This episode of the NGPF Podcast features Kenny Johnson, founder of Kenny Finance, whose journey from Detroit to Wall Street highlights the power teachers have to change lives. In his conversation with Yanely, Kenny shares how one classroom experience opened doors he didn’t even know existed. It's why he’s now focused on helping students build financial confidence. 

As he told Yanely, “Teachers are the unspoken superheroes across the world, and I love every single one of you and what y’all do for students globally.”

Today, he uses YouTube to share accessible lessons on saving, investing, and long-term financial planning.

Kenny studied finance and public policy at the University of Michigan, later working at Morgan Stanley, Blackstone, and KKR. Even with that success, he remains deeply connected to the educators who shaped him.

Much of Kenny’s passion traces back to his high school economics teacher, Mr. Matthews, who brought students to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Seeing the trading floor for the first time was transformative.

“Mind you, I’m a very poor, low-income kid from Detroit… just never been around millionaires before,” Kenny said.

That moment sparked a detailed life plan at age 17 and set him on his career path.

For educators, Kenny’s message is simple: expose students to possibilities early and encourage the small, consistent actions that lead to long-term growth.

Listen to his full conversation with Yanely.

About the Author

Hannah Rael

As NGPF's Marketing Communications Manager, Hannah (she/her) helps spread the word about NGPF's mission to improve the financial lives of the next generation of Americans.