Houston – April marks Financial Literacy Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the importance of understanding money at every age. For two students, that message turned into action.
Trisha Bhatnagar and Madhavan Vinod are the co-creators of Financial Fortunes, a student-led company focused on helping kids and families build strong financial habits. Their solution is a card game that transforms real-life money situations into something interactive and easy to grasp.
Players move through the game using job cards that determine income, event cards that add or subtract money, and asset cards that provide a layer of protection. There are even special cards that introduce more complex situations like inheritance or job changes. The goal is to simulate real-world financial decisions in a way that feels approachable, not overwhelming.
The game is designed for ages 8 to 18 but is meant to be enjoyed by the whole family. Along with the physical cards, a companion web app helps track progress so players can focus more on understanding financial concepts.
Bhatnagar says the inspiration came from recognizing a gap in financial education for young people. By turning those lessons into a game, she hopes to give kids the tools and confidence to make smarter decisions as they grow.
As families look for ways to start conversations about money, this student-created idea is proving that learning the basics can be both practical and fun.