Founder & Head of Curriculum
Hey, I’m Nihar! I'm an 11th-grade student passionate about investing, behavioral finance, and helping teens build healthy money habits early.
I began investing at age nine after my parents opened a custodial brokerage account for me. Using pocket money and gifts, I developed a simple system to save, invest, and grow my money without giving up the things I enjoy. Through that experience, I learned the value of consistency, patience, and long-term thinking.
While I was fortunate to have access to guidance and resources, I realized many teens are never taught practical money skills early on. For most people, financial education comes only after debt or financial stress has already set in.
That realization led me to start Ten Cents of Hope.
Ten Cents of Hope is a youth-led nonprofit that helps teens build strong financial foundations through education, habit-building, and an understanding of the psychology behind money decisions, so financial confidence starts before adulthood.
Head of Operations
Hi, I’m Sahithi Kanchanapalli! I’m a sophomore at Apex High School and highly devoted to spreading knowledge about financial literacy and help teens make smart decisions for their financial futures.
Growing up, my family was middle class, where money was never something we had too much of, but always something we had to think carefully about. My parents worked hard to provide for us, and while we were comfortable, I quickly learned that every dollar had a purpose. Whether it was budgeting for groceries, saving for bigger expenses, or choosing between needs and wants, these small decisions shaped how I see money today.
Financial stability isn’t just about how much money you have, it’s how you use it. My parents helped me become more responsible and aware,and my goal is to share what I’ve learned to help others. Through this non-profit I hope to teach teens about budgeting, saving, and making smart choices so they can feel more prepared and independent in their futures.