Meet Maya Corbic | Financial Literacy Advocate, Author & Speaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Maya Corbic and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maya, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am a first-generation immigrant from war-torn Bosnia. At 15, I immigrated to Toronto, Canada, with my parents and brother, bringing only $50 and two suitcases. The war took everything from us, and we started over from scratch.
I lived in government shelters and housing while working two part-time jobs in high school to support myself. Whether it was bus tickets or school supplies, I learned early on how to hustle and make the most of limited resources.
My upbringing shaped my perspective on finding balance in life—between the Eastern and Western ways of living. Growing up in Bosnia, which was part of communist Yugoslavia, taught me to value relationships, simplicity, and making the most of what we had. Without the luxuries of the Western world, we focused on repairing, reusing, and cherishing what we owned—a stark contrast to the consumerism I encountered in North America, where the push is always to buy more and work more.
Even as a child, I dreamed of more. In Bosnia, hard work wasn’t always rewarded equally, as communism didn’t encourage individual ambition. Moving to a capitalist society opened my eyes to opportunities for growth. I realized that by working hard, learning, and staying determined, I could create a better life for myself.
In North America, I discovered the stock market—something unheard of in my birth country—and learned how investing could grow my wealth. I also embraced the concept of passive income, which was impossible in the rigid economy I came from.
Today, balance remains my guiding principle: balancing personal and financial growth with nurturing the relationships that matter most to me. My journey has been about blending the best of both worlds—Eastern values and Western opportunities—to create a fulfilling, intentional life.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I’m the founder of Dinarii Financial Education Academy, where our mission is to empower every child to grow into a financially independent adult. Twelve years ago, I left my high-paying corporate job as a CPA to focus on something more meaningful—making a real difference in the world through financial education.

Before COVID, I visited schools to teach kids from kindergarten to grade 12 how to be money smart. When the pandemic hit, I shifted my business online, which has allowed me to reach even more families. Through my popular Instagram account, @teach.kids.money, I share daily tips to help parents teach their kids about financial literacy.

I also created the Wealthy Kids Investment Club, a family membership program that makes learning about investing simple and accessible for families. On top of that, I published From Piggy Banks to Stocks: The Ultimate Guide for a Young Investor, a book that breaks down complex investment topics into easy-to-understand lessons for kids as young as 10. Interestingly, many adults are buying it too, saying it explains investing in a way they wish they’d learned when they were younger.

Teaching kids about money has been my passion and life’s work, and I love helping families create a brighter financial future together.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I live in Toronto, Canada, a vibrant city full of amazing spots to explore, even on a budget. One of my favorites is the Distillery District. This charming, pedestrian-only area, set in 19th-century buildings that once housed a whiskey distillery, is filled with cobblestone streets, indie restaurants, bars, and boutiques. Art lovers will enjoy the galleries, outdoor sculptures, and live performances at the local theatres. In December, it transforms into the magical Toronto Christmas Market, with festive lights and holiday cheer filling the streets.

Another gem is Port Credit, a quaint neighborhood just outside the city core. In winter, it features a free skating rink and a beautiful Christmas tree, perfect for a cozy outing. In the summer, the Credit River walkway leads to the lake, offering stunning views. It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, grabbing some food, and enjoying a picnic by the water.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Rich Dad, Poor Dad and The Cash Flow Quadrant were game-changers for me. I read them in my late teens and early twenties, back when the internet was just starting to emerge, and social media didn’t exist. These books unveiled the secrets of how the rich grow their wealth—secrets that felt groundbreaking at the time. Today, their lessons are everywhere on social media, but 25 years ago, they were truly transformative.

Another favorite of mine is Atomic Habits by James Clear. Its core message—small, consistent steps lead to big results—deeply resonates with me. This principle has guided my life since immigrating from Bosnia with nothing. Over the past 30 years, I’ve focused on daily progress. Back then, it felt like I was spinning my wheels, but now I see how every effort added up to the life I’ve built today.

Website: https://www.dinarii.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teach.kids.money

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-kuc-corbic-cpa-ca-b374a951/

Twitter: https://x.com/Educ8Money2Kids

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063462433177

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@teachkidsmoney

Image Credits
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