock tax explained, working with a CPA, and deductions

Estate Planning & Legacy: Wills and trusts, providing for family without enabling, life after sports

FINANCIAL POWER FOR LIFE™

ATHLETE EDITION

  • Pre-K Program: Lark & Mimi Learn to Save

    The Lark & Mimi Learn to Save Pre-K program introduces money basics through storytelling, coloring, and hands-on activities aligned with Louisiana’s Early Learning Standards.

    The Pre-K Learning Series Includes:

    Storybook: A heartwarming introduction to saving and sharing, featuring Mimi’s first savings adventure with Lark.

    Coloring Book: Reinforces learning through art, imagination, and self-expression.

    Flashcards: Interactive vocabulary cards that introduce foundational money and STEM terms like “coin,” “bank,” and “need vs. want.”

    DIY Activity: A creative build-your-own-piggy-bank activity that connects learning with action.

    Stickers & Rewards: Positive reinforcement tools for teachers and parents to celebrate progress.

  • The Adventure Book Series

    Every Lark & Mimi Adventure book takes children on a new journey - exploring values, responsibility, and real-world lessons.
    Each adventure includes:

    A Storybook that anchors the lesson in a fun, relatable narrative.

    A Coloring Book companion for creativity and reinforcement.

    A DIY Activity for hands-on learning that brings the story to life.

    The Adventure Series is designed to grow with early learners - encouraging imagination, problem-solving, and financial awareness.

  • Global Learning: Japan ESL Program

    The Lark & Mimi Global Learning Program introduces financial and STEM concepts to children learning English as a Second Language.
    Our first international expansion - Japan ESL - adapts the Lark & Mimi Learn to Save series for Japanese learners, combining English vocabulary development with foundational money lessons.

    The program includes:

    English + Japanese Flashcards

    Dual-language Storybook

    Cultural illustrations connecting financial habits with everyday Japanese experiences

    Through this initiative, Lark & Mimi builds global bridges in financial literacy and language learning - empowering young minds across cultures.

  • Merchandise: Learn, Play, and Grow

    Coming 2026!

    Our growing merchandise line helps children connect emotionally with their learning through play:

    Lark & Mimi Dolls: Labubu-style plush dolls designed to reinforce positive associations with learning.

    Piggy Banks: Interactive banks that teach saving habits through daily practice.

    Puzzles & Word Searches: Fun STEM-based games that strengthen critical thinking and vocabulary.

    Coloring Sets & Sticker Packs: Designed to encourage creativity, focus, and financial curiosity.

  • The Lark & Mimi App: Learn, Play, and Explore

    Coming 2026!

    Our interactive app helps children connect with financial literacy through play, exploration, and storytelling:

    Read & Play Stories: Follow Mimi’s adventures and learn money basics with guided narration from Lark.

    Interactive Flashcards: Tap, listen, and learn key terms like save, spend, and share through vibrant visuals and sound.

    Digital Piggy Bank: Practice saving virtually as children set goals, earn stars, and watch their progress grow.

    Games & Quizzes: Build confidence with puzzles, sorting challenges, and real-world money missions.

    Parent & Teacher Dashboard: Track learning milestones, celebrate achievements, and connect lessons from the classroom to home.