Today we’d like to introduce you to Carson Graham.
Hi Carson, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Three days after my 20th birthday, I was kicked out of my home. Suddenly, I had to navigate adulthood and financial decisions on my own. I was learning everything in real time—opening my first credit card, building a career, understanding investing, finding housing, and eventually starting a business from the ground up.
Along the way, I realized how difficult it was to find trustworthy financial information. Whether it was understanding credit, comparing financial products, negotiating at a car dealership, or avoiding costly mistakes, I often had to learn through experience. Those challenges sparked a passion for financial education and helping others avoid the same obstacles.
That experience led me to found Financial Tea, a Broward County-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to making financial education accessible, practical, and judgment-free. Through workshops, coaching, budgeting tools, digital resources, and community events, we create safe spaces where people can learn about money regardless of their background, income level, or identity.
Since launching Financial Tea, we have helped hundreds of individuals in Florida and across the country gain confidence in their financial decisions. Our mission is simple: provide people with the knowledge, resources, and support they need to build a stronger financial future and create opportunities that may have once felt out of reach.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has definitely been a little bumpy at times.
Personally, I’m doing great, but like many nonprofit founders, one of the biggest challenges is moving from passion to sustainability. In the beginning, it’s common to fund programs, donate your time, and do whatever it takes to serve the community. The challenge is turning that passion into a long-term investment that can continue creating impact for years to come.
Along the way, you’ll encounter people who doubt the vision. Some people think the goals are too ambitious, while others struggle to imagine a future beyond what they’ve personally experienced. I’ve learned that’s part of the journey. Not everyone will see the vision at first, and that’s okay.
Today, one of our biggest goals is raising $25,000 to expand Financial Tea’s educational reach through an online university where people can learn financial literacy, career development, and wealth-building skills at their own pace from anywhere in the country.
Looking ahead, our larger vision is to create a community center where people can access financial education, coaching, resources, and support under one roof. That’s a significant undertaking, especially in South Florida where land and development costs can easily reach into the millions of dollars.
The challenge is balancing urgency with patience. The needs in our community exist today, not ten years from now. We constantly ask ourselves how we can move faster, serve more people, and create lasting change while maintaining the energy and motivation needed for long-term success.
It’s a challenge we’re willing to take on because we believe everyone deserves access to the knowledge, resources, and opportunities that can help them build a stronger financial future.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Financial Tea was founded in July 2020 and became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2023. What started as a personal mission to help others avoid the financial struggles and confusion I experienced as a young adult has grown into a community-focused organization dedicated to making financial education accessible, practical, and relatable.
Brand-wise, Financial Tea is built around one simple idea: Stay Rejuvenated.
We believe financial literacy is really financial wellness. Money impacts nearly every area of life—from career decisions and housing to relationships, mental well-being, and future opportunities. That’s why we focus on helping people build confidence and make informed decisions that support their overall quality of life.
Financial Tea was created to be a welcoming, judgment-free community where people can learn, grow, and connect with others who are working toward similar goals. Regardless of how much money someone has, where they come from, or where they are in their journey, we want them to know they have a place here.
Since our founding, we have hosted dozens of educational workshops, networking events, and community programs while helping hundreds of individuals through presentations, coaching, mentorship, and financial education resources. Our topics range from budgeting, credit, investing, and homeownership to entrepreneurship, career development, and technology careers.
Our services include mentorship, one-time coaching sessions, workshops, and educational resources. Through our coaching and mentorship programs, individuals can receive guidance on topics such as budgeting, credit, investing, career development, entrepreneurship, and other financial decisions that impact their future.
We also offer our “Bring Financial Tea to You” program, which allows businesses, schools, colleges, nonprofits, and community organizations to host a Financial Tea Certified Presenter. These engaging presentations can be customized to meet the audience’s needs and cover topics such as financial wellness, budgeting, credit, investing, career growth, entrepreneurship, and more.
What sets us apart is our ability to make financial education engaging, relatable, and community-driven. We strive to create experiences that are informative, interactive, and supportive rather than overwhelming or intimidating.
The feedback we receive is what motivates us to continue growing. We often hear comments such as, “I wish I had learned this in school,” “I finally understand how investing works,” “No one has ever explained credit to me this way before,” or “For the first time, I feel like my financial goals are actually achievable.” Those moments remind us that access to financial knowledge can be life-changing.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve built. Financial Tea feels more like a family than a traditional financial education organization. People come to us not only for information, but also for encouragement, accountability, and connection. At the end of the day, our mission isn’t just about teaching people about money—it’s about helping them create opportunities, build confidence, and move toward the future they want for themselves and their families.
For us, it’s not just financial literacy. It’s connection, growth, support, and financial wellness. That’s what it means to Stay Rejuvenated.
How do you think about happiness?
Serving my community, just seeing people go from unhappy about a situtation to very happy and over joyed is priceless its something nothing money could ever by as im a natural problem solver and I know how to connect the dots with people from all walks of life even people twice my age hint – age is nothing but a number. less brown has a quote never too young to teach and never too old to learn this will aways be my mindset. to empower and uplift people around me
Pricing:
- 15.00 – The 90 Day Money Mindset Journal
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.financialtea.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officialfinancialtea/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FTeaLife
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@financialtea
