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AAII Community Retirement Planning

Why Don’t College Degrees Include a Manual for Retirement?

Share your wisdom on planning for retirement to get the younger generation headed in the right direction.

by Jenna Brashear | May 2024

In 2017, I sat in a large hall with fellow students, all of us eagerly anticipating our diplomas. The atmosphere was charged with both excitement and nervousness about what lay ahead. Reflecting on our college education—researching, writing, teamwork and meeting deadlines—I couldn’t help but question our readiness for real-world financial challenges like planning for retirement.

It’s no secret that our education system often overlooks essential financial literacy, such as managing investments or the basics of 401(k) plans and brokerage accounts. This gap leaves many young adults ill-prepared for financial independence after they graduate.

That’s why I’m reaching out to our AAII members to share their wisdom with younger generations. Your insights could be invaluable in helping them confidently navigate their financial futures. I’m particularly interested in hearing:

I urge you to share your wisdom in our Retirement Planning and Withdrawals community. Your experiences could significantly help the younger generation make wise financial decisions. Even if you’ve yet to become an AAII member, we invite you to add your voice to any of our discussions. Let’s get involved and make a positive impact on the financial futures of our young graduates.

Join Our Community Today
https://community.aaii.com

Field Notes From the Chapters

No matter how many clever ways we try to slice it and dice it, the message is still the same. Chapter meetings are good! Whether online or in person, they accomplish something that vendor-hosted webinars, social media or meetup groups can’t match—topical, targeted, unbiased information in the context of peer-group camaraderie and connection.

Our stellar lineup of speakers and topics continues unabated. We’ve tweaked the style of delivery in ways that serve more members and reduce duplication of effort.

Last year’s inaugural “Webinardigras” spotlighted a trio of keynoters—Keith Fitz-Gerald, Elisabeth Kashner, CFA, and Craig L. Israelsen, Ph.D.—preceded by a cherry-on-top market update from San Diego chapter president Rob Bernstein. We’ve expanded the concept like a tumbleweed.

In March, our first “Retirement Roundup” teamed up AAII investment editor Cynthia McLaughlin with Israelsen and Portland chapter president Todd Blickenstaff, helping cement Portland’s commitment to income and cash flow themes. In February, the New York City chapter partnered with five other chapters to bring back economist Larry Siegel to explore the benefits of deferring retirement, while Austin hosted a multi-chapter “rodeo” with Terri Spath, CFA, CFP, covering recession-busting bond strategies.

Our promotional outreach has increased the average audience size about tenfold. We’re delighted to welcome new attendees for great speakers and encourage all AAII members to take advantage of our entire spectrum of nationwide offerings.

Whether clinking a glass or clicking a link, please join us! 
—Hollis Wagenstein-Hurturk, AAII Chapter liaison

Sign up for Chapters
www.aaii.com/ChapterEmail

See Upcoming Events
https://community.aaii.com/events/calendar

Discussion

CHARLES M from VA posted over 2 years ago:

Jenna, how to I comment to you privately? Charles Meyer


JOHN L from NJ posted over 2 years ago:

Years ago when I was young, colleges taught students how to think and do research. Now you want a manual.


ROBERT A from NC posted over 2 years ago:

Jenna, I think you should post those specific questions in the Retirement Planning and Withdrawals community. I'll take a stab at answering them, although others may not like my long-term, unconventional focus. Conventional wisdom and status quo seem to be held in high regard in the communities.


JOSEPH B from FL posted over 2 years ago:

Jenna, When I accompanied my daughter to orientation at the University of Florida years ago, the Dean welcomed us parents with his orientation speech. More importantly he stated his 2 strategic goals for the school. (1) For the school to be ranked in the top 10 public universities (which became a reality) and (2) to make sure our children, the new students, graduated, and then did not return home after graduation. The second strategic goal was met with a thunderous applause. Starting freshmen year, the students had workshops on resume writing and job placements. This type of training continued all 4 years. My daughter now has a great job at a Fortune 500 company. UF is to be highly commended for its goals and approach!


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