Compound Growth

Episode 19- Meet Tori: Rethinking Money, Work, and What Really Matters

• Compound Growth • Season 1 • Episode 19

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In this episode of Compound Growth, Wheeler and Colin welcome a familiar face who’s usually behind the scenes—Tori Rothwell. From coordinating client outreach and marketing to keeping the team running smoothly, Tori wears many hats. Today, she steps up to the mic to share her story, her perspective on money, and what drives her both personally and professionally.

The conversation starts with a wild insurance sales story before shifting into Tori’s upbringing, earliest money memories, and how her family taught her lessons about responsibility without ever making money the centerpiece of life. She reflects on saving habits, working from a young age, navigating college loans, and what it feels like to handle large financial transactions for clients after growing up with a very different perspective.

Tori also dives into the Gen Z outlook on money, work, and happiness—why experiences sometimes outweigh retirement savings, how she balances living in the present with preparing for the future, and why flexibility matters more to her generation than the traditional “white picket fence” life plan. It’s an honest, refreshing conversation that sheds light on a different way of thinking about financial growth.

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Credits:
Created By: Wheeler Crowley and Colin Walker
Production Assistance: Tori Rothwell
Editing and Post-Production: Steven Sims

Client said to me yesterday that his brother-in-law came over and had an insurance policy for him, like, uh, to, to look at.His brother-in-law is now an insurance salesman.And he's like, "Hey, I have this op- this, uh, product for you.I have this opportunity and I'd like to review it with you."Opportunity?Opportunity.Okay.So he comes over and the client that we have, he has 2 kids.And the brother-in-law brought over this illustration showing insurance policies for the kids, one each, right?Okay.And they go, they're 100 pay insurance policies.What do, I don't know what that means.So what that means is you have to pay for 100 years- 100 years on the policy.How old are the kids?The kid's 11.Either way.He's not g- maybe, he might make it to 111.I was like, it might not be too far off.Yeah, yeah.So, okay, so it's 100 pay insurance policy.And it has a one m- no, sorry, $100,000 death benefit on a child's life insurance policy.That's a lot.Which I've never heard of before, Tori.Is that a lot?I feel like I've seen 10,000 before.That is a lot.I've s- 25 I've seen on a whole life policy.Yeah.It's like something was to happen, it's like burial costs essentially.Yeah, exactly.Yeah.I've also s- seen this, like, sold as a here's how you pay for college, here's in a very expensive high fee life insurance policy that you can take loans from to pay for college.Yeah.I've seen that.I've never seen $100,000.Do the brothers not get along very well?No.He's n- he's, he's a very nice guy.He's a littleHe's somewhere on the spectrum, but he's, um- Okay.he's working for New York Life and doing this insurance thing.And he's like, "So I'm gonna get youI would like to get you both a policy for, you know, child A and child B.It's 100 years, I'm gonna pay it."Great."I'm gonna pay monthly, $70 a month, $70 or $80 a month."And I'm like, you know, there's only one reason why he's trying to sell these policies.No.It's not out of love for his child.It's 'cause he has a sales target he has to hit.Yeah.Yeah.That's rough.So $70 a month- For 100 years.For 100 years.for 12 months a year, so call it $840- Yeah.for 100 years.Yes.So you're putting $84,000 into a policy over 100 years to get 16K of growth.Do you want-to take a wild guess at what the return rate you need is to getAn annualized return rate, you're paying $70 a month for 100 years, your target is $100,000.I'm gonna say a half a percent is generous.It's actually a little bit more than that.Is it?It's 1.27%.Is your average annualized rate of return- Yeah.over 100 years?Over 100 years.Now, they have some sort of other guaranteed rate, so like this, this $100,000 death benefit goes up by- Guaranteed for now.Yeah,Goes up by $50 a, a year or something like that.So at some point when this kid's 111, he'll have more than $100,000 death benefit.Well, the benefit's not even for the kid.It's for the kids' kids.Yeah.Yeah.Yeah.Actually the kids' kids' kids.Yeah.Yeah, well, the beneficiary of course when, when you, when you get a life insurance policy for your child- Is you.you're the beneficiary, right?So the brother-in-law- The money, if your child was to pass away, goes to you.Yes.Oh, okay.Yeah, so- But when they turn 18, it becomes their policy for the most part.Yeah.Okay.So I said to my client, my client's like, "Hey, so, so what do you think about this?"I'm like, "Well, look, it's, it's not gonna hurt you, right?Like he's, he's taking out the insurance policy, he's paying the premiums."Like, you know, it's not necessarily a bad thing, but, you know, it depends on how much your brother-in-law loves his nephew because now he's worth more dead than alive.Sh- yeah, that's just weird.Also, if you were to take that same money and just put it in the stock market, that's millions of dollars.Well, y- yeah.I mean, it's not like a, aI don't know exactly how much it would be.It's 100 years of savings.100 years of savings?