What is a financial mentor? A teen’s guide to smart money advice

Modak
March 13, 2025

Main takeaways

🥸 A financial mentor provides guidance and support on money management but does not offer professional financial advice like a licensed advisor.

👔 Mentorship helps teens build financial skills by teaching budgeting, saving, and responsible spending through real-life experience.

🤓 Finding a financial mentor can be done through networking, online platforms, or educational institutions, with parental involvement being crucial for younger individuals.

Imagine having someone who can guide you through the complexities of managing money, someone who has the experience and knowledge to help you make smart financial decisions. This person is known as a financial mentor.

But what exactly does a financial mentor do, and how can having one benefit you? In this article, we’ll explore the role of a financial mentor, how they differ from financial advisors, and why having a mentor can be a game-changer for your financial future.

A financial mentor can provide guidance, support, and educational resources to help you improve your financial knowledge. However, financial mentors are not financial advisors, and they do not provide professional financial, investment, or legal advice. For personalized financial recommendations, please consult a licensed financial advisor.

What is a financial mentor?

A financial mentor is an experienced individual who shares knowledge, guidance, and support on financial topics, often based on personal experience. While licensed financial advisors provide professional, regulated financial advice tailored to individual circumstances, financial mentors offer informal insights and general financial education. Their role is to support and encourage better financial habits rather than to provide specific investment or financial planning services.

Computer screen with graphics

The role of a financial mentor

Guidance and advice

A financial mentor offers practical guidance on various financial topics, including budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. They can help you understand complex financial concepts and lend support to make informed decisions.

Goal setting

Mentors assist you in setting realistic and achievable financial goals. They help you create a roadmap to reach these goals, providing support and motivation along the way.

Accountability

Having a mentor keeps you accountable for your financial actions. They regularly check in on your progress, helping you stay on track and make necessary adjustments to your plan.

Emotional support

Financial decisions can sometimes be stressful. A mentor provides emotional support, helping you stay focused and confident in your financial journey.

What does a money mentor do?

Budgeting and saving

A money mentor can help you create and maintain a budget, teaching you how to save effectively. They provide tips on reducing unnecessary expenses and maximizing your savings.

Investing

Mentors can introduce you to the basics of investing, explaining different investment options and strategies. They provide general information on diversification and financial goal-setting but do not offer personalized investment advice.

Debt management

If you have debt, a mentor can help you develop a plan to pay it off efficiently. They can provide resources and tools to help you explore repayment options and break free from living paycheck to paycheck.

How Modak supports teen financial growth

🍎 Modak teaches teens money management through chores, savings goals, and MBX rewards.

🗺️ Teens track spending and make financial decisions under parental guidance.

🏡 Modak provides a safe space for teens to practice budgeting and smart spending.

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What is mentor financing?

Mentor financing is an informal concept where an experienced investor or financial expert may provide mentorship and, in some cases, financial support to an individual or business. This support can come in various forms, such as guidance on financial decisions or potential investments. However, terms and availability of financial support may vary, and individuals should conduct due diligence before entering any financial agreement.

How to find a financial mentor

Networking

One of the best ways to find a financial mentor is through networking. Attending financial seminars, workshops, and events can provide opportunities to connect with experienced professionals who are willing to share their knowledge. 

If a child or teen is looking for a mentor, parental involvement is important—whether by attending events together, helping to vet potential mentors, or guiding them toward safe and reputable online platforms. Parents can also leverage their own networks to introduce their child to trusted financial role models.

Online platforms

There are various online platforms and forums where you can connect with potential mentors. Websites like LinkedIn and financial communities can be great places to start. However, be cautious when engaging with individuals online and verify their credentials before taking financial advice or entering any financial arrangement.

Educational institutions

Many schools and universities offer mentorship programs for students interested in finance. Reach out to your institution’s career services or finance department to explore these opportunities.

Books and an apple sitting in a desk

Benefits of having a financial mentor

Real-life experience

Financial mentors offer real-life insights and practical advice that you may not always find in textbooks or online resources. Their guidance is based on personal experiences rather than formal financial training.

Personalized guidance

A mentor can provide general financial guidance and encouragement tailored to your personal goals. However, they do not offer professional financial advice or manage investments like a licensed financial advisor.

Long-term relationship

Building a long-term relationship with a mentor can provide ongoing support throughout your financial journey. Unlike professional advisors who may focus on specific transactions or investment strategies, financial mentors typically emphasize personal growth and financial literacy.

People sitting around a table with their hands on top of it.

Financial mentor vs. Financial advisor

Financial mentor

  • Role: Provides voluntary guidance and general financial education.
  • Focus: Long-term personal growth and financial literacy.
  • Compensation: Typically unpaid, based on personal connection.
  • Credentials: No formal financial certification is required.

Financial advisor

  • Role: Offers licensed, professional financial services.
  • Focus: Investment strategies, financial planning, and wealth management.
  • Compensation: Paid through fees, commissions, or salary.
  • Credentials: Licensed and regulated to provide financial advice.

Important note: A financial mentor is not a licensed financial advisor and does not provide professional financial, investment, or legal advice. For specific financial recommendations, consult a licensed professional.

Tools and resources for financial planning

Retirement calculators

Retirement calculators help estimate how much you need to save based on your income, expenses, and retirement goals. Be sure to use a trusted tool from a reputable financial institution for accurate planning.

One main financial mentor

If you are looking for financial management tools and advice there are lots of options online that can help you find financial guidance. For example, if you are looking for general resources on money management, such as budgeting and debt management OneMain Financial might be a good alternative. 

How Modak helps teens build financial skills

While Modak is not a financial mentor or advisor, it provides tools that help teens develop essential money management skills through hands-on experience. The app provides teens with resources to learn about earning, saving, and spending in a structured way, supporting the development of healthy financial habits.

Learning through experience

Modak allows teens to earn MBX points by completing challenges and staying active, reinforcing the value of goal-setting and rewards. By participating in the "Walk to Earn" feature, teens can earn up to 70 MBX per week³, adding up to an extra $36.40 per year² just by staying active.

Building financial responsibility

Modak helps teens develop essential money management skills by allowing parents to assign chores and set rewards. As teens earn and track their MBX, they practice saving, budgeting, and making thoughtful spending decisions, fostering financial independence through real-world experience.

A platform for financial awareness

Beyond earning and saving, Modak provides a central hub for teens and parents to track spending and set financial goals. While the platform does not offer financial advice, it empowers teens with the tools and insights needed to build responsible money habits under parental guidance.

🧐 Common questions about financial mentorship

What is the role of a financial mentor?

A financial mentor provides guidance, advice, and support on financial matters. They can help you set goals, create a plan to achieve them, and stay accountable for your financial actions.

What does a money mentor do?

A money mentor provides guidance on general financial topics such as budgeting, saving, and financial habits. While they can offer practical insights and emotional support, they may not be licensed professionals and do not provide personalized financial plans or regulated investment advice. Their role is to share knowledge and encourage responsible money management.

What is mentor financing?

Mentor financing involves an experienced investor or financial expert providing both financial support and mentorship. This support helps ensure the successful use of funds and promotes financial growth.

Mom and kids using the phone together

Conclusion

Having a financial mentor can be a valuable resource in your financial journey. They can provide guidance, support, and insights to help you develop better financial habits. Whether you’re just starting or looking to improve your financial skills, a mentor can share their experience and knowledge to support your growth.

  1. Checking account and the Modak Visa® debit card issued by Lewis & Clark Bank, Member FDIC. Funds deposited into checking account may be eligible for up to $250,000 of FDIC insurance. The FDIC’s deposit insurance coverage only protects against the failure of an FDIC-insured depository institution.
  2. 100 MBX = $1(as of June 2024). This is an approximation and not a guaranteed result. For more information on MBX, visit: Click here for more information on MBX
  3. Walking 5,000 steps a day gives users 10MBX (as of June 2024). This is subject to change at Modak’s discretion
  4. Fees for expedited or premium services may apply. Find out more in our Cardholder agreement.
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