I am excited to introduce the Highlands Youth Advisory Board’s March workshop, “Art of Adulting: Managing Personal Finances,” hosted by Kristin Montagne, a financial services advisor with New York Life and Issaquah Highlands resident. In her workshop, Kristin will cover what every high school student should know about financial literacy.
In a recent interview with Kristin, I had a chance to ask firsthand about her experiences and thoughts on money management. Kristin reflected on her childhood, realizing she was cautious about spending money even then. When she was young, Kristin remembers getting a call from her bank after overdrawing her account balance in her checkbook. She then realized the importance of managing her money and became more cautious.
Kristin became interested in finance at about 40 years old. She became interested in investing and developed a passion for helping individuals with their retirement investments. Setting time frames for retirement and keeping client money safe is also part of Kristin’s job.
Kristin believes managing money is also crucial for young adults. She knows making money takes time, and teens need to know how to save and prepare for uncertain circumstances. As life gets more and more expensive and considering high consumer debt in the U.S., it’s harder to learn about the value of money.
Topics that will be covered at Kristin’s “Art of Adulting” workshop on March 6 include:
- Important tips for saving and investing
- Keeping track of our spending habits
- How to accumulate wealth
- Roth IRAs vs. Traditional IRAs
- Retirement accounts and 401ks
Each of these topics is crucial when developing personal finances. It’s not always easy to find a job and save money when we’re young. At times, we may work very hard for the money we make and get carried away with spending. In the past, I have spent money that after I wish I hadn’t – it’s all part of the learning process.
I am potentially interested in a career in finance and opened my first savings and brokerage accounts at a young age. I am excited to attend Kristin’s upcoming workshop and hope other teens will get excited about educating themselves and taking charge of their finances. The free “Art of Adulting: Managing Personal Finances” workshop for high school students is Sunday, March 6 at 3 p.m. at Blakely Hall. Pre-registration is required.
Joseph Bone-Mazák is a 10th-grader, Highlands Youth Advisory Board co-president, and Park Drive resident.
