The Stock Market and High-Stakes Gambling

High stakes Texas hold 'em poker game at the casino

In the cacophony of Wall Street, where traders shout over each other, and numbers dance on giant screens, there exists a palpable tension that could rival any Vegas casino. Likewise, in the neon glow of a high-stakes poker table, where fortunes are made or lost on the turn of a card, the atmosphere is charged … Read more

Dealing With Inflation

blue green and black hot air balloon

When it comes to financial planning, “change” is the only constant, but the incessant change in prices that we call inflation can make your dollars seem like confetti—colorful but lacking substance. Leaning on my background at Goldman Sachs and my experience as a Portfolio Manager, I’ll take you through some insightful strategies to not just … Read more

Financial Aid Opportunities for Former Foster Children in Missouri

foster children financial assistance options

For many, the transition from childhood to adulthood is a challenge, dotted with financial obstacles and the quest for independence. But for those who have aged out of the foster care system, these challenges can be amplified. These resilient young adults often find themselves without the foundational support system that many of their peers possess, … Read more

Overcoming Childhood Financial Trauma

In the labyrinth of our psyche, childhood experiences cast long shadows that often touch various corners of our adult lives. Among these, financial traumas stand out as particularly influential, shaping our attitudes towards money, spending habits, and even our self-worth. Understanding and addressing these deep-seated issues is not only crucial for financial well-being but also … Read more

Starting A Business with A Friend

starting a business with a friend

Starting a business is a thrilling endeavor, filled with hopes, dreams, and the promise of potential success. Embarking on this journey with a friend by your side can make the process even more exciting. After all, who better to share the highs and lows of entrepreneurship than someone you already trust and share a bond … Read more

Cryptocurrency and Cybersecurity at School

learning cryptocurrency at schol

In a bustling elementary school classroom, 10-year-old Mia excitedly shares how she earned her first digital coin in an online game. Across the room, Leo talks about a new app his parents installed that secures their home devices. The digital realm is no longer a distant world reserved for tech-savvy adults; it’s a playground where … Read more

Should I Pay More Than The Minimum On My Student Loans?

Dear Anika, I’ve accumulated over $20,000 in student loans throughout my education. Currently, I’m only making the minimum monthly payment on them. Given your expertise in personal finance and wealth management, do you think this approach is wise? What are the pros and cons of only paying the minimum versus trying to pay them off … Read more

How State Governments Complicate Aid Applications

For many, government aid provides a lifeline—a safety net during challenging times. But as numerous citizens have found, securing that aid can often feel like navigating a maze, blindfolded and without a guide. While it’s tempting to attribute the complexities of these processes to bureaucratic inefficiencies or outdated systems, a deeper look suggests that the … Read more

How To Show Encouragement To Others?

In a world driven by ambition, competition, and constant flux, we often overlook a simple yet profound act – offering encouragement. While the importance of technical skills, knowledge, and practicality cannot be denied, the potency of a kind word or a supportive gesture remains unmatched. Drawing from my background in financial psychology and personal experiences, … Read more

Introducing Your Kids to the World of Cryptocurrency

Father teaches little son to drive

Cryptocurrency, once a term relegated to tech circles and financial enthusiasts, has found its way into mainstream conversation. With the digital age in full swing, today’s children are set to inherit a world where virtual currencies might be as common as traditional fiat money. As parents and guardians, paving the way for financial literacy in … Read more

How High Interest Rates Impact the Housing Market

In the ebb and flow of economic landscapes, few things capture attention quite like interest rates. These seemingly small percentages wield significant influence, rippling across various sectors of the economy. And one domain that feels this sway prominently is the housing market. For anyone who has dreamt of a white picket fence or envisaged a … Read more

Lucy’s Lucky Penny: A Short Story

Lucy sat at the kitchen table, her feet not quite reaching the floor, swinging her legs back and forth. She was munching on a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and her thoughts were miles away from the delightful taste in her mouth. Her father had been talking in hushed tones with her mother the previous … Read more

Love and Money: Financial Discussions with Your Partner

It’s often said that love and money are the two most debated topics around the world. When intertwined in a relationship, they can either lay the foundation for mutual growth or become a point of contention. Financial disagreements can bring underlying fears and insecurities to the forefront, muddying the waters of even the most harmonious … Read more

How to Right Generational Money Beliefs

Whispered words from grandparents, off-handed comments from parents, the barely audible sighs during bill-paying nights—generations past unknowingly impart their financial lessons in these fleeting moments. While some of these lessons serve as sturdy stepping stones, others might feel more like stumbling blocks. Many of us have inherited a tapestry of generational money beliefs, woven with … Read more

Investment Strategies for a Changing World

In the echoing chambers of Wall Street, where the ebb and flow of the market are often compared to the predictable tides of an ocean, change is the only constant. From the bustling trading floors of Goldman Sachs to quiet decision-making rooms of elite portfolio managers, every financier worth their salt knows that the art … Read more

The Gen Z Entrepreneurial Spirit

Ryleigh Ramey, co-owner of Tanglefoot Creamery, prepares Fruity Pebbles rolled ice cream at her store in Festus

In an age where many young adults fantasize about their first set of wheels or the allure of tattoos, Ryleigh Ramey of Festus has always been fueled by a different passion. Her aspiration? Carving out her entrepreneurial path. Thus emerged Tanglefoot Creamery, the only destination in Festus for the delight of rolled ice cream. Although … Read more

Squeeze More Out of Your Grocery Budget

The grocery store doesn’t have to be a battleground where you fend off attacks on your budget. Arm yourself with these insights, and you’ll transform each shopping trip into an exercise in financial dexterity.

LGBTQ+ Financial Inclusion: Beyond the Rainbow

In a world that’s progressively accepting diverse identities and orientations, one might wonder: Are we doing enough to make sure that acceptance translates to every facet of life? Especially in sectors like finance where traditionally, only a few voices were heard? As an individual deeply rooted in finance and wealth management, I, Anika Patel, intend … Read more

How To Help Mom Retire With No Savings

Elderly Parents Retirement Plans

I have financial power of attorney for my 59-year-old mother, who earns around $11 per hour and just manages to cover her $700 monthly rent and living expenses. I’m her only child and live in a region where the cost of living is low, while my income is decent. How can I effectively prepare for … Read more

Building Solid Credit When Every Cent Counts

Picture yourself wandering through the labyrinthine world of financial adulthood. One wrong turn, and you might find yourself trapped in the debt-scape, a barren land where opportunities seem forever out of reach. You need more than just a ball of yarn to find your way. Your credit score—those three little digits—functions as a kind of … Read more