Clarissa Seriña-de la Paz and Monique Leonardo Carlos created the Saffi Squirrel Books to help families instill essential values and money-smart habits in children.
Through engaging stories and interactive prompts, these books introduce key financial concepts in a fun and approachable way, encouraging open conversations about money between adults, "Big People," and children.
Aligned with their mission, the series promotes the Ten Money Values and Habits of a Money Smart Kid, providing a valuable resource for teaching financial literacy and fostering a foundation for lifelong financial well-being.
Saffi Squirrel Books in Real Life
Our Story
The Saffi Squirrel project was created to help families instill essential values and money-smart habits through engaging stories and interactive activities. Introducing the Ten Money Values and Habits of a Money Smart Kid – a valuable resource for teaching children about financial literacy.
Get To Know Clarissa and Monique
Monique Leonardo Carlos is an Early Childhood professional. She currently serves as the Director of an Academic Coaching Center, helping young learners achieve their full potential. Monique holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Family Life and Child Development and a Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology. Her passion for education and child development has guided her professional journey, culminating in her latest work as a children's book author.
Based in British Columbia, Canada, Monique enjoys a full life with her husband Rus and their three children, Mattina, Renee, and Rafael. In addition to her work in education, Monique is also a licensed financial advisor and a business owner, running a donut shop.
Monique is releasing another children’s book, It’s Okay, Just Ask, is set to be published by OwlKids Publishing in October 2024. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage curiosity, empathy, and open conversations among children.
Clarissa Seriña-de la Paz is a financial wellness advocate and wealth coach with over two decades of experience empowering individuals and families to transform their financial lives.
Through her pioneering Money Clarity Coaching, she helps clients break free from financial uncertainty, providing the tools and strategies necessary for long-term financial success. Clarissa’s other publishing books, I Wish They Taught Money in School and Money Grows on Trees, offer practical and accessible advice that resonates with readers across all stages of financial growth.
Her passion for financial literacy extends to teaching the next generation values and habits through the Saffi Squirrel books, helping young readers grasp essential money management skills, and fostering financial confidence. Beyond financial coaching, Clarissa and her husband are involved in UK Properties 101, an investment and development company open to investors interested in UK real estate opportunities.
She currently resides in Singapore with her husband, Miko, and their children, Alessi and Basti.
