12 SEPTEMBER 2025 By Mark Hays Walter Clarke is on a mission to close what he calls “the societal miss” in financial education – the failure to teach children about money during their formative years. His new book, 401Kid , lays out age-appropriate strategies for parents to start money conversations well before kids reach their teens. “We’re just not teaching financial literacy early enough,” Clarke said. “And that’s really what I’m trying to do with the book – get parents to wake up to the extreme consequences that our kids face if parents are not guiding them in this critical area.” Clarke’s approach comes from 25 years of teaching an education-only program for families who have come into sudden wealth – a program inspired by a candid conversation with legendary car dealer Lou Grubb. Despite his business success, Clarke said Grubb admitted he had little financial education and struggled because of it. “Over the 25 years this class has been taught, the most common feedback we’ve heard from participants has been, ‘I wish I had learned this earlier,’” Clarke said. “One day, I realized I was tired of hearing that phrase, and decided to do something about it.” In 401Kid , Clarke argues that the most important developmental window for financial lessons is between birth and age 10. “That span is this really interesting time in youth development where kids are willing to learn from us,” he said. “Just as kids learn language, music, and sports easily in early childhood, the same holds true for financial concepts. Yet society ignores financial education in this age range.” Clarke says that parents don’t need to be financial experts to start these conversations. The book breaks money down into five uses: spending, earning, saving, giving, and investing. “Even if parents don’t feel financially savvy, there’s no excuse. The internet is full of free tools,” he said. “By teaching something, you learn it. It’s an amazing vehicle for the parent as well as the kid.” He warns about the risks of doing nothing to teach children financial literacy. If they don’t learn with their parents, they can pick up bad advice and bad habits from elsewhere. Clarke’s message to parents is direct: kids learn from their parents’ attitudes and behaviors. “You’re the educator,” he said. “If you want your kids to be better, the same, or worse than you, it’s your choice.” Alongside 401Kid , Clarke has launched a children’s series, The Adventures of the Magic Penny. The first book, Dad, Why Do You Have to Go to Work? is aimed at sparking age-appropriate financial discussions as early as preschool. “We hire baseball, soccer, and music coaches,” Clarke said, “and yet we’re doing nothing in this area. If I can get the conversation started, we’re going to change some lives.” Through 401Kid , Clarke aims to help effect this change. Inside the book is a thoughtfully sequenced roadmap that, if followed, helps children build a healthy financial foundation, one that will carry them forward for the rest of their lives. 401Kid and Clarke’s other books are available on Amazon. Valley author’s new book encourages early money lessons Walter Clarke development where kids are willing to learn from us,” he said. “Just as kids learn language, music, Will Clancey, Cole Luepker, Andrew Wachinski, Chase Amundson, Liam Voris, Jack Harvey, Olly Fouts, Jack Brandt, Cannon Olmsted, Walker Freckmann, Max Sapik, Cody Openden; Coaches Ryan Clancey, Steve Sapik, Dan Wachinski, Kyle Fouts and Manager Danny Openden. PHOTO COURTESY OF DANNY OPENDEN By Mark Hays Arcadia Little League had a summer to remember, as all three of its All-Star baseball teams – 10U, 11U, and 12U – captured District 6 titles in an impressive display of talent and determination. The 12U squad led the charge, not only clinching the district crown with a victory over Scottsdale Little League but also dominating the Arizona State Tournament to emerge as champions. Their triumph secured them a coveted spot in the West Region Tournament, a major milestone. The 11U team earned its district title by defeating Fountain Hills and made a strong push at state, advancing through the bracket before falling in its third matchup. The 10U team claimed the district championship over McCormick Ranch before bowing out after two hard-fought losses at the state level. While all three teams showcased grit and skill, it was the 12U squad’s historic run that set this season apart for Arcadia Little League. “The 12U team officially won the Arizona State Little League tournament,” Coach Danny Openden said. “It’s the third straight year that this core group of kids has played in the state championship. They lost in 10U, but won in 11U… and this year they won it again.” It was the first time an Arcadia team advanced to the Little League Baseball West Region Tournament, held in August in San Bernardino, California. Games were broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+, which added to the excitement for the team. Openden said the West Region is one of the toughest in the country, with nearly half of the Little League World Series championship games since 2000 including a team from that region. The week began with practices, team events, opening ceremonies, and a chance to play on what Openden called “the most amazing field… groomed perfectly… like carpet on the grass.” Arcadia’s first game was against Northern California. Max Sapik threw five scoreless innings, and Arcadia led 1-0 in the sixth before a few miscues cost them the game. The loss dropped them into an elimination matchup with Southern California, another powerhouse. Arcadia led early, highlighted by a defensive gem when Cody Openden blocked the plate and tagged out a runner after a throw from centerfield. But a controversial call swung momentum, and Southern California went on to win 5-1. “We definitely thought we deserved to be there and deserved to be in that championship game. I am super proud of what these kids achieved,” Openden said. He highlighted standout performances from Max and Cannon Olmsted on the mound, shortstop Andrew Wachinski for “several incredible plays,” and RBI hits from Cannon and Walker Freckmann. Openden also praised the community: “The day of our last practice, Steak 44 donated dinner for the kids, and we probably had 75 neighbors and parents come out with signs sending our kids off. The number of people sending screenshots of themselves watching the games on ESPN… it was just incredible.” Manager Todd Gosselink praised his 11U team’s fight. “We went 4-0 in district play to win the championship by a combined score of 46-7,” he said. Season highlights include pitching 14 consecutive shutout innings. The team was knocked out of the state tournament by High Desert in a ninth-inning game in the bottom of the ninth – a notable achievement in a game that typically lasts only six innings. Cam Feldman batted .650 and played first base and pitcher, and Luke Gosselink batted .611 and played third base. Jaxon Greenleaf hit two home runs in the state tournament, one of which was his first ever career over- the-fence hit – a proud moment for the whole team. Arcadia’s 10U All-Stars advanced by beating McCormick Ranch Little League on a squeeze bunt in the bottom of the ninth inning, according to Little League parent Torrey Briegel. “Our Arcadia Little League is a special group, and I think the most special thing is we’ve got this incredible community of kids, parents, families, supporters,” Openden said. “All of these people are a big reason for our success.” arcadialittleleague.com Arcadia Little League celebrates first-time Regional showcase