In this episode of Capital Class, host Adam Giery sits down with Abby Coyle, Co-founder and CEO of ClassBank, to explore why financial literacy has become one of the most urgent conversations in K-12 education—and why the traditional way of teaching it is no longer enough.
Drawing from her experience as a middle school math teacher in a low-income community, Abby shares how the idea for ClassBank emerged from a simple but powerful realization: students were learning complex academic concepts while lacking the real-world financial skills needed to navigate adulthood. From understanding deposits and withdrawals to applying for jobs and managing expenses, many students were entering the world unprepared for the financial realities ahead.
Adam and Abby discuss the changing role of financial literacy in schools, the rise of state-level mandates, and how experiential learning can build habits—not just knowledge. They also dive into the entrepreneurial journey behind ClassBank, including the early struggles, pivotal moments of growth, and the challenge of scaling a mission-driven company in education.
The conversation expands into broader themes around student motivation, workforce readiness, career pathways, and how today’s generation faces a completely different financial reality than previous ones. Abby also shares her perspective on entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and why building practical life skills may be one of the most important responsibilities schools take on in the next decade.
This episode is a thoughtful look at the intersection of education, behavior, and financial empowerment—and a reminder that preparing students for life requires more than academics alone.
Key Moments
04:56 Lacking financial literacy in schools
08:04 Inspiration for starting Class Bank
10:18 Integrating financial literacy in schools
12:36 Early challenges and tough decisions
18:45 Changing rules for financial success
21:02 Preparing informed future generations
24:25 Emphasizing work-life balance
28:27 Discussing pros and cons of edtech
Connect with Abby Coyle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abby-leas-coyle-648090112
Website: https://classbank.com/
