As part of our commitment to maximize the impact of the University’s most recent graduates, the Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Council is hosting a virtual financial success session for GOLDies and current Clark students alike.
Whether you’re still a student at Clark, a recent graduate, or a seasoned young professional, there is always something new to learn about managing finances effectively. An official invite for the session was distributed last week. This workshop is free and designed to be interactive and informal.
The session, “Personal Finance 101: Empowering Your Financial Future,” will be led by Parker Freedman ’21 and Utkristaa Shrestha ’20 – two GOLD Council Members with experience in the financial sector and passion for helping their fellow Clarkies learn the tools needed to set themselves up for financial success.
Meet the Speakers:
Parker Freedman is a Lead Financial Planner at Profectus Financial Partners and a self-taught, self-proclaimed finance geek. He sees a need for financial education, especially in understanding the basics. During his time at Clark, Freedman served as the President of Clark University Investments & Trading (CUIT).
Utkristaa Shrestha is a Lead Associate in Change Management at Save The Children. Though she received guidance on her personal finance journey, she knows that access to personal finance education is not accessible to all, and wants to work to change this. During her time at Clark Utkristaa served as the Director of Clark University Investments and Trading (CUIT).
Why This Session?
Financial literacy is often an anxiety-inducing topic, especially for recent graduates just starting in their careers. Freedman, Shrestha, and the GOLD Council recognize the importance of financial education.
“Part of the reason I took my role as a financial planner was due to the fact that I saw a need for financial education. It is so important for people to understand the basics. It helps take the stress and fear of managing one’s finances.”
– Parker Freedman
Shrestha echoed this sentiment, adding that not everyone has easy access to personal financial resources. Together, they aim to make financial literacy more approachable and accessible to Clarkies.
What Will the Session Cover?
Attendees can look forward to insights on cash flow management, debt management (including student loans), budgeting strategies, investing, insurance, how to avoid common pitfalls, and resources to further the financial education journey.
This session will not delve into specific stock recommendations or “get rich quick” schemes, and will emphasize responsible financial planning.
Starting Early for Financial Success
Both speakers stressed the importance of starting early with financial goals and planning, and building good financial habits. Freedman emphasized that even the smallest of contributions now could lead to significant savings down the road over those who choose to do nothing at all.
Participants can expect to gain confidence in their financial decision making, understand the significance of starting early and realize that effective personal financial strategies are achievable regardless of income.
Best of all, there’s no pre-work required; just bring your questions and an open mind.