Tori Filas Books

I spent 20 years teaching kids in classrooms. Then I spent 5 years inside the credit union industry. Those two worlds don't talk to each other enough. So I wrote two books to bridge them.

"A Budget for Bingo" helps kids understand budgeting, needs vs. wants, and real financial decisions. "The Melody of Money" teaches entrepreneurship and saving toward a goal. Both are used statewide in Virginia and New Mexico schools to teach financial literacy in a fun and engaging way.

April is Financial Literacy Month. Schools, banks, and credit unions have a real opportunity to show up in their communities right now.

I partner with financial institutions to make that easy. Books, author visits, classroom programs, and curriculum your staff can actually use.
If that sounds like something your institution needs, message me.

Peace, love, and penny power!

Did you know April is Financial Literacy Month?

My books, "A Budget for Bingo" and "The Melody of Money," are used statewide in Virginia schools and in New Mexico to teach financial literacy. Kids are learning how to budget, make real money decisions, and think like entrepreneurs because community partners put books in their hands.

I work with schools, banks. and credit unions to make that happen in more communities.

If your institution is looking for a meaningful way to show up for kids this April, let's talk. I offer author visits, classroom programs, and book partnerships designed for financial institutions.

Drop a comment or send me a message.

Peace, love, and penny power!

BIG Q1 ENERGY over here!!! I’m celebrating two incredible partnerships that are all about one of my favorite things—helping kids build strong money skills early.

I had the chance to team up with Virginia Council on Economic Education and the Credit Union Association of New Mexico—both of which lead impactful reading initiatives that reach thousands of students statewide.

And here’s what stands out most—they’re not just putting books in kids’ hands. They’re creating meaningful opportunities for students to build real-life financial skills through stories they actually connect with.

Because when kids learn how to earn, save, spend, and make smart choices with money, something powerful happens. They grow into confident decision-makers and begin building habits that last a lifetime.

Financial institutions are in a unique position to lead this kind of work in their communities.

If you’re a bank or credit union looking for a simple, meaningful way to support early financial education, consider incorporating A Budget for Bingo and The Melody of Money into your elementary initiatives. Pair them with engaging lessons, and you have an experience kids will remember.

Let’s work together to put more financial confidence into the hands of the next generation.

One of my favorite things about working with credit unions is seeing how passionate financial educators are about reaching kids early. Yesterday, the amazing Jared Little of Wings Credit Union read "A Budget for Bingo" to the second-graders at Countryside Elementary in Edina Public Schools in Minnesota, using the story to start conversations about budgeting, responsibility, and planning before making a big decision.

This is exactly how financial literacy should begin: simple conversations, relatable stories, and trusted community partners showing up for kids.
Credit unions and banks have a unique opportunity to shape the next generation of financially confident young people. When we bring engaging tools into classrooms, those lessons stick.

If your credit union or bank is looking for new ways to introduce financial education to elementary students, I would love to connect and share what we're building.

Every book boosts their vocabulary. Keep your classroom reading with Clubs.

You should TOTALLY check out my latest children's book, "The Melody of Money" to not only increase financial literacy, but also support a local author (and fun weirdo.) Go here➡ www.torifilas.com to get your signed copy in time for the holidays! In the meantime, request that this title be brought to your local library. That would be a FREE gift to me as well as the children in your local community! 😉💵😘

💬One review = one big ripple 🌊

When you share your thoughts, you help libraries, schools, and parents find stories that matter. Independent authors grow through your words.
💖 Share your review or shop now: https://a.co/d/cRSooTY

💬When a review reminds you why you wrote the book 💖

Hearing that kids are learning about entrepreneurship and goal-setting through Fizzy’s story makes every late night worth it.
🎶 Shop or review here → https://a.co/d/1Ixlqgb

📚 ATTENTION VIRGINIA LIBRARIANS: What are YOUR students currently reading?

We’re about to make their reading time count…literally.

Get ready for our Reading Makes Cents statewide program, brought to you by VCEE, Invest529®, and SOAR Virginia℠. SAVE-THE-DATE: Launching October 20, this program helps K–8 students unlock powerful lessons about money through books they’ll love.

This year’s featured titles are giving us:
🐾 A Budget for Bingo — a puppy, a plan, and a savings lesson.
🍋 Cooler Than Lemonade — sweet goals and big dreams.
🧼 Josephine and Her Dishwashing Machine — innovation at its finest.

Why librarians love it:
📖 Three free, library-bound books for every participating school.
💡 SOL-aligned financial literacy lessons woven through engaging stories and activities.
🌟 14 students will win $529 college savings accounts through Invest529.
🏫 Schools compete regionally for $500 in free financial literacy books.

LEARN MORE: https://vcee.org/programs/reading-makes-cents/

💵 .•°*°•.💰 BOOK SPOTLIGHT SHOWCASE 💰 .•°*°•.💵

The Melody of Money: Singing, Saving, and Smiles (Penny Power Series) by Tori Filas

Amazon US - https://a.co/d/1zGbA1C



Hosted by Itsy Bitsy Book Bits

Genre - Kids

Cover Designer - Arlene Soto

Synopsis -

Fizzy is determined to see her favorite singer, Larry Smiles, in concert - but dreams don’t happen without a plan! When she realizes her save jar is nearly empty, she and her best friend Finn create a strategy to start their own business.

As they work together to earn money, Fizzy learns valuable lessons about entrepreneurship, goal-setting, and making a profit. But will their plan pay off in time for the big night?

The Melody of Money is an engaging story that introduces young readers to entrepreneurship in a way that’s easy to understand and exciting to explore. With lively storytelling, captivating illustrations, and an inspiring message, this book empowers kids to dream big, take action, and make smart money choices - one goal at a time!

Tori Filas Books
Itsy Bitsy Book Bits Kids