10 Y.O. Girl Earns $2K Selling Chickens At A Local Fair, But The Bank Holds Her Money Hostage For Over A Year
A 10-year-old girl sold six chickens at her local county fair, and she walked away with $2,100. It should have been a feel-good little win, the kind you brag about for weeks. Instead, her money turned into a year-long headache.
Kinley Maner did the work, raising those chickens herself, then selling them for the Small Stock Association. But when her parents, Kalli Maner and J.R., deposited the check, Chase Bank flagged it as suspicious, claiming the phone number for the association was no longer valid. Kalli’s account got shut down, and Kinley’s payout got stuck behind a bank door that would not open.
And while Kinley is still thinking about her first real business success, the grown-ups are stuck fighting over one questionable detail.
A 10-year-old girl made over $2K selling chickens at her local county fair, but due to an error on the check, the bank refused to hand over her money.
Kinley Maner sold six chickens, which she raised herself, for $2,100.
However, when her parents deposited the check, their bank suddenly closed Kinley's mom Kalli's account.
That first deposit at Chase Bank is where Kinley’s “counting chicken money” moment immediately turned into a waiting game for Kalli and J.R.
Financial Literacy for Kids
By engaging children in activities that involve earning, saving, and budgeting, parents can create teachable moments. Resources such as budgeting apps designed for kids can make this learning process enjoyable and impactful.
The situation surrounding Kinley Maner’s experience at the county fair not only highlights her entrepreneurial spirit but also underscores the emotional ramifications of financial setbacks for young individuals. The distress caused by the bank's refusal to release her hard-earned money can instill a sense of helplessness in a child who has already shown remarkable initiative by raising and selling her own chickens. It is crucial for parents to have open discussions about the complexities of financial challenges, allowing Kinley to voice her frustrations and fears during this ordeal.
Additionally, this scenario serves as a valuable lesson in resilience. By encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills, parents can equip children like Kinley with the tools necessary to navigate similar challenges in the future. Engaging in constructive conversations about potential solutions not only empowers them but also prepares them for the financial realities they may encounter as they grow older.
Kalli Maner stated that the bank claimed the check was suspicious because the phone number for the Small Stock Association was no longer valid.
A whole year went by, and Kinley's parents continued to try to resolve the matter with Chase Bank.
"She's a 10-year-old girl who worked hard for this money," J.R. said. "And we believe she deserves to get the money that she rightfully earned."
The bank’s reason, that the Small Stock Association phone number was “no longer valid,” is the kind of technical snag that can wreck a kid’s sense of fairness fast.
This also echoes the young woman who planned to move across the country in the middle of the night without telling anyone.
A whole year later, the check still has not cleared, and Kinley’s parents keep pushing to get back the $2,100 she earned selling her own birds.
Miscommunication about deposits or checks can create unnecessary complications.
It wasn't until Kinley's family reached out to KPHO's On Your Side that Chase Bank apologized and agreed to release Kinley's money overnight.
"I was surprised when I got it, but I was also excited," Kinley said. The 10-year-old stated that most of the money will be going into her college fund.
You can watch Kinley's story in full here.
When J.R. says she’s “a 10-year-old girl who worked hard for this money,” you can feel how personal this hostage-style delay has become for their family.
We're so glad that Kinley finally received the money that was rightfully hers. Let's hope this experience won't stop her from enjoying raising and selling her chickens in the future.
As always, we would love to hear your opinions on this story. You can share your thoughts with us in the comment section.
The situation faced by Kinley Maner highlights the critical importance of financial literacy for young entrepreneurs.
A $2,100 chicken sale should not require a year of fighting just to prove a kid did nothing wrong.
For another family money blowup, read about the brother who accused his sister of choosing the dog over him after a loan refusal.
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