Living Well While Managing Your Money: A Q&A on NBA Co-Hosted Financial Literacy Webinar Series for Youth and Young Adults

Talking about money can be stressful, difficult, and frustrating, especially for youth and young adults. “Many of the youth and young adults in my life are navigating money without a roadmap,” said Rev. Bere Gil Soto, NBA’s Director of Young Adult Leadership Development. “Once you start adulting, you’re suddenly expected to make financial decisions that can impact your future, but no one really teaches you how.”

To help provide education, encouragement, and tools for young people to reimagine their relationship with money, NBA, in partnership with the Making a Child Change (M.A.C.C.) Foundation and Disciple Home Mission’s YAYA Ministries, are hosting a three-part webinar series titled “Adulting 101: Things Nobody Taught Me About Money.” The first session takes place on Wednesday, November 5th at 7:00pm ET/6:00pm CT, and we sat down with Rev. Gil Soto to learn more about the series and what attendees can expect to see.

What was the inspiration behind developing this webinar series?

Rev. Gil Soto: This series was born out of a desire to fill knowledge gaps about money in a way that feels supportive, not judgmental. Schools rarely have options available, and families often pass down habits (whether healthy or unhealthy) without much context or insight. So we end up with these gaps, not just in knowledge, but in our own confidence and sense of comfort to handle our money. It’s about saying, “Hey, you’re not alone in this.”

Why should youth and young adults be concerned about their finances?

Rev. Gil Soto: Because, whether we like it or not, money touches every part of our life, and we live in a system where financial literacy is essential to thriving.

Young adults in particular need to know that managing money isn’t just about surviving, it’s about living well. It’s about being able to say yes to opportunities, to rest, to joy. And that starts with understanding how to live within your means while still making space for fun, generosity, and the future.

Can you tell us some of the common mistakes that people make when it comes to money?

Rev. Gil Soto: Oh, we’re going to get real about this! Some of the big ones include:

• Not having a budget, or having one but not sticking to it. It’s wild how easy it is to lose track of where your money goes.

• Not saving or investing. A lot of folks think investing is only for people with a lot of money, but that’s just not true. Starting small is powerful.

• Getting into credit debt without knowing how to manage it. Debt isn’t inherently bad, but without tools and knowledge, it can spiral.

We’ll talk openly about these and many other mistakes we all make, without shame, and offer practical ways to shift those habits.

What can attendees expect from the three sessions?

Rev. Gil Soto: Each session is a mix of learning and doing. Yes, we’ll hear from experts, but this isn’t a lecture: it’s going to be interactive and hands-on. You’ll be invited to reflect, to practice, and to engage with your own financial story.

Here are the themes of each session:

Part 1 (November 5th) is all about mindset: where our beliefs about money come from, including family, faith, and history. We all learn how we deal with our money from somewhere, whether explicitly or implicitly.

Part 2 (December 10th) focuses on behavior: budgeting, spending intentionally, and building financial agency. What a perfect timing to do this and start the new year with a better mindset and plan!

Part 3 (January 21st, 2026) looks ahead to legacy: saving, managing debt, investing, and giving back. No matter who you are, we all can build a better future for ourselves and the generations to come. 

As you see, we won’t be talking just about money, we’re going be talking about values, choices, and community. And what’s beautiful is that this is a collaboration between NBA’s Young Adult Leadership Development (YALD), Disciples Home Mission’s YAYA Ministries, and the M.A.C.C. Foundation. That’s village learning in action! We’re coming together to offer tools, wisdom, and community. So come ready!

What do you hope that attendees walk away with at the conclusion of the series?

Rev. Gil Soto: I hope folks leave feeling empowered and understanding their relationship with money a little better, not just with the numbers, but the “why” behind their habits. I also hope that they feel ready to make intentional changes, even small ones, that move them toward financial wellness. Most of all, I hope they feel supported. This isn’t about perfection, it’s about progress grounded in care. When we learn together, when we lean on our village, we grow stronger. That’s the heart of this series.

The first session will take place November 5th, with the second session on December 10th and the third on January 21st, 2026. All will take place at 7:00pm ET/6:00pm CT. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Click here to sign up for the first session on November 5th!