So where do I turn? I now had growing children and had to start thinking about college. I also knew that I did not want to stay in the workforce until 65.
I kept my personal portfolio and took advantage of the depressed stock market and began a buying frenzy. I also began to more actively manage my retirement plan.
I also began to look more closely at other investment vehicles to ensure I leave a financial legacy, not just for my children, but for future generations.
Throughout the years after graduating college, observing the lack in my community, I aligned myself with various organizations, teaching all aspects of personal finance. I developed curriculums for college students, small businesses and individuals in underserved communities.
I also began to teach my children about money, which eventually led to me starting a children’s financial education club serving friends and families. They affectionately named it “The Economic Explorers”. This also doubled as education sessions for the parents and any community member.
They were introduced to the world of budgeting, credit, the stock market, real estate and insurance. We created mock stock portfolios, and took annual trips to wall street, to elucidate many of the abstract concepts.