Kay Hawley believes that a rich life begins with understanding how money really works.

An award-winning educator recognized as Minnesota Music Educator of the Year, Kay spent decades as a music teacher learning how young people build confidence, develop skills, and discover what they are truly capable of. Her classroom experience taught her something important: when ideas are explained clearly and in the right order, people can learn almost anything.

Her passion for financial literacy begins with her own story. Kay grew up in a large family with very little money and early messages that made money feel scarce and out of reach. Mid-career, she began teaching Financial Awareness Classes for fellow educators — many of whom admitted they had never been taught how money actually works. That realization led her to an important question: What if people learned these ideas earlier?

A graduate of the University of Minnesota and recipient of the 2013 Northfield High School Distinguished Alumni Award, Kay has presented on financial literacy for educators at national conferences across the country — long before she ever wrote a word of this book.

Start Smart Money Basics is the book she wishes someone had handed her when she was young — and the answer to that question.

These days, Kay is living her own second act on the water — competing in fishing tournaments, guiding, and running fishing camps in the Canadian wilderness. She is committed to being a role model for women who love the outdoors and believes true richness isn’t just about money; it’s the freedom to build a life full of purpose and possibility.