Advisory Board Member Sam X Renick
California Financial Educators Council

Internationally recognized financial literacy pioneer and leader Sam X Renick joined the California Financial Educators Council Advisory Board in 2022. Mr. Renick’s expertise lies in innovative children’s financial education, with which he has reached more than a quarter million children across eight countries and 40 U.S. states over the past two decades.

Renick founded his social entrepreneurial venture, the “It’s a Habit!” Company, in 2001 and co-created the Sammy Rabbit storybook character to empower individuals from all backgrounds to teach young children excellent money habits in an entertaining, effective format. For his own far-reaching children’s financial literacy instruction efforts, Advisory Board Member Sam Renick and his team have earned multiple honors – including the 2016 National Financial Educators Council Instructor of the Year Award, the New Jersey Coalition for Financial Education Lifetime Achievement Award, the California Jump$tart Coalition Leaders in Personal Literacy Award, and induction into the Loyola Marymount University Wall of Honor.

A prolific author and songwriter, Renick has developed one of the largest financial literacy resource libraries in the world. Among this extensive bank of resources can be found storybooks and songs such as Sammy’s Big Dream, Get in the Habit, S.A.V.E. Rainy Day, Lemonade Stand, Anyone Can Be Rich, and Show Your Family the Way.

Sam X Renick also has garnered substantial media attention for his exemplary and innovative work in the financial education space. His efforts have been featured in television and radio spots on ABC, the Armed Forces Network, Fox, and NPR; and in print media including the Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Kansas City Star, MSN, Kiplinger, MarketWatch, and Yahoo! Finance.

Sam Renick’s lifelong commitment to spreading knowledge and joy to inspire great money habits has helped form his mantra: “Great habits give all kids a better and brighter future!” He brings this positive mindset, along with his abundance of talent and expertise, to his participation on the California Financial Educators Council Advisory Board.

Selected members of the California Financial Educators Council Advisory Board are individuals who support us in our commitment to widely spread financial wellness resources across the state of California. They share our goal to donate financial wellness programming at the community level in initiatives that can be sustained and taken to scale.

Board Members who pass the rigorous selection criteria are professionals with a demonstrated commitment to building financial wellness in their communities. Individuals with the following traits are considered: