161 | Money Letters 2 My Daughter | Jackie Cummings Koski

Adversity

Jackie Cummings Koski's journey to financial independence is rooted in her challenging upbringing in the rural South. Raised by a single father with six siblings, she experienced poverty firsthand, which fueled her determination to escape it. "I didn't want to live like this when I got older," she recalls, highlighting her resolve to change her circumstances 1. Her financial awakening came during her divorce, which forced her to confront her financial situation and take control of her future 2. Jackie also emphasizes the importance of education, as she worked tirelessly through college to minimize debt, a lesson she passed on to her daughter 3.

   

Money Letters

Jackie's book, "Money Letters to My Daughter," serves as a testament to her commitment to financial literacy and empowerment. She wrote it to encapsulate her financial journey and pass on crucial lessons to her daughter, who was 14 at the time 4. Her passion for financial literacy grew after her divorce, leading her to join an investment club and eventually share her knowledge through workshops and speaking engagements 5. Jackie also uses creative methods, like giving away $2 bills, to engage students and make financial education accessible and exciting 6.

   

Work Ethic

Jackie's work ethic, inspired by her father's relentless dedication, played a crucial role in her financial success. She learned the value of hard work by observing her father, who juggled multiple jobs to support their family 7. This ingrained work ethic propelled her to join an investment club, overcoming initial fears and impostor syndrome to learn about investing 8. "I could just feel my brain growing when I was around them," she says, reflecting on the transformative impact of surrounding herself with knowledgeable individuals.