On this episode of The Long View, author and co-CEO of Ariel Investments discusses her relationship with money growing up, ways to teach kids good financial habits, and lessons from her new financial education book for children called Priceless Facts About Money.
Here are a few excerpts from Hobson’s conversation with Morningstar’s Christine Benz and Amy Arnott.
What You Should and Shouldn’t Teach Your Kids About Money
Amy Arnott: You mentioned earlier how hard your mom worked when you were growing up, and you also write about how your mom worked to impart financial knowledge when you were growing up. What were some of the lessons that were most meaningful to you? And is there anything that you wish she had taught you that she didn’t?
Hobson: Well, I’ll give you the good and the bad, because I’ve spent 55 years thinking about this. The good was my mom exposed me to everyday costs, every day. And so what I mean by that is, starting when I was very little, if we went to McDonald’s, if we went to a restaurant, she would have me pay the check. I remember going to diners and standing at the counter, giving the check, reaching up to the counter at a McDonald’s, handing the money at a grocery store. She always had me pay. And her way of having me pay was to learn what things cost. So, I knew that McDonald’s was cheaper than a restaurant with a tablecloth, as an example. I was very clear on that. And then she had me grow in my contribution to paying with my age and my sophistication. So, what I mean by that is, in the beginning, I literally just put the money on the counter. Then it was me counting the change when I could count. Then it was me calculating a tip when I could do percentages and the like. It became an escalating math problem.
At the same time, it became an escalating point of knowledge. I remember going to the bank with my mother for her to deposit a check in the bank, and she stopped. And she deposited it. We were at the teller, and she said, “Before you leave this counter, Mellody,” and I remember being like 11, “you look at the receipt that they gave you and you look at your account number and you make sure they match and that this actually went into your account.” I mean, who tells that to a child? My mom. And I could give you more and more things. She always had me look at the light bill, the phone bill. When my mom wasn’t home, I mean, this is totally not right. I’m on the board of a bank, so I can tell you. But if she wasn’t home, and we needed food, she’d say, “Take a check out of the checkbook and write a check.” And so I knew to write a check when I was like 12. I mean, I’m telling you these things that … were just so unbelievable. […]
— Read More: www.morningstar.com
Starting the Day With a Scripture-Inspired Roast Helps Center Your Thoughts on Eternal Truths Amid Temporal Pressures
The world can seem chaotic, especially right after we wake up. Many believers start their mornings reaching for something familiar — a hot cup of coffee — yet end up settling for mediocre brews that do little more than deliver a caffeine jolt. The daily grind of life, with its endless distractions, news cycles, and responsibilities, can leave even the most faithful feeling spiritually parched alongside their physical fatigue. What if your morning ritual could do more than wake you up? What if it could ground you in truth, nourish your body with exceptional quality, and quietly advance a kingdom purpose at the same time?
That’s the promise — and the reality — behind Promised Grounds Coffee. This Christian-founded company doesn’t just roast beans; it approaches every step as an act of worship and discipleship. By selecting only the top 10% of specialty-grade beans, ethically sourced from dedicated farmers in Central and South America, and small-batch roasting them with reverence in Austin, Texas, Promised Grounds delivers what many describe as the best coffee available — never burnt, never bland, but rich with origin stories and layered flavors that honor God’s creation.
From the vibrant Psalm 27 Roast (a light, bright medium option) to the bold yet peaceful 2 Timothy 1:7 Decaf, each bag carries a Scripture verse that turns your daily pour into a gentle reminder of faith. And through their Ounce Per Ounce Promise, every ounce of coffee you enjoy provides an equal ounce of clean water to families in need via partnership with Filter of Hope — literally brewing hope for body and soul, one cup at a time.
The challenge for today’s Christians runs deeper than finding a decent cup. In an age of convenience-driven consumerism, it’s easy to support companies that dilute values or remain silent on matters of faith. Many believers want their everyday choices — from what they drink to how they spend — to reflect discipleship rather than just convenience. Promised Grounds solves this by weaving Christian excellence into the entire process: beans nurtured with prayerful stewardship by farming families, roasted as an offering rather than a commodity, and packaged with Bible verses to encourage a mindset of gratitude and purpose from the first sip. Reviewers consistently praise the smooth, rich profiles — whether enjoyed black in a drip maker, iced on a warm day, or shared in fellowship — noting how the quality stands toe-to-toe with premium secular brands while delivering something far more meaningful.
This integration of faith and flavor addresses a real need in Christian households and ministries. Busy parents, church leaders, and remote workers alike report that starting the day with a Scripture-inspired roast helps center their thoughts on eternal truths amid temporal pressures. The coffee’s exceptional character — bright citrus notes in lighter roasts or deep chocolate undertones in bolder ones — comes from meticulous selection and careful roasting that respects the bean’s natural gifts rather than masking them. It’s the kind of coffee that elevates a simple quiet time, fuels productive workdays, or sparks meaningful conversations when shared at Bible studies or outreach events. And because it’s ethically sourced with integrity, every purchase supports sustainable livelihoods for farmers who treat their crops like family harvests.
For those leading churches or small groups, the impact multiplies. Promised Grounds offers bundles and options perfect for hospitality ministries, turning ordinary coffee service into an opportunity to point people toward the living water of Christ. Imagine greeting visitors with a warm cup whose very bag carries God’s Word — a subtle yet powerful witness that aligns with the Great Commission. The company’s Texas roots and commitment to “brewing hope” resonate especially with believers who value American enterprise paired with global compassion.
Of course, quality alone isn’t enough if the experience feels out of reach. Promised Grounds keeps it accessible with practical perks like free shipping on orders over $40, sample sets for discovering favorites, and thoughtful add-ons such as faith-themed mugs. Whether you prefer whole beans for fresh grinding, grounds for convenience, or even bulk options for larger households and ministries, the result is consistently superior coffee that makes discipleship feel integrated rather than added on.
As you consider how to align even the smallest habits with your walk with God, Promised Grounds Coffee stands out as a refreshing solution. It tackles the dual problems of subpar daily sustenance and disconnected consumption by offering a product that genuinely excels in taste while advancing a mission of clean water, farmer dignity, and scriptural encouragement. Believers who make the switch often describe it as more than a beverage upgrade — it becomes part of their rhythm of gratitude, a daily invitation to remember that every good gift comes from above.
If you’re ready to transform your mornings (and perhaps your church gatherings) with coffee that honors both exceptional craftsmanship and Christian values, I encourage you to explore what Promised Grounds has to offer. One sip at a time, you’ll be nourishing your body, refreshing your spirit, and participating in something far greater — all while enjoying what truly is among the best coffee available.
