Upcoming Workshop Series · 2026

The Cousins'
Money Circle

Big Mama's Financial Freedom Series. A culturally grounded program for Youth - Elders, navigating changes in life circumstances — taught through the warm, familiar voices of the family.

Sessions
60–90 min
Modules
11 total
Ages
Youth - Elders
Big Mama at the head of the table teaching her grandchildren about money, jars of coins and a ledger in front of them

"Save first. Spend smart. That's the Big Mama way."

Built forSchoolsChurchesYouth ProgramsCommunity CentersHBCU ChaptersMentor Groups

The Program

Financial wisdom passed down at the kitchen table.

The Big Mama Universe is a flexible set of financial literacy modules rooted in storytelling, cultural relevance, and real-life decision-making. Each module features a character from Big Mama's family, so students learn through scenarios that feel like home.

Organizations can select one or two modules for a single workshop — or deliver the full series as a multi-session curriculum. Every session comes with interactive activities and printable worksheets.

Storytelling-first

Lessons told through family voices, not lectures.

Culturally rooted

Built for our community, by our community.

Activity-driven

Worksheets, role-plays & real scenarios.

Flexible delivery

1 module or the full series — your call.

Core Modules

Eleven lessons. One family.

Each module stands alone or stacks into a complete series. Pick what fits your group — we'll bring the rest.

Cousin AJ character portrait
Module 01

Ages 10–17 · Foundation

Cousin AJ

Earn, Save & Banking Basics

Cousin AJ helps youth understand how money comes in, where it goes, and how to give every dollar purpose.

  • Needs vs. wants
  • Reading a paycheck stub
  • Every dollar gets a job
  • Spend / save / give system
Big Sis character portrait
Module 02

Ages 18–24 · Transition

Big Sis

First Apartment Budget

Big Sis walks students through the real cost of moving out — from deposits to utilities to shared expenses.

  • Full cashflow budgeting
  • Move-in sinking funds
  • Bill calendar planning
  • Avoiding credit-card bridging
Big Bro character portrait
Module 03

Ages 25–35 · Building

Big Bro

First Car: Need vs. Status

Big Bro breaks down the real cost of owning a car and helps students avoid the most common financial pitfalls.

  • Total cost of ownership
  • Insurance-first pricing
  • Cash vs. finance vs. lease
  • Function over status

Meet the Family

Welcome to Big Mama's family.

Every character carries a chapter of our story — from the patriarch of 1872 to the youngest cousin of 2011. Their lives become the lessons. Tap any portrait to read their module.

Foundational Principles · The Onyx Ledger

Delivery Format

How each workshop runs.

  • 60–90 minSingle-session workshops
  • InteractiveReal-life scenarios & role-plays
  • PrintablesWorksheets included for every student
  • AnywhereSchools, youth programs, churches, community centers

Learning Outcomes

What participants walk away with.

  • 01Confidence in budgeting & saving
  • 02Real-world financial responsibility
  • 03Stronger decision-making skills
  • 04Planning ahead, avoiding debt traps
  • 05Healthy money mindsets, rooted in culture
Money Mastery — The Onyx Ledger title slide

For Professionals & Partners

The Money Mastery Workshops.

Protect the Foundation. Build Toward Legacy.

A premium, culturally grounded financial education experience designed for Realtors, Financial Advisors, and Business Partners who want to empower their clients and teams with real-world financial clarity.

In this elevated, story-driven workshop series, participants learn how to make confident decisions around credit, homeownership, cashflow, business building, and legacy planning — all delivered in a warm, relatable, and actionable format.

Perfect for client appreciation events, team trainings, conferences, and community partnerships, the Money Mastery Workshops blend professional expertise with human-centered learning to create an unforgettable, high-impact experience.

CreditHomeownershipCashflowBusiness BuildingLegacy Planning

Booking & Contact

Bring the Big Mama Universe to your youth.

Book a single module or the full series for your school, church, or community group. We'll handle the rest.

Quy Thomas, founder of The Onyx Ledger

Your Host

Quy Thomas

Founder · The Onyx Ledger

quythomasphilly@gmail.com