Reshaping Your Financial Future with PTW
A Conversation With Chief Learning Officer Chris Varano
Hello and thank you for connecting with us at Paving The Way. Today we have released a very special episode on the Promote Yourself Podcast about how you can take control of your financial future. As a preview of our Financial Literacy Learning services, our Chief Learning Officer ~ Chris Varano ~ discusses common obstacles to financial well-being and security. He discusses how Paving The Way is helping young adults think ahead to make decisions today that will help prepare you for financial success in your future. Tune in below and leave a comment to let us know what you think about this topic and share ideas for how we can continue to serve our communities.
My Thoughts on Shaping a Financial Future
When I used to think of finances and money, I was pretty cynical. I actually have a quote from one of my favorite artists tattooed on my rib cage because of my adversity to financial matters.
~ The root of evil, dollars consuming people ~
Growing up, I saw a lot of the bad sides of what money can do and how it can consume our attention and foster hate between people and groups.
Even throughout my education, I dreaded the issues of paying insane amounts of money to become educated. I was so grateful that throughout my academic career, I was able to perform at a high level. which allowed me to receive full funding for both my Master’s and Doctoral education via scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships. Now this was quite exciting for me and I couldn’t be more thankful -- however, not everyone has the fortune of getting funding for school. Even with my advanced funding, I still owe quite a lot of money in educational loans.
This was depressing for me, because I feel like even when you give your all to your professional or academic journey, there is always the issue of figuring out how to afford living (especially in California)! This is a sentiment that I think many people can relate to. Indeed, I hear so many people talking about how hard it is to make a living in our economy. Now this isn’t a post about the American economy, and I don’t have answers to fix the whole system; however, I believe there is a way out of this cycle and I am here to help pave the way for others who want to take back control of their financial futures.
Paving The Way started with this initial interest in mind. In over 10 months, we have started understanding how money works, and how young people especially can take advantage of financial literacy to set themselves up for financial success in the future. Below, I will outline some of our thoughts on why financial literacy and financial security are essential to living a good life.
Financial Security and Individual Well-Being
Financial security is a cornerstone of individual well-being, and is an essential element of the PERMA+4 model. It is deeply tied to other pillars of well-being, such as Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning, Accomplishment, and even Physical and Mental health.
Starting early in building financial security is like planting a seed for your future happiness. The power of compound interest is your ally here. By investing wisely and consistently over time, your financial assets grow exponentially (the value of Compound Interest), offering a sense of accomplishment and, eventually, financial freedom. Moreover, reflecting on your financial behaviors is a crucial step in this journey. Being aware of how you spend, save, and invest is akin to the mindfulness aspect of well-being. It empowers you to make informed choices that align with your financial goals, and helps you reduce financial stress and while also making you feel in control of your situation.
Financial security also nurtures meaningful relationships, as it enables you to support loved ones and engage in activities that matter to you. It provides a safety net during challenging times, enhancing your overall life satisfaction and peace of mind. In essence, financial security isn't just about numbers; it's about building a life that aligns with your values and aspirations. It's an essential element in the holistic pursuit of well-being, enabling you to live a life rich in purpose, happiness, and contentment. So, start early, invest wisely, and reflect on your financial journey—it's an investment in your well-being.
Paving the Way for Financial Literacy
At Paving the Way (PTW), we envision a world where individuals around the globe can live comfortably through effort, awareness, and financial well-being. Our commitment to Financial Literacy drives us to advocate for change around financial educate to empower young people to understand the value of financial preparation and set goals that will reshape their financial futures. Looking ahead, we will launch our financial learnings for anyone who wants to take back control of their lives and prepare for their future
Join us on our journey to pave the way for financial education. Together, we can make a profound impact and leave a legacy of positive change for generations to come. Subscribe to our platform and be part of our mission to build a better world for all. Together, we can achieve greatness. Consider interacting with our posts to be a valuable part of our positive community! Share your thoughts, insights, and resources to help us create more positive content for our followers! We are better together!