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Start Young and Build Freedom

A Teen's Guide to Entrepreneurship and Financial Freedom

$15.99$17.99Pre-Order Bonus
FREE Delivery (USA) - Expected June 30, 2026

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When Simon Komlos was 12, his report card said he was "in danger of failing." Then a pen pal mentioned computer programming, and everything changed. Simon taught himself to code, started building businesses from his bedroom, and eventually co-founded a financial education app used by millions – earning him a spot on Forbes 30 Under 30 in Education and selling the company for $36 million.

Start Young and Build Freedom is the book Simon wished existed when he was growing up: a guide for the teen who feels behind, uncertain, or underestimated. It explains how to develop the mindsets, habits, and real-world skills behind entrepreneurship, smart money choices, and resilience. Each chapter blends honest stories with practical advice – how to turn a hobby into income, build a financial safety net, train yourself to take smart risks, and bounce back when things go wrong.

Funny, illustrated, and story-driven — Simon learned every lesson the hard way.

Consider this book your pen pal.

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From the co-founder of Zogo, a financial education app used by 2M+ people and 250+ credit unions.
Supported by Chad W. Beckerman, creative director and designer behind Diary of a Wimpy Kid and 40+ New York Times bestsellers.
Backed by behavioral psychology, advised by Dr. Sam Akbar
Aligned with Jump$tart National Standards for Personal Financial Education
Flagship title now available; additional volumes planned
Book cover
Skills
WHAT TEENS LEARN

Skills that compound for life

Each chapter builds real-world skills in money, creativity, and character - without feeling like school.

MONEY

Freedom & The Spending Trap

Helps teens see how every purchase is a tiny vote for their future, how to avoid the "spending trap," and how to choose freedom over flexing.

Impulse controlValues-based spendingFuture thinking
Based on Chapter 3
MONEY

Build Your Safety Net

Teaches why paying your future self first matters, how compound growth quietly works in the background, and how safe places to save and invest (like credit unions) fit into a smart safety net.

Saving habitsInvesting basicsCompound growth
Based on Chapter 8
MONEY

Losing Money to Greed

Helps teens recognize too-good-to-be-true offers, FOMO, and get-rich-quick schemes, and contrasts risky shortcuts with safer, boring-but-effective tools like savings accounts at trusted institutions.

Scam awarenessEmotional controlLong-term thinking
Based on Chapter 10
MONEY

Making Money from Hobbies

Shows step-by-step how to test small ideas, listen to customers, price fairly, and turn fun projects into real income, without needing a huge audience or investor.

ExperimentingValue creationCustomer empathy
Based on Chapter 9
Testimonials

Real stories from real people

See how Dream is transforming financial education for teens and strengthening community connections.

I really loved your book and I was fascinated and blown away by your drive and ambition! I would LOVE to get each of my teens a copy and tell them your story – it is so inspiring! Thank you for sharing your story with the world – teens everywhere will LOVE your books and benefit greatly from them – they're perfect for young teens like my daughter who will be 13 in a short few months. Keep doing what you are doing!
Parent
ParentTeen ages 12 & 14
It was great having Simon come speak to my students. His sharing his experience was a real eye-opener for many of the students. I noticed one student kept turning around on the computer and reading something. Then she would turn back around and ask Simon a question which he would answer. My students liked that they got to give feedback on the titles for his book and the color.
Dawn Serna
Dawn SernaTeacher, CTE Department Chair, Crockett High School
For a credit union to make the effort and care that much to provide this book would make me see them as worthy of holding my money and doing business with them. Our values would be aligned.
Parent
ParentTeen, Age 15
I would be so excited if we could read this in school! It is very motivating and inspiring.
Teen
TeenAge 17
It feels like a life-skills book written in a language teens actually understand. It's not preachy, more like a 'level-up' guide for real life.
Teen
TeenAge 14
This feels like something I'd bring into my home because it offers practical life skills, engaging storytelling, and a relatable tone that can genuinely empower teens.
Parent
ParentTeen age 13

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I receive my book?

Pre-orders will be fulfilled upon publication. You'll receive an email confirmation immediately after ordering and regular updates on our release progress.

Can I cancel or get a refund?

Yes, you can cancel your pre-order at any time before we begin fulfillment. Contact us at support@dreampublishing.com for a full refund.

Need help with your order?

Reach out to our support team at support@dreampublishing.com.

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Read a Sample Chapter

Get a free preview of our book. Download the Introduction + Chapter 1 and discover how Dream teaches teens entrepreneurship, money, and life skills.