Our Story
About Money Smarts
Transforming Financial Literacy Through Education, Media, and Expertise
Money Smarts, LLC is a multi-platform financial education company dedicated to demystifying personal and business finance for individuals, families, educators, and organizations nationwide.
Our Story
The Money Smarts brand was born from decades of real-world experience in finance, credit systems, bankruptcy, and business consulting. Founder Dan Kost recognized a critical gap in financial education: most resources either oversimplify to the point of being useless or overwhelm with jargon and complexity.
Drawing from his extensive background and the success of his published works — the "Money Smarts: Financial Affairs" book series — he built Money Smarts to bridge this gap.
What started as authoritative educational books has evolved into a complete financial literacy ecosystem: engaging educational games for all ages, timely financial news and media content, professional certification programs, and expert bankruptcy and business restructuring consulting.
What We Do
A complete financial literacy ecosystem across education, media, certification, and professional services.
Educational Games
Age-appropriate, gamified financial education platforms that make learning about money engaging and effective — from foundational awareness for kids to strategic credit management for adults.
- ›Money Smarts Quest Jr. (Ages 6-12) — Foundational financial awareness
- ›Money Smarts Life Simulator (Ages 13-22) — Real-world decision training
- ›Money Smarts Credit Mastery (Ages 23-60) — Credit, debt, and long-term planning
Media & Content
Trusted financial content across multiple platforms to inform and empower audiences at every stage of their financial journey.
- ›MoneySmarts.org — Educational hub with articles, guides, and tools
- ›MoneySmarts.news — Breaking financial news and expert analysis
- ›MoneySmarts.tv — Video series, documentaries, and live programming
- ›Published Books — "Money Smarts: Financial Affairs" book series
Certification Programs
Rigorous credentialing for educators, coaches, and financial professionals through our nationally recognized programs.
- ›Money Smarts Certified Educator — For teachers implementing financial literacy curricula
- ›Money Smarts Credit Coach — For professionals helping clients with credit and debt
- ›Curriculum Licensing — Turnkey programs for schools, corporations, and government agencies
Bankruptcy & Consulting
Expert guidance to businesses and individuals navigating financial distress, backed by decades of real-world expertise.
- ›Chapter 11 Business Management Consulting for debtors-in-possession
- ›Trustee Services for Chapter 7, 11, and 13 bankruptcy proceedings
- ›Financial Analysis and Expert Testimony (11 U.S.C. § 327)
- ›Distressed Asset Evaluation and strategic acquisition
Leadership
Dan Kost
Founder & CEO
CEO of Money Smarts and CEO of parent company DAKDAN Worldwide. Dan secured SDVOSB and VOSB certification, developed all business divisions, and established key partnerships across education, government, and professional services sectors. His vision to transform financial literacy through technology and expert content drives everything we build.
Our Credentials
Certifications that provide significant advantages in government contracting, institutional partnerships, and professional appointments.
Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)
Certification No. VSBC-52457467929
Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB)
Certified through the Department of Veterans Affairs
DoD SkillBridge Partnership
Training and career transition for transitioning service members
Federal Tax ID
61-2102687
Why We're Different
Comprehensive, Not Fragmented
Unlike single-purpose apps or one-off courses, Money Smarts provides a complete financial literacy journey from childhood through adulthood, across multiple learning modalities.
Authoritative and Credible
Our curriculum is based on published, expert-vetted books and real-world financial expertise. Every piece of educational material is grounded in actual credit law, bankruptcy code, and financial regulation.
Counter-Cyclical Business Model
Our diversified approach across consumer education, institutional licensing, media, and professional services creates stability. When consumer spending declines, bankruptcy consulting demand typically increases.
Veteran-Led and Mission-Driven
As a service-disabled veteran-owned company, we bring discipline, integrity, and a commitment to service to everything we do. We actively support veteran employment through the DoD SkillBridge program.
Education-First Philosophy
We prioritize educational outcomes over quick profits. Our freemium models ensure financial literacy is accessible regardless of income, while premium features and B2B services sustain the business.
Technology-Forward
Cloud-native AWS infrastructure, React/Next.js frontend, AI-powered personalized learning algorithms, FERPA-compliant student data management, and Stripe-integrated secure payments.
Our Markets
Consumer
- ›Children and parents seeking safe financial education
- ›Teens and young adults preparing for independence
- ›Adults addressing credit, debt, and wealth building
Institutional
- ›K-12 schools requiring curriculum-aligned solutions
- ›Colleges seeking student financial wellness programs
- ›Corporations offering employee financial wellness
- ›Government agencies for workforce development
Professional
- ›U.S. Trustee Program and bankruptcy courts
- ›Law firms needing expert bankruptcy consultants
- ›Debtors-in-possession during Chapter 11
- ›Creditors requiring professional financial analysis
Social Responsibility
Financial Inclusion
We believe financial literacy is a right, not a privilege. Our freemium models and nonprofit-oriented content ensure access regardless of socioeconomic status.
Veteran Support
Through DoD SkillBridge partnerships, we provide training and employment opportunities for transitioning service members, supporting their career success beyond military service.
Educational Access
We offer discounted and pro-bono licensing to underserved school districts and community organizations advancing financial education in high-need areas.
Ethical Business Practices
As a professional services provider in bankruptcy proceedings, we adhere to the highest ethical standards, transparent fee structures, and court oversight.
Join Us
Whether you're a parent, educator, corporation, or legal professional — Money Smarts has solutions designed for you.
Individuals & Families
Explore our games, read our books, watch our videos, and start your financial literacy journey today.
Start FreeSchools & Educators
Request a demo of our curriculum and institutional platform. Pilot programs available.
Request DemoCorporations
Contact our partnerships team to discuss employee financial wellness programs.
Learn MoreLegal Professionals
Inquire about our bankruptcy consulting and trustee services for your cases and clients.
Contact UsContact Information
Business Development
partnerships@money-smarts.comProfessional Services
consulting@money-smarts.comMedia Inquiries
media@money-smarts.comInvestor Relations
investors@money-smarts.comMoney Smarts, LLC • Colorado, USA 80550
Phone: (970) 436-0580 • Fax: (970) 458-4445
Money Smarts, LLC
Empowering Financial Confidence
Through Education, Media, and Expertise • © 2023-2026 Money Smarts, LLC. All Rights Reserved.