Thank you for this question. I'd like them to know that there is a lot of help out there for people who are hurting financially. There is a tool available for them to get help through Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI's). You can find this help. It's called the Opportunity Finder. You can go to www.opportunityknocks.net

It's a great article you linked to. From my perspective, If you can you can and if you can't you can't. I am the son of Mexican Immigrant parents who came here with nothing and gave their children values of hard work, honesty and resiliency. But I also know that the world is changing rapidly and economically it's a lot harder for people. I have children in their 30's and many successful clients in their 20's and am in tune to what they are going through

I'm not an expert in foreign policy or international finance. My guess here would be as good as yours.

LOL. Nope, one more boomer who believes in "I have never seen a u-haul behind a hearse". I believe in financial significance. Money is a tool to be used to help you live your best life - whatever definition of your best life is. For many of the people I serve, all they want is financial dignity.

Wow, what a great question and I feel your frustration. Someone so talented (right brain) that needs to figure out how to make money out of their unique ability! You need to look for ways to market yourself. Here is an idea - do you use linkedin? I know of many "left brain" business people on linkedin who are great at math and finances but need someone like you to help storyboard or create visuals of their ideas and concepts. LinkedIn is a great way to market your services to the "left brain" people!

This is an age old question. IT DEPENDS. I have clients that detest debt and can't sleep if they owe a couple of thousand on credit card debts. No amount of interest being earned in the bank will give them peace of mind. Also, it depends on how much debt you are carrying. I always try do do both, pay off debt and save. Glad to know that you are earning 4.5% on your savings though.

For others reading this, check out www.opportunityknocks.net to find a CDFI (Community Development Financial Institution) to help you save more.

From a governmental standpoint, yes. For a you and I standpoint no. When I do a retirement plan I always forecast a more real inflation percentage to determine long term income needs. For example, I have now many clients who work from home and rarely drive. Prior to covid they drove a lot just to get to work. The rising gas prices hasn't affected them at all. Parents with big families can attest that their grocery bills are much higher than the stated CPI. When it comes to your personal finances, gauge to see how much you see how your monthly finances have increased - the true indicator!

Absolutely. I worked in the Barrio of East Los Angeles helping my community after having spent time working with super wealthy individuals. Many years later I have seen how hard work, self-improvement, resiliency and mentors have helped many of my clients (including my parents) achieve financial dignity.

I would assume that the goal if for your son or daughter to graduate from college. While most financial planners love to do a "tuition gap analysis" (how much will the university of your choice cost in the future vs. how are you saving now), you should consider other things to give your child a higher probability of graduating. Things like paying attention to their current curriculum, their grades, their level of self-esteem, your engagement with their teachers and school make a big impact in your child's future. As for savings, look into your states 529 College Savings Plans. Look online for a free College Calculator to also prepare to save for their future tuition costs.

Having to work endlessly without having anytime for family, your mental, spiritual and physical health is a terrible thing. We weren't meant to do that. The goal is work on creating more value to be able to earn more to be able to support your lifestyle. The show I am currently - Opportunity Knocks on PBS with Jean Chatzky an Pratrice Washington is a great way to see how certain families were able to do that. You can go to www.opportunityknocks.net to stream the show.

There are countless ways to make passive income. Many have done it by creating online courses, writing an e-book, flipping retail products, creating an app, rental income, renting out a room in your home,

I don't condone any lying. Leaders must be truthful to gain the respect and future credibility of their teams, staff, and community they serve.

The pandamic created both a public health crisis and economic crisis in the U.S. Causing supply chain issues with China and a domino effect on many other issues.

Looking in the rear view mirror is an easy call. Probably, but it's a very difficult decision to make at the time.