$800 a month, we could probably run the math on it.Yeah.The reason I'm telling this story today, Tori, is because you are new to financial services- Mm-hmm.and you haven't seen all of the shit that we've seen.Yeah, no, I don't- Yeah.I don't know if I wanna know that part of it.You inevitably will.Yeah.Welcome to the Compound Growth Podcast with Colin and Wheeler where we talk all things growth, from financial growth to career growth, personal development to societal progress, we explore how each layer builds on the next, compounding over time to shape who we become.Each week, we break down complex ideas and emerging trends into clear, actionable insights, because growth isn't just about numbers, it's about understanding the world and our place in it.The information in this material is for general information only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.Investment advice offered through Integrated Partners doing business as CoFi Advisors LLC, a registered investment advisor.Integrated Partners does not provide legal, tax, mortgage advice or services.Please consult your legal tax advisor regarding your specific situation.Past performance is no guarantee of future results.All investing involves risk, including loss of principle.No strategy assures success or protects against loss.The economic forecasts set forth in this material may not develop as predicted and there can be no guarantee that the strategies promoted will be successful.So this is our, our Meet Tori episode today.Tori Rothwell joining us across the studio here.We did not write an intro- Yes.for Tori because on the meet our, uh, team-conversation- We didn't do intros.we don't do intros.So you have to-explain who you are.Why do our clients know you?Why do our listeners know you?Listeners probably know me because I am behind the scenes here in the podcast studio, usually.This is a new view for me.Um- How's it feel?kinda weird.Yeah.It's kinda weird.I think I like the other side better.Uh-oh.Uh-oh.So far.Camera shy.I am camera shy.Give it till the end of the episode.Yeah.We'll see.You'll be asking to come back.Yeah.She'll be like, "Now, I feel like I have a part here permanently now."Yeah.Maybe.But, um, yeah.So that's my role in this, in this room, specifically.And outside of this room in the office, I kinda do a little bit of everything, I feel.Um, con- I contact clients when needed.When we need something-I'm usually reaching out- Yep.to get them either scheduled or just certain things, either me or Shay.So, yeah.I feel that's kind of my role here.And then, I do a, a bunch of other stuff for marketing and, I don't know, operations.I feel as if you undersold yourself.I don't really know.I feel like you guys would've been better at explaining my job than me.All right.So here, here's what I would say.When I, when I describe what Tori does, Colin- Yes.I refer to her essentially as a Swiss Army Knife.Right?Yep.She does all of the marketing stuff- Mm-hmm.Or coordinates the marketing with our morketing, our marketing team.Mm-hmm.She does a lot of the operations stuff, and coordinates our operating team, operations team.Mm-hmm.Right?She takes on project management.She takes on technology implementation.She takes on scheduling.She takes on some client outreach.She reads my emails when I am on vacation.Yes.She does a lot of, a lot of things.What am I missing?Did I, did I cover most of the things?You c- she's our tech guru.She's our editor guru.She is our website guru, scheduling guru.I don't know how many times I can say guru.But it's- It's, it's gettingIt's, it's like- Thank you.Yes.You know when you repeat a word a number of times, it doesn't sound like a word anymore?Yeah.And you were getting close.Yeah.Well, thanks.You did a lot.Yeah.Yeah.That's good.So, yes.And we're happy to have you on today.I will say I'm not the best at marketing myself, so- Mm-hmm.this will be an interestingNot that this should feel like an interview.But- No.I do feel like IConversational.Conversation.And you can feel free to ask questions as well.Yeah, I will.When I'm not awareWhen I'm not sure, like, what this life policy thing is, I will say, "I do not know what you're talking about.Please let me know."I think that's actuallyIf we were to find a permanent role for Tori on camera here- Yeah.it's, it's a very useful thing.Because you and I will just go on about stuff, and we don't know how familiar people are.Yeah.Like 100 Pay, no one knows what that- Yeah, exactly.Yeah, no.probably means.No idea.Yeah.No idea why a seven, 11-year-old would need a life insurance policy.Well, now you know a little bit about it, soLike, I understand the concept, but I'm not, like, sure about it, you know?Yeah."Need" is also a strong word.Yes.Yes.Yeah.Yes.Why they might have one.Yes.You should ask your mom, "Hey, do I have a life insurance policy?"IShe'd be like, "I have no idea."So let's, let's talk about mom.Let's talk about your upbringing.Let's talk about your money story- Okay.a little bit.Right?Yeah.So what is your earliest money memory?My earliest money memory is I got my first communion- Mm.and I got money from that, and that, that's likeI was in the second grade, maybe, so I was 6, maybe 7.And my mom opened a passbook account for me at the bank.Oh, yeah.Do you guys know what a passbook account is?Oh, yeah.Yeah.Yeah.Yeah.I ju- actually just closed it, like, 3 weeks ago.So this is like a full-circle moment for me.She opened a passbook for me, and I was like, "We're gonna put this money in this passbook account.And you can, you know, go to theWe can go to the bank together when you need something, and we'llWe have to bring this book, and you'll take money out as you need."And I obviously forgot about it, because I was 6 or 7, so that sat for years.And then, I feel as though that was my first concept of what saving should be like is kind of you put this aside, and it sits there, and you take it when you need it, but- Yeah.I mean, there was no reason I would need it from the age of, you know, 6 to 10, e- I don't know.So, that's my first real, I feel like, interpretation of savings.And then, later on, I would go and get myWhat, what comes after the first communion?Confirmation?Confirmation.And then that was like another, "Okay, we're gonna put money into here."And then I was like, "Oh, I forgot about this-" "book that I have," because it- That is worth something.I don't even know where I kept it.Like, yeah, soAnd there's a couple thousand dollars in there.Like, how crazy?So, I got into a habit, I feel like, of birthdaysLike, growing up you get so much more money for your birthday than you do now.And I would put- You- People stop caring once you get to, like, 16.In my, you know, gr- But- Grandparents die and then there's just like- Yeah.less people giving you money.But do you want a life insurance policy for your birthday?Yes.No, I don't think I do.We know a guy.I don't think I do.Not yet.But, um, I don't know, maybe I do.I, I actually- Don't do it.Yeah, okay.We'll talk about that later.So take it off myYeah, take it off your list.Um, so yeah.And then I would kinda save money from there, so that is myWhere I feel like I developed skills of savings.Um, and then maybe when I got into high school I started taking out money from there periodically, but I also started working young, so I didn't really have to take money from there.So yeah, I literally still had that $3,000 sitting in there until 3 weeks ago and I pulled it out.And I was like, "I think I need to close this."Yeah.'Cause I don't even know if they have passport accounts anymore.You gotta close it before the bank goes under.Yeah.Yeah?So- Yeah.Yeah.Yeah.I just moved everything to my normal account.Yeah.When you were growing up, was money a frequent conversation and amongst your family orNo.Like, money was never the point in our household, which I enjoyed.Um, I feel like my family passed down abundance in like every other way that there was.And I think it wasn't until I grew up a little bit and understood things that I realized like, oh, we were definitely living, like, paycheck to paycheck.Hm.Mm-hmm.And we had a very strict grocery list and never went out to eat.And those things seemed so normal for me, but then growing up I was like, "Oh."I don't know, you get to a point where y- now your parents are making a little bit more money.I happened to be like the only one home for a little while, so I got to do all these, like, fun things with them.And I was like, "Uh, this is normal, isn't it?"And I, I don't know.I, I feel like I had to reflect back to be like, "Oh, that was probably a hard time for-" Mm-hmm." my 2 parents raising 4 kids in a nice little, you know, house in a neighborhood."And- Yep.that kind of changed a lot for them.So, yeah.It's funny how that can change as, like, the youngest child, right?Yeah.Like, you kinda go through this experience where there's like, there's all these people in the house and then there's just you, and then there's maybe- Yeah.a little bit more money to go around.Yeah.Um, unless there's a lot of college to pay for.Yeah, and there was.I mean, we all had, like, student loans, so I feel like it was moreso my parents paid what they could, and then I had more loans probably than they did.As, like, time trickled down.Mm-hmm.So- The bucket got smaller.Yeah, exactly.Yeah.So, that's kind of what happened there with school, but yeah.I feel that we always wereI wouldn't say frugal, 'cause it didn't feel like that growing up.It never feltIt just n- was never the topic of discussion.Like, we would still go and do things, but it was never like, "We spent so much money on that.Like, you have to enjoy this."Or, "We're going out to eat."Like, "This is a privilege."It was never forced on us.It was just like, "Oh, we're going out."But going out to eat was like, the $0.99 in Applebee's.Like, that was- Nothing wrong- ThatExactly.And, and those wereAnd I don't think we enjoyed that, going out to eat when we did.I mean, there's so many of us.Yeah.And my mom cooked every night.She ha- would make a full meal and dessert, and then when we'd go out to eat it's like, we couldn't get dessert.And likeSo we'd be like- We'd be like, "I'd rather be at home."We got the chef's table.Yeah, what's the point?Yeah.Yeah.Like, my mom would like, startLike, she was full mother just like, g- making us plates and like, we, we set the dining table and that's, that was our role for dinner.So, I think we all enjoyed that and when we did, did go out to eat it was just kind of like, "Ugh."Like- Yeah.we had to be formal, we had to be polite, we had to be likeWe couldn't fight.Like, there was a lot of fighting at the dinner table.Or like- Oh yeah.this energy, so we kinda had to put our- Wasn't as fun.put it together.Like, we had to get together.So- Yeah, yeah.So- Yeah.your, your mom was in a little bit of a likeI mean, she mom-ed pretty hard- Yeah.when it came to d- dinner and everything like that.Did she work as well though?Yeah, she did.So, my mom jumped around a lot with jobs and then just because sheIf she wasn't happy somewhere, she would get up and leave.Like, she was very strong-willed in that way and just like, knew what she liked and knew what she didn't liked.And so, she did a lot of things growing up for me.Like, she worked at a hospital and had really weird hours, so I was home alone with my dad a lot, and then we likeThat was like takeout or likeWe'd either get like Little Caesars pizza or like-we'd have full on, like, filet mignon like, every night.Like, it was one or the other.It was just likeYou n-I don't know.It's so funny because my mom is such a typical woman of the household, and then my dad was such the typical like, man of the household.Doesn't know how to cook.And theyI was the only one that had to- Just steaks and potatoes.He had to serve dinner too.Yeah, yeah, yeah.So, it was either like, the grill or pizza.There was just like no in between.But yeah, so she bounced around for jobs.Uh, she worked at a hospital.She had weird hours there.And then she did at-home daycare for a while, so then I- Oh, really?After my crazy family of 4 of us, there was then 4 more children in our household that weren't related to us.But I kinda got to grow up with, againLike, it was like a second cycle of-I don't know, growing up with a whole bunch of chaos in our house.And then she ended up going and working in, um, a mental hospital inRight near, like, near us, and that was kind of most of my high school.So- So she has a background in nursing?Is that- No.She has, like, a background in administrative.She gotShe has her associate's degree in, like, business.Oh, cool.So it's very- Yeah.broad.But she is a helper.She is like a people.She wants to work with people.She wants to help- Yeah.people.That is- Yeah.her, that's her background, and that's- Nice.really what she's good at.Yeah.And what about your dad?My dad, he worked for a sign company, and he designed and made signs, installed them.Cool.So he went to college for art and computer science, and kind of got his perfect mix of- Yeah.a job.That's great.And he got a job out of college and stayed there until he stopped working.So stability versus your mom's- Yes.instability.My mom, like, thrives off of change.My dad is such, such like a sound board, you know, like- Mm.sounding board.He's very much theHe's not gonna change unless it wasHe had to.Yeah, yeah.Yeah, that makes sense.So growing up then, you had all these changes, family growing and whatnot.You said you started working early, right?Yeah.What was your first job?I worked at an ice cream place.Oh, right.So it was summers, um, at first, and then I worked at a shoe place in the winter.So then I worked at Red Shoe Barn, actually.Oh, no way.Yeah.I love Red Shoe Barn.There's one in Placer, so near me.Oh, I didn't know that.Yeah.So I worked there and that was awesome.I like, got better job.We always got our shoes from Red Shoe Barn growing up.That was like the spot.Same.And then I worked there, 'cause it was one of those like low-key kinda spots.Like, you weren't gonna run into people you kn- knew.But you got to kind of work with fun people.Yeah.Um, so yeah, I liked that.But I was working at 15.I'd get dropped off.And then once we started working, like that was our money.We could spend it how we wanted in kind of like everything we needed to pay for, like moving forward.There'd be random times my dad would give me like a 20 to go to the movies, and I could like save the rest that I didn't pay for or didn't use.So yeah, once we started working, it was just kinda like, "You're on your own.Go buy your clothes.Go buy your things.Go."Oh, so like no back-to-school shopping type stuff anymore.We'd get like one outfit.Yeah, okay.And then that was it.All right.And it was more so just like to go to the mall with my mom.So learning to take care of yourself pretty early on.Yeah.And then if it's like, it's an excursion, like it's an exciting thing to go shopping with mom or to- Mm-hmm.like be able to spend some of that money.Yeah.That's cool.I have a question about ice cream shops.Yeah.Because I frequent ice cream shops from time to time, because I have a daughter who really enjoys going to ice cream shops.I, usually, I will seeThe majority of the people working at our ice cream shop are like high school aged- Mm-hmm.girls, right?Mm-hmm.And I think to myself, "How much ice cream do they eat every day?"'Cause like, if my daughter worked at an ice cream shop, she wouldn't have- Yeah.a hard time- Yeah.not eating the ice cream.You get sick of it after a while.Right?Like, you- I don't, I don't think I could get sick of ice cream.No, like I obviously would always have what IWhat you end up doing is, or what I ended up doing was taking a scoop of like s- whatever ice cream and making like a little sundae on the scoop.And then I would periodically like go back and just have like one, like actual scoop.While it's melting.Yeah.Do you like melted ice cream better, or- Kinda, yeah.Yeah, me too.I do.Yeah, yeah.It's gotta be soft.It needs to be soft, yeah.Do you microwave it?Like, no, I'll let it sit out.Yeah.I have patience.You mi- you microwave yourHave patience?I do.Yeah.No, I don't.I have patience.I don't have patience.I do- I'll let it sit.I have 0 patience.I'll let it sit for like 15 minutes sometimes- I'll take the pint out.and I'll watch it.I put it in the microwave for 12 seconds, and then it's perfect.I've do-I used to do that.Okay, it's- But then I developed skills.I'm sorry, pot calling the kettle black over here.No, no, no.She's- I think she's, she's expressing maturity- Sorry.She's, she's grown up, I guess.I guess, I haven't.Used to be a child.Yeah.But yeah, I ate a lot.And then at the end of the season, they'll let you take ice cream home, like if- Yeah.there's still some leftover.But it usually wasn't like the good ice creams.But I would take like quarts home- Yeah.and then I'd be like, "I cannot eat any more of this."Like- You'd just, like, give it to your brother and- Oh.Oh, my God.siblings and everything, yeah.Also, after every shift, I don't know if I was allowed to do this but, like, my family would text me what they want- Oh, yeah.to bring home, so I would be scooping up and bring home, like, 6 ice creams, like, everyLike, I was probably not making money-at that ice cream place.I think the ice cream shop will, uh- No.will be all right.No, they closed.They apparently ran out of business or something.Yeah, no.They're- they're still running and it's right down the street from, like, in Atkinson so it's- Yeah.so cute.I still drive by it- Yeah.every time I'm there.So, uh, yeah.It's, like, honestly the best first job, I think.That's what Kaylee's first job was, too.It's the best.Really?Selling ice cream at the Ice House.It's so fun.At the Ice House, yeah.You get to meet people, like, everyone's your age, and then everyone's happy that's coming- Yes.up to you 'cause they're getting ice cream.Yeah.It's so fun and, like, oh, you put a little extra, like, sprinkle on it, and it's like you've made people's day so easily.So.So when did you start working with people who were unhappy?Like, what was yourLike, that's a shift, right?Yeah.Like, the client base or the customer base gets a little grumpier.Yeah.Um, I don't know if I would say unhappy, like people, but I- I will say at my last job, people were stressed.I was working a lot, around a lot of people that were stressed because it was, like, live events.So everyone's trying to meet this deadline that we're working with and it's just, like, a little bit of mayhem.And I think that is different than the ice cream shop because-it's, you know.PeopleEven the line would be so long people are waiting at, likewill wait in that line, and they're still happy to get their ice cream, where, you know, you s- shift into this, like, really harsh deadline of- Yeah.real worl- like, world events.And yeah, people can get unhappy or people can get like, "This needs to get done right now and you can't have an excuse about it," and it's very, like, "We're not saving lives here, this is, like-" It's cutthroat though."Yes, I get it.It's a- there's a deadline and this is happening," but like, yeah.No one's gonna die here.But it causes a lot of stress and panic and I would say unhappy people.Mm-hmm.Mm-hmm.But again, I don't think I've really been in a position where that's affected me too much.Yeah.Like, it's bothered me too much because at the end of the day, I'm always just like- When people are stressed-"I'm gonna be fine.You're gonna be fine."Yeah.When people are stressed- We're good.that kinda becomes their whole world.It does.Mm-hmm.And then if people act weird, like, in those moments too, and it's- Totally.like, I've gotten, I feel like, a lot of, like, "Sorry."Like, apologies around certain times and it's like, "It's fine, but let's not do that again.""Let's not freak out.""I'll forgive you, but I won't forget."Yeah.Yeah.Yes, I can hold a grudge.It'sThat might not be something you guys know about me yet, but I can hold a grudge and- I will log that.I gotta- I gotta- Entertain.I gotta work on that.I knew that as soon as I met you.Um, so- Did you?I read people.So before your first job, you went to school, right?Yeah.You already mentioned student loans.So what was the conversation- Yes.around going to college at home?Like, did you guys talk about s- taking out student loans, what that meant, and what your goals were there?Uh, yes.I actually was the only one in my family that said, "Well, what will my student loan payment be when I leave-" Yeah." if this is what I have to take out in loans?"And my mom handledLike, my dad made the money, but my mom paid the bills, if that makes sense.Sure, totally.Like, actually, physically paid the bills.So she, like, had a very good understanding of kind of, like, what we had.I feel like my dad was just like, "What?"Like, "Whatever," more so.Like, "We're fine, and I'm gonna just go to work and, you know, you'll handle those things."And so, my mom obviously was like, "I actually have no idea."So, uh, it will probably be aroundAgain, also, my brother is 10 years older than me, so he's a great example of kind of my mom could give me, "Oh, Ryan pays this much.Um, you might be paying that."But, like, school has doubled since he's gone that- literally in 10 years- Mm-hmm.it basically doubled.Yeah.And so it will be, like, a little different, but you have to see what- what you get for, like, FASFA and all these things.Like, very explained the process, but I n- I never got the number.Mm-hmm.And I think if I knew that number, it could've changed things.Not really for my undergrad, but at least for my master's.Mm-hmm.Master's are always tricky.They are.Master's is- Yeah.worth it.Fair enough, um- At this point.So when- Wait.WasOkay.Wait, hold on.Hold on.Let's- let's back up a little bit.Yeah, let's not gloss over that.Let's- let's- let's back up.Now master's are not worth the price tag is what you're saying.Yes.Because I feel like some of that knowledge that you received, you bring to work here.Yeah.Right?Yeah.I guess.I don't know.I have no idea because whatI don't kn- I don't know what knowledge I learned in my master's versus my undergrad.Well, let's talk about this.So you got your undergrad and you got your master's in a very expedited time.Yes.Right?So what was that?I got my master's in one year, so it was- But in total between undergrad to master's- Oh.was 5 years, right?Yes.Yeah.That's what I did too.So I got- yeah.And it was just all, like- Worth it to do that- Yeah.Yeah.but very big commitment to, like, once you're in a one-year program, it's like you can't change your mind because you're already paying for it.What were your majors?Um, in my undergrad I was in business, and I was marketing and entrepreneurial studies.Cool.And then my master's I did my MBA in growth and innovation.Nice.So, like-on my part, very broad, I- I would say.V- very interested in all these things, but like, very broad.I think maybe if I was a bit more specific, it would have helped?But I still got out of my master's and was like, "I don't really know what I want to do."Sure, yeah.And I feel like that's really, like, the important part to nail down while you're in school?Of like, what you want to do for a career?I mean- It's so hard.I struggle with that though, because y- you will never know what you want to do- Yeah.as a career until you do a few things.Yeah.And scooping ice cream-is great.Could be a good career, I guess.Could be a good career.But, like, that doesn't always require a master's- Totally.to scoop ice cream.Yeah.Um, in fact, it rarely does.No.So, with that being said, you have to bounce around a bit.Yeah.See, this is, I think this is important right now, in this moment of time, because people are having a hard time getting jobs after school.Mm-hmm.Mm-hmm.Like, they finish college, and the traditional path of just, like, going and finding a job that summer, or before that summer or that fall- Yeah.seems like it's not as available as it used to be.And then, that forces people to sit there and reflect on, like, "Well, maybe I'm interested in this and I should go pursue this via a master's route."Yeah.Right?And then if you say, "Well, that's not worth it," which is, may or may not agree, and it's definitely your opinion.But I do think that it is a lot of money to spend- Mm-hmm.right?And understanding the consequences of that spend- Yes.Like, what's on the other side?What that student loan payment looks like?Yes.If you're already taking student loans for it.Yes.Did- did you think about that too, when you did your master's?Like, when did it hit you?Um, itSo, my undergrad, I felt like I was like, "Oh, this isn't as bad as I thought," in money terms.Like- Sure.not as bad as I thought.I got a lot of help with my undergrad.And I was comparing how much I had in student loans to, like, my friends, and, like, the people around me, and I had significantly less, because I got a lot of financial aid, thankfully, and, like, financial aid that INot in loans, uh, just in, like, grants and whatever, yeah.Grants and scholarships and things like that.Mm-hmm.So, that was nice.And then I was like, "Well, I can literally get 2 degrees for the same as what most of my friends"Uh, you know.Like, it was kind of like that, and it was kind of one of those things where I'm really young for my grade, and I was like, "I could probably use another year in school."Mm-hmm."Like, I don't think I'm ready for working a 9to5 yet."And it just allowed me to continue to do what I was doing for another year, which I found valuable at the time.And I still think that time is valuable, I just think that add- I doubled my student loans in one year.Yeah.And that'sThat comparison, i- it can be so misleading and deceiving.Like, it'sThat perspective is not helping you, right?Yes.And like, my friends aren't very educated on what that looks like for th- the next, you know, however many years for them, either.Like, they're just like, "Well, now I'm at the end of my undergrad, and this is what I'm gonna deal with moving forward," but I still was too young toAnd they were still too young toThey weren't even paying them yet.So, I'm making this comparison to just, like, numbers that other people have.Yeah, I mean, you're graduating while you're in a position where you're taking out loans to pay for something that you don't know what the ROI is.Yeah.You have no idea.You know, you could've changed your mystery- his- uh, changed your major and gone into history- Mm-hmm.or whatever it might have been.So, you're paying for something that you have no idea what the outcome actually is.Yeah.Which is tough, you know?Yeah.When you mortgage a house, you at least know what house you're getting.Yeah.You don't know what you're getting when you mortgage or finance a college degree.Exactly.And I am a big believer in, likeI think even undergrad is worth it, just for the experience of going to college.Totally.Yeah.Leaving home.Like, all these things, like, you figure out your life and you figure out your connections, and your network, like, is really where that starts, you know?And I think that alone is worth the price of, like, your undergrad.And I looked at my master's like that, too.But I do think with that one-year program, it's like, "Yeah, I've met all these people and they're great, but it's not like I'm deepening my connections that much.I'm spending 9 months with them."I think it's tough.Like, I have friends who went into finance, and, um, they're moving their way up through major banks and things like that, and now they're at a level where maybe they're VP or senior VP, and they will not ever get managing director because they don't have a master's degree.So they get passed up for the job.Mm-hmm.I think depending on which route you go, master's can be worth it, but- Yes.you just have to make sure it applies for you.Well, and I am such that person, like I would not go back to school and I would know that.Yeah.And I- and I just knew I had another year of, like, school in me.Like, I could do another year.I didn't feel likeS- school was never super straining to me.Like, it wasn't like I couldn't wait to get out of school.Like, just in the academic perspective.And my brother actually was trying to get his master's, go back to school and get his master's, and he was like, "It's so hard, I don't know how I'm gonna be doing this- Mm-hmm.while I'm working, and like, I have a stressful job," and whatever, so he did like a few credits and stopped, and I was like, "Oh, okay.I'm gonna- I'm gonna get my master's now and get it out of the way."Just get it done.Yeah.Yeah.Yeah.It makes sense.And I, like, I think that whatever you did isIt's got you to where you are today.Mm-hmm.And it will be a part of your- that journey.Yeah.Right?To where you're gonna be in the future.Jess said something the other day that I really liked.She said, "No regrets, only lessons learned."Mm-hmm.And she was talking about my hangover on my birthday, but- Um, but it applies here as well.You learned that lesson bought.Do I?Do I learn that lesson?Yeah.Uh, but it- I think it's- it's really important to evaluate.I personally- I feel like if you go- like, the reasoning that you put into getting your master's was in some way flawed and in some ways very, like, intelligent, right?"Here's what I need at this point in my life," right?The comparison was flawed.Yeah.But I think when people are making this choice, and there's gonna be a lot of people making this choice this fall, right?Yeah.And it's- I think it has to be something that you take a lot of time and it's well thought out- Yeah.because it shou- it shouldn't just be like a shrug your shoulders, "Well, I guess I'll do it" type of situation.Yeah, and I don't think I went into it like that.Yeah.I think that's how I just felt after, like, I felt like this was gonna be such a huge accomplishment for me, it felt kind of like, "This is what I should do, this will put me ahead, this will"I had very high expectations of getting a master's degree, and I feel like I was disappointed when I left, you know?Mm-hmm.Yeah.And that was kind of more so the sum of it.That was like the lesson, uh, learned is like, yes, I wanted to do it for myself, but I thought I would feel so much more fulfilled and like a step ahead, but I r- honestly got out of school and felt a step behind because now all my friends are one year into their careers, and they're either pivoting or like they just- I felt like they had a whole year of experience that I kind of missed out on, that I didn't even take into consideration.On the flip side of that, though- Yes.it's very possible that your friends looked at you and your master's- Yes.and were jealous of them too.Well, they also were like, "We can't believe you're done."Like it- 'cause it was so quick.Yeah.'Cause also, so it's 9 months, because it's a regular school year, and then I had to be in an internship for, like, the summer.Yeah.So that's what made it, like, a one year.And that internship ended up being turned into my job, and they were like, "You're not far behind us at all."Like, some of my friends left their undergrad and babysat for 6 months- Yeah.just to move out and, you know, figure it out in the city.And so really when I think about it, it's like, I was just putting that on myself, of like that comparison.Yeah.But it's- itI don't know.It is- it's very complicated, like, dynamic of just, like, you know, when you're moving through life like that at that age.I think 22- Yeah.is like honestly a hard age.It's a s- it's a tough time.I remember when I was going through undergrad and I graduated, there were no jobs.Yeah.Like whatsoever.And, um, you know, it wasn't too long after 2008, and pretty much all my friends graduated, moved back in with your parent- moved back in with their parents.Mm-hmm.You know, they were- Yeah.couldn't find anything.Yeah.And then when I got my master's, I got, like, a very, very entry level position.Yeah.But it was- it's a struggle, and you never know where you're gonna end up.It is.And I think it's one of those things that will pay off, like down the road.It's just, like, hard to see now, 'cause you're likeI don't know.You gotta start, like- You don't feel like you're using it.It's just weird when you have your master's degree and then you still start from, like, the- the bottom, which is obviously what's gonna happen, but it's like- Yeah."Oh," like, you have this idea that it's gonna get you ahead, but you have to realize it's gonna get you ahead in, like, 5 years.Right.You know?It doesn't- And I think that delayed- You don't skip ahead by getting it.Yes, exactly.Mm-hmm.Which is like, yes, obviously that makes sense, uh, like when you think about it, but it's just such an investment, and you are paying for that for f- 5 years before it starts paying off.Yeah.So it's like, I'm gonna be almost, I feel like, done paying myHopefully done-ish, halfway through maybe, paying my student loans by the time I start to be like, "That was worth it."You know, it's- it's funny because when I watched my mom growing up, she was a teacher, and she would, like, s- uh, systematically or sometimes, like, just go to school to get some sort of advanced degree- Mm-hmm.and then have a- a promotion, right?Or something likeIt was in lockstep with her education.Mm-hmm.Like, her education got her to where she was and then she wanted to get higher, so she did more education and did more education, and it was a direct payoff.Yeah.Yeah.And that's definitely not- No.what any of the 3 of us has in our experience.Not at all.Yeah.And it's hard 'cause it's just so expensive now, so it's like-I just don't really know in what situations that is p- like, it's a handful of people that it's gonna pay off for.Yeah.Yeah, that's fair.And it's probably people that don't have student loans.Now, would you say that the majority of your friends have student loans?Um, I think they're like 50/50, soI- Do, do you guys ever talk about money and that?Um, not really.I mean, certain people.I, the people that I kinda grew up withSo I have friends from high school, really close friends from high school, and then really close friends from college, but they're 2 kinda like separate groups.There's like one person that floats between the 2.And me and her actually are, like, very similar, so we have very similarShe grew up with 4.She grew up in Atkinson, 4 kids, and we have like just pretty much the same- Hmm.background of just socioeconomics, I would say.So I talk to her a lot about it, but, uh, again, I don't think I realized, like, people had money until I got to college.And I would say some of my friends are included in that.Yeah.And not in, like, a bad way but in just a way of like, "Oh, shit.Like, people don't have student loans."Like, I never thought that that was like a thing.I thought, like- Standard procedure.Yes.Like, you take out loans to go to school.Like- Yeah.who can afford this?Yeah.Like, that's crazy.But yeah, people don't, and people don't have to worry about money and paying rent.And like, I, I had to do that throughout college, so it wasn't just, like, my tuition.It was everything else too.Like, I mean, I wasMy parents were always gonna make sure I had like groceries and things of that sort, but like, I had to figure out how to pay rent.Like, that type of level ofI wouldn't say stress, 'cause it honestly wasn't stressful, but realizing that not everyone has the same struggles as you.Yeah.Well, and I, I think if it wasn't stress, it was responsibilities, right?It's learning to- Yeah.live with responsibility.Yeah.Hmm.Um, that's really interesting because it's, you know, going from, let's say, Atkinson, right?And you're not really thinking about money very much.Um, you kind of feel abundance even if it's not in the form of, of money.Then you go to school and you meet more people and they s- they have money, like more money, right?Yeah.And then you start to realize that there's this lack of equality.Mm-hmm.And then not too