Helping Colleges Empower Students with Real-World Financial Education
Let’s be real—most students graduate knowing more about the mitochondria than how to build a budget. And that’s a problem.
At The Bemused, we help colleges equip students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—with practical, inclusive financial education that actually makes sense in their world. Our programs go beyond textbook theories to real, actionable strategies students can use to navigate money with confidence.
Meet the Founders
Akeiva Ellis, MSFP, CPA/PFS, CFP®, ChSNC®
Financial Planner, Educator & Money Nerd
I’m a bit of a unicorn in the financial planning world—less than 2% of us are Black, and even fewer are under 30. I spent the first part of my career advising ultra-high-net-worth families (we’re talking the top 0.01%). But I knew financial education wasn’t just for the wealthy—it’s a necessity for everyone, especially students figuring out life after college.
So, I co-founded The Bemused to bring clear, scroll-stopping, culturally relevant financial guidance to young adults who are too often left out of the conversation.
🏆 Credentials:
Master of Science in Financial Planning (MSFP)
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®)
Meshack Ellis, MBA, CCA
HR & Compensation Expert | Financial Wellness Advocate
I’m a human resources pro, which means I get down and dirty with taxes, compensation, and benefits—the financial realities students will soon face. I also geek out over money hacks like credit card optimization and creative ways to save.
The Bemused started as a passion project but quickly became a mission: helping students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—build strong financial foundations before they even enter the workforce.
🏆 Credentials:
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Certified Compensation Analyst (CCA)
Why Colleges Partner With Us
✅ Relevant & Relatable – We don’t do boring. Our programs are engaging, culturally aware, and designed for today’s students.
✅ Actionable & Inclusive – We don’t just teach theory. Students leave with real steps they can take immediately, no matter their background.
✅ We walk the talk. We’ve used the very strategies we teach to claw our way out of $164,000 of student loan debt, buy our first home in our early 20s, and grow Click here to learn more!our net worth—without six-figure salaries or the cushion of generational wealth. Students get real-world financial guidance from people who have lived it.
✅ Proven Track Record – We’ve been featured or quoted in reputable outlets like NPR, Financial Planning, The Boston Globe, InvestmentNews, New York Times, Refinery29, and many others, and our work has already helped thousands of young adults gain confidence in their finances.
Let’s give your students the financial education they deserve. Click here to learn more!
