When life falls apart, most advice sounds like a bad greeting card. “Stay positive.” “Everything happens for a reason.” So here’s a different approach: suffer like a comedian.

This is my favorite tool for resilience and persistence amidst the challenges of life, and it’s a lesson I learned in stand-up comedy that you can use in your life right away.

Talking to kids about money doesn’t require perfect words or expert knowledge. This simple, age-based guide helps parents pick one money lesson at a time—and practice it in a way that builds confidence, clarity, and connection.

Talking to kids about money builds confidence, reduces shame, and strengthens financial literacy—when done with clear boundaries. This guide shows parents how to answer money questions honestly, share age-appropriate financial information, and teach children that financial privacy is about respect, not secrecy. With practical scripts, FAQs, and trusted resources, it helps families normalize healthy money conversations that evolve as kids grow.

Trust. It's a word thrown around constantly in the financial services industry, but how often do we stop to examine what it really means—and why it feels so elusive? As a keynote speaker working with financial professionals across every corner of the industry—from accountants and collection professionals to CFPs and wealth management teams—I've noticed something striking: the trust deficit isn't just real, it's widening. And the reasons run deeper than most professionals realize.

Money is one of the most important—and most stressful—parts of life. But it doesn’t have to be boring or overwhelming to talk about. Colin Ryan is a nationally recognized financial speaker who combines comedy, storytelling, and interactive lessons to make financial literacy fun, approachable, and memorable. With over 1,000 talks delivered to students and professionals across North America, Colin helps audiences laugh, learn, and leave with practical money skills they’ll actually use.

What is financial comedy, and why does it work? In this post, financial comedian and keynote speaker Colin Ryan shares how he uses humor, storytelling, and interaction to make financial education more engaging, human, and memorable. Whether you're a student, adult, or financial professional, you'll discover how laughter can unlock learning—and how financial wellness starts with feeling safe to talk about money.

Here’s a list of high-quality video clips that can further explain and explore the aspects of personal finance you want to cover. The best part: video is attention-getting!

Here’s my list of 11 movies with scenes that are perfect for starting conversations about important (and usually undiscussed) ways that money affects our lives and informs what we buy.

Recommending a great tool: Pete the Planner’s post: “The four-color budgeting technique anyone can do”

Here are some resources to successfully, strategically and safely build your credit.

Good credit is a gateway to financial vehicles and opportunities that can help you build your wealth.