🚀 Tonight in the Orange Hatter Mastermind group, we had an invigorating discussion about benchmarks and milestones. As I listened to everyone share their experiences, I couldn’t help but be transported back to two years ago when @FreeMarketKids and I dove headfirst into the entrepreneurial world with HODL UP, armed with nothing but passion and a whole lot of Bitcoin enthusiasm. Talk about a leap of faith! Our first podcast? A nerve-wracking experience with the wonderful @ODELL and P on the Citadel Dispatch. I still remember feeling feverish for the entire two-hour duration of that interview. I was so nervous that I could feel my heartbeat on my skin. When Matt casually mentioned sending us a live stream link to “retweet,” it was a deer-in-the-headlights moment. Panic shot through me. My heart raced as I exchanged a wide-eyed glance with Scott. Our eyebrows knitted tightly together as we squinted in confusion, thinking, “Retweet?... Retweet... What’s that?” When I finally stood up from my seat, I was so shaky that my legs almost didn’t work. I floated out of Bitcoin Park like I was in a dream. Fast forward 22 months, and we've come a long way from those "green" days. While we’ve learned a ton about Twitter and navigating the niche Bitcoin market, the journey has been anything but straightforward. As we approach our two-year mark, it’s easy to get caught up in what’s left on our ambitious to-do list. But tonight’s discussion reminded me of the importance of looking back at how far we’ve come. I encourage all of you—whether you’re navigating the challenges of parenting, diving into homeschooling, or chasing your entrepreneurial dreams—to pause for a moment. Take a deep breath and appreciate your journey. Celebrate those small victories! Each one is like a stepping stone that fuels our courage to keep moving forward—even if it feels a bit zigzaggy at times.

💖 Embracing Our Authentic Selves in the Orange Hatter Women's Reading Club 📚💖 Picture this: We're all gathered online, diving deep into our latest book about money and its impact on our lives. As we discuss the themes and ideas, one of us starts to feel overwhelmed. Her voice quivers, and she tries to hold back tears, worried about how we might react. But here's the beauty of our Orange Hatter Women's Reading Club: instead of judgment, she's met with warmth and understanding. We lean in, offering support and letting her know it's okay to feel whatever she's feeling. In fact, we cry with her. Can you imagine doing that at a regular meetup?! In this space, we celebrate being women—authentic, emotional, and real. Each week, as we explore the book chapter by chapter, we create a safe haven where we can express ourselves freely. We share not just our thoughts on the text but also how it resonates with our own experiences. It's a place where vulnerability is welcomed, and emotions are embraced. This isn't just about learning money and Bitcoin concepts; it's about understanding how money weaves into the fabric of our lives—shaping our choices, relationships, and dreams. We're building a community of supportive, intelligent, and money-savvy women. So here's to this incredible community of women who make this space feel safe. Let's continue to support one another as we navigate these important conversations together! Join us in this journey of knowledge, connection, and friendship. Who else wants to be part of our Orange Hatter Sisterhood? 🙌 #OrangeHatterReadingClub #WomenInBitcoin #SupportiveCommunity

This week in the Orange Hatter Reading Club, we discussed Chapter 5 of The Hidden Cost of Money by @npub1tm20...lpna and explored the hidden impacts of our monetary system on families and society. Join us next week! Comment below or DM me for details. #knowledgeispower #orangehatterreadingclub

🌟 Looking for a meaningful story to share with your little ones? 🌟 I’m excited to offer something special to our community! My book, "Flowers for Mom - A Super Kay Adventure," will be available for FREE on Amazon Kindle for a limited time. From midnight on October 9th until 11:59 PM on October 13th, you can download this engaging tale that follows Kay and his collie, Prince. When Kay accidentally breaks his mom's favorite bouquet, he learns valuable lessons about responsibility and making things right. In addition to themes of integrity and kindness, this story introduces gentle money literacy concepts, such as earning, saving, and inflation, making it a great resource for young readers aged 4-9. I invite you to share this adventure with your children or grandchildren. Let’s inspire their imaginations and spark conversations about important values. Download your free copy and spread the word within your circles. Happy reading! #Community#ChildrensBooks#Parenting#MoneyLiteracy @FreeMarketKids

🌸 This TedTalk video perfectly sums up what we discussed in our reading club last night! It’s a heartwarming TedTalk by 7-year-old Molly Wright, where she vividly shows just how crucial parent-child interactions are for children’s development—and how devastating it can be when they don’t get the attention they need. In our context, it hit home because so many parents today simply don’t have the time to connect with their kids the way they want to, all due to financial pressures. 💔 If this video tugs at your heartstrings like it did mine, come join the conversation! We’re diving into real topics like this, sharing stories, and figuring out how we can navigate these challenges together. 💬 Comment below or DM me for details about our reading club! I’d love to have you with us.

🌸 How Today’s Monetary System is Straining Families and Communities: Insights from Chapter 5 of The Hidden Cost of Money In our latest reading club meeting, we explored Chapter 5 of The Hidden Cost of Money by @npub1tm20...lpna, and it really hit home. The chapter dives deep into how the pressures of our modern monetary system are breaking down families and communities. Rising living costs, stagnant wages, and the increasing need for both parents to work long hours leave little time for meaningful family connections. We are witnessing how this system doesn’t just impact finances but seeps into how we live, interact, and raise our children. Our Reading Club Discussion: Real-Life Examples We shared stories of families who are so overwhelmed by the struggle to make ends meet that even basic interactions with their children are becoming challenging. One member told us about an immigrant child whose mother works multiple jobs and was so tired that she signed his field trip form with her eyes closed. 💔 This is a heartbreaking example of how financial stress is pulling families apart, leaving kids to rely on their peers for guidance, which often leads to them absorbing misinformed and shortsighted opinions. We also discussed the difficult choices many families are making to cohabitate with extended family or other households to afford housing. While this can hurt a parent’s sense of independence, we agreed that one upside is the companionship and support that come with shared living, helping families feel less isolated in tough times. One part of Chapter 5 resonated strongly with us—the idea that humans have historically survived in tight-knit communities. Yet, for the first time, many people, especially in cities, spend their lives surrounded by strangers. We all admitted that we’ve experienced loneliness, even while being in the middle of a crowd. It’s a reminder that community isn’t just about proximity; it’s about connection. And for some, we touched on the difficult question of whether it’s possible to find a better life outside the U.S. It was a sad moment for many of us, as we reflected on how the American Dream, once so full of promise, seems harder and harder to achieve. It sparked real conversations about the loss of opportunity and the search for a better, more sustainable life elsewhere. Join Us in the Conversation If these topics resonate with you—whether you’re juggling multiple jobs, struggling with housing costs, or feeling disconnected despite living in a busy world—join our reading club! Together, we’re navigating the complex challenges of modern life, sharing our experiences, and finding ways to support each other. #FinancialLiteracy #WomenEmpowerment #Community

🌟 A big thank you to the Ohio Blockchain Council, Digital Wildcatters and Andrew Burchwell for inviting @FreeMarketKids and me to present at this year's #Amplify Summit! 🌟 We had a great time sharing how board games, like our game #HODLUP, can help engage people who feel unsure about Bitcoin. We explained how using play can bypass people's resistance to deep thinking. It lowers their walls. And when they ask questions during the game, they're much more open to learning about Bitcoin. The games act as a bridge, allowing knowledge to flow naturally. It's all about teaching without seeming to teach - a fun and effective way to introduce Bitcoin concepts! The #Amplify event was wonderfully organized, with insightful panels, amazing speakers, and plenty of chances to network. The venue was easy to get to in Columbus, making for a smooth experience. The friendly atmosphere allowed us to connect with both industry leaders and newcomers. I encourage everyone in the Bitcoin space to mark your calendars for next year's Amplify Summit in Ohio! Ohio is becoming a key player in blockchain technology, especially in mining. Keep an eye out for next year's event details - you won't want to miss the valuable insights and connections waiting for you. Thank you again, Andrew Burchwell, for making this event happen! Looking forward to seeing everyone next year! #Blockchain#Networking#Bitcoin#OhioBlockchainCouncil#AmplifySummit

💖 I recently had a conversation with a wonderful woman in her 50s who reached out to me after listening to my podcast. 💖 She opened up about feeling nervous about attending Bitcoin events alone. Not only did she feel out of place in a male-dominated space, but she also noticed that many attendees were half her age. These factors made her hesitant to step into this new world without someone by her side. I bet many of you can relate to this feeling. It’s tough when you want to learn and connect, but the environment feels intimidating! But here’s the good news: you’re not alone! There are so many amazing women in the Bitcoin space, and we’re all eager to connect! I shared with her (and now I’m sharing with you) that there are many women-focused groups and events at big Bitcoin conferences. These are perfect for meeting other women who love learning about Bitcoin, too. I also invited her to join our Orange Hatter Women’s Reading Club. It’s a cozy, welcoming space where we can: - Learn about Bitcoin together, - Share our thoughts and questions, and - Make new friends who understand our experiences. Whether you’re just starting out or want to learn more, we’d love to have you join us. Our group is all about growing together and supporting each other. Interested in being part of our community? Or know someone who needs a community like ours? Comment below or send me a message. Let’s make the Bitcoin world feel a little smaller and a lot friendlier! 🧡 #WomenInBitcoin #OrangeHatterReadingClub #Community

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

I'm thrilled to be participating in the Amplify 2024 Ohio Blockchain Council's Annual Summit today! As part of the summit's mission to champion Ohio as a leader in blockchain and digital infrastructure, I'll be joining Scott Lindberg to present on "Bitcoin Education Board Games" where we'll be discussing an innovative approach to Bitcoin education through Free Market Kids' interactive board games. We will highlight the creative ways we're working to make complex blockchain concepts more accessible and engaging for learners of all ages. I'm excited to share how gamification can play a crucial role in broadening understanding of Bitcoin and blockchain technology. Looking forward to connecting with fellow innovators and contributing to Ohio's growing digital ecosystem! #Amplify2024 #BitcoinEducation #OhioBlockchain

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of Seb Bunney's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

Tuna, Debt, and the Hard Truth: Why Frugality and Hard Work Won’t Save Our Kids Anymore Years ago, as a college senior, I lived on $10 a week. My budget was stark: 1 can of tuna (29 cents) and 1 box of Tuna Helper (89 cents). This was divided up as my breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My college expenses—tuition, books, and room—were fixed; the only expense within my control was my food budget. My plan was to conserve as much as possible and pay off my student debt quickly. I wore this extreme frugality as a badge of honor, believing I was "eating bitterness" to build character. Thankfully, I was able to become debt-free within a few short years. Fast forward to today. My son is walking a similar path—pasta and canned meat are his staples. But he faces not just student debt that’s many times larger than mine, but also the high cost of a second-hand car and steep insurance rates. This time, he won't be able to starve his way out of the debt cycle. I see troubling challenges that seem almost insurmountable for a young person entering adult life. This time, I see no heroism. I see a troubling cycle: - Young people trapped in work and debt - Crippling taxes on entry-level salaries - Desperate measures to cut living expenses - A money supply that’s expanding, devaluing the wages they work so hard to earn Frugality can no longer be the solution it once was. Even the most disciplined budget can’t protect against today’s inflation. The cost of basic necessities has risen drastically, and the value of money earned today buys far less than it used to. The money supply continues to expand, devaluing wages in the process. Our kids are working just as hard, but inflation eats away at every dollar they earn. Where I once prided myself on living on next to nothing, today’s youth face rising prices that make even the simplest meals costly. What’s more, the overwhelming debt many face after graduation means no amount of "belt-tightening" will get them ahead. On top of that, student debt has ballooned to unprecedented levels. My own debt, while burdensome, was manageable with frugal living. But today, student debt is often many times what it once was, leaving young people with overwhelming obligations before they’ve even begun their careers. This isn't just about budgeting, belt-tightening, and paying your dues anymore; there aren’t enough hours in the day for young people to exchange their labor for income that can keep up with inflation and debt repayment. They now face the difficult choice between paying for basic necessities and paying down their debt. As parents and grandparents, what can we do? How can we empower our kids? The path forward starts with understanding: - Why this is happening—understanding current monetary policies and their impact - How we can make informed decisions based on real financial education Knowledge is power! But we need more than facts—we need community and action. That’s why I’m inviting you to join the Orange Hatter Reading Club. It’s not just about books; it’s about parents and grandparents coming together to: - Discuss books that educate and empower us about money - Share financial wisdom and experiences - Strategize together to tackle today’s economic challenges - Support one another in helping our children and grandchildren find a way forward Have you or your children faced similar financial hurdles? What strategies worked for you? Join us at the Orange Hatter Reading Club. Let’s break this cycle together and pave the way for our children's financial freedom. Comment below with your experiences or DM me to learn more about joining our community! #FinancialFreedom #WomenEmpowerment #MoneyEducation #OrangeHatter

While Scott and I visited D.C. last week, we participated in the @Bitcoin District’s monthly book club meeting. We had a fascinating discussion about Saleha Mohsin's "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order." The book explores the US dollar's role as a geopolitical tool and suggests that the "right" Treasury Secretary can maintain dollar strength and global financial stability. However, as Bitcoiners, our group posed a thought-provoking alternative--What if we embraced a decentralized approach where: • Millions of individuals "vote" with their economic decisions; • The marketplace reflects collective choices aimed at improving lives; • We move away from relying on a central authority for financial stability. This perspective values every voice, not just those of a select few. It challenges us to reconsider the current financial paradigm and explore alternatives like Bitcoin. Thoughts? How do you see the future of global finance evolving? #FinancialFuture #moneyliteracy #EconomicEmpowerment

While Scott and I visited D.C. last week, we participated in the Bitcoin District’s monthly book club meeting. We had a fascinating discussion about Saleha Mohsin's "Paper Soldiers: How the Weaponization of the Dollar Changed the World Order." The book explores the US dollar's role as a geopolitical tool and suggests that the "right" Treasury Secretary can maintain dollar strength and global financial stability. However, as Bitcoiners, our group posed a thought-provoking alternative--What if we embraced a decentralized approach where: • Millions of individuals "vote" with their economic decisions; • The marketplace reflects collective choices aimed at improving lives; • We move away from relying on a central authority for financial stability. This perspective values every voice, not just those of a select few. It challenges us to reconsider the current financial paradigm and explore alternatives like Bitcoin. Thoughts? How do you see the future of global finance evolving? #FinancialFuture#Decentralization #moneyliteracy #EconomicEmpowerment

Highlights from this week’s Orange Hatter Reading Club meeting discussing Chapter 4 of @npub1tm20...lpna's The Hidden Cost of Money.... join us next week!

🌸 Is Today’s Monetary System Dehumanizing Us? Let’s Talk About It! In our latest reading club discussion, we dove into Chapter 4 of The Hidden Cost of Money by @npub1tm20...lpna and it sparked some powerful conversations about how money shapes not just our wallets, but who we are as people. We talked about how today’s system is pushing us from long-term thinkers into short-term survivors, where we're forced to focus on meeting basic needs rather than striving for higher goals like creativity, community support, and personal growth. This shift is all about time preference—we’re more focused on the present because the future feels so uncertain. One member shared a story about her family’s work in a factory, where corporate quotas are so impossible that managers feel forced to manipulate data just to avoid the backlash. Another member brought up the monetization of caregiving, where she’s paid by the government to care for her mother. It’s a helpful program, but we wondered: Is turning caregiving into a transaction taking away from its humanity? We also touched on how many young people today are choosing not to have children because of concerns about the future—whether it’s financial insecurity or fears about climate change. 💬 Does any of this resonate with you? If you’ve been feeling the pressure to meet impossible targets, the weight of financial uncertainty, or concerns about the future, join our reading club! We’re diving into these topics to better understand how we can navigate today’s challenges—together. hashtag#FinancialLiteracy hashtag#WomenEmpowerment hashtag#Bitcoin hashtag#Monetization