Earlier this year marked an important moment of transition for the 5 Buckets Foundation. Incoming Board Chair Henry Ferguson and outgoing Board Chair Dylan Mayer shared a letter with our community reflecting on where we’ve been—and where we’re headed.
This transition is especially meaningful as we recognize the service of our founding Board members: Steve Mayer, Dylan Mayer, Janis MacKenzie, Jim Woolwine, Mike Howland, and Mike Mayer. Over the past five years, these leaders have played a pivotal role in shaping 5 Buckets—from defining our mission to guiding our earliest impact. Their contributions laid the foundation for everything we are today, and we are proud to honor them as members of our newly formed Emeritus Society.
At the same time, this leadership transition comes during a period of remarkable momentum.
Built on Purpose, Growing with Urgency
When Steve Mayer founded 5 Buckets in 2018, the vision was clear: make high-quality financial literacy accessible to people who are too often left out of traditional financial education.
“I started the 5 Buckets Foundation after seeing firsthand how both adults—and especially young people—lacked basic personal finance knowledge… skills like budgeting and managing credit that are not taught in schools but are critical for a successful life.”
What began as a book and a small initiative has grown into a thriving organization. Today, we’ve served over 5,500 learners, partnered with dozens of organizations, and built a dedicated team of staff and volunteers working to expand our reach every day.
But growth alone isn’t the story. The need for this work has never been greater.
Why Financial Wellness Matters More Than Ever
We believe financial wellness is foundational to a successful and empowered life—and today’s world only reinforces that belief.
Rapid changes in the economy, the rise of AI, and the evolution of financial technology are creating new opportunities—but also new complexity. The bar for financial understanding is rising, and too many people are being left behind.
At the same time, there is growing recognition of this need. Today, 30 U.S. states have adopted plans to incorporate financial literacy into high school curricula. The message is clear: financial education is no longer optional—it’s essential.
As our CEO Vicki Terheydan puts it:
“I believe that financial literacy skills are as critical as reading and writing; that everyone has unique dreams and goals, and that everyone deserves to be in pursuit of these goals. When a person learns tools like budgeting and building a positive money mindset, they put themselves on a path to a successful financial future.”
At 5 Buckets, our approach starts with emotional sides of money and builds toward practical, real-world skills. This combination equips learners not just to understand money—but to use it as a tool to create the lives they want.
Expanding Impact Through Community
Our work doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s powered by a growing network of learners, volunteers, and partners who believe in this mission.
For Board Chair Henry Ferguson, this work is deeply personal:
“I was fortunate to grow up in a family that emphasized saving responsibly, spending thoughtfully, and giving back when possible. Being part of an organization that shares these values, and teaches them to others, is incredibly meaningful. We are positioned to serve more learners than ever before, and the scale of impact ahead is truly exciting.”
Volunteers also see the broader ripple effects of financial education. As Lead 5 Buckets Facilitator Chris Florez shares:
“When I dream of 5 Buckets, I think of a champion of ‘third spaces’… What we’re really trying to do is provide resources and education for all. Everyone is a lifelong learner. Every relationship matters.”
And our partners continue to affirm the importance—and effectiveness—of this work:
“Your presentations are the gold standard—engaging, informative, and at the right level for our Scholars. I appreciate that I also learn something new each time.” — Bailey Rodriguez, Program Senior Manager, Giants Community Fund
“We’re excited to partner with 5 Buckets… It’s critical to give students a toolkit—how to budget, how to manage money—so they’re not just successful in school or work, but in life.” — Bella Kearney, Director of Partnerships & Development, ICA Cristo Rey High School
Together, this community is what allows 5 Buckets to scale its impact and meet learners where they are.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we are even more energized about what’s next.
The need for financial literacy is growing. The awareness is increasing. And 5 Buckets is uniquely positioned to meet this moment—as a trusted partner delivering high-quality, relevant, and timely financial education.
None of this would be possible without the people behind the mission: our Board, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters.
Seven years in, we’re just getting started.