We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Charla McKinley. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Charla below.
Charla, thanks for taking the time to share your lessons with our community today. So, let’s jump right in – one of the most essential skills for unlocking our potential is self-discipline. Where does your self-discipline come from?
My self-discipline was shaped by growing up as an only child in Midland, a quiet West Texas town where life was steady and predictable—very different from the big dreams I held. Because the path I envisioned didn’t exist around me, I learned early to rely on myself to create it. I came from a broken home, with an unemployed father who was rarely around. Neither of my parents had a college education, and we faced significant financial struggles throughout my childhood. Even with limited resources and support, I always had a sense that there was a bigger world out there—and I was determined to find my place in it.
I started working at 14 and that early responsibility taught me how to show up, manage my time, and push through even when things were hard. Being an only child meant I spent a lot of time in my own head. I became focused early, developing the ability to tune out distractions and concentrate on my goals.
As a young adult, I was acutely aware of how easy it would be to get sidetracked—whether by social drama, unhealthy relationships, or just the pull to fit in. I saw people around me lose momentum chasing short-term validation, and I didn’t want that to be my story. I understood that every yes to distraction was a no to progress. That awareness made me intentional about how I spent my time and who I spent it with. It wasn’t always easy, but staying grounded in my goals helped me avoid detours that could’ve set me back. Over time, I became an essentialist—learning to protect my time, energy, and attention for the things that mattered most.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and that was certainly true in my life when I realized the lack of financial education in our school system. I saw the gap firsthand while raising my son. In 2014, when he was in middle school, he confidently told me he didn’t need to learn how to handle money because he was “going to be rich as an engineer.” That one statement made it clear just how unprepared he—and so many others—were for the realities of adult life. Drawing on my background in finance and experience as a former CPA in both the public and private sectors, I created a hands-on class for him and a few friends. Together, they simulated their future lives from ages 22 to 42, making decisions about careers, cars, apartments, spouses, houses, investments, and more. That simple class prepared them for financial maturity in a way no textbook ever could.
What started as a way to open my son’s eyes has grown into a company that sells nationwide and even internationally, providing parents with the tools and information they need to guide their teens toward independence—financial and otherwise. My curriculum is designed for families to use at home, helping them have meaningful conversations about the realities of adulting in a fun and impactful way. To support parents even further, I offer a weekly blog and podcast, It’s Not About Money – The Money Podcast for Intentional Parents, where I explore practical ways to raise responsible, future-ready kids.
To celebrate our 10-year anniversary, I launched Before Personal Finance, an age-appropriate curriculum for ages 8–12, giving younger students the chance to simulate their teen years and begin building smart habits early.
At the heart of everything I do is a simple mission: to equip families with the tools they need to raise financially mature kids who are confident and ready for the real world.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The three most impactful qualities in my journey have been a love of learning, setting healthy boundaries, and a clear understanding of my values.
First, a love of learning has kept me curious, adaptable, and open to growth. It’s what drives me to keep evolving both personally and professionally. I’ve always been an avid reader, and a good book has a way of broadening my horizons beyond my little piece of the planet. Without the proper perspective, it’s easy to see your own problems as bigger than they are. Reading helps me appreciate our diverse world—and my place in it. My advice? Read widely, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who challenge you to think differently.
Second, learning to discern what’s truly mine to take on—and what isn’t—has protected my energy and maximized my time. At work, I make sure the job is best handled by me before I invest my time. At home, I step back and look for learning opportunities for my kids to wrestle with hard things—while the consequences are still manageable—in order to create resilience and build confidence. I’d encourage others to check their efforts regularly: Is this truly my responsibility? Or am I robbing someone else of a growth opportunity?
Finally, having a clear understanding of my values—and letting them guide my decisions—has helped me live with integrity and avoid regret. Whether in business or family life, knowing what matters most to you is key when life gets busy. Take the time to define your values early and revisit them often. They’ll anchor you when the path gets unclear.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my parents did for me was practice what I call “benevolent neglect.” They didn’t step in to fix every problem or rescue me from failure. Instead, they gave me the space to struggle while I was still at home—when the consequences were real but not life-altering. That season became a training ground for adulthood. I learned how to make decisions, deal with failure, and take responsibility- all while knowing I had a roof over my head. Those early struggles built the resilience and confidence I rely on to face life’s bigger challenges today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beyondpersonalfinance.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyondpersonalfinance
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beyondpersonalfinance
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlamckinley/
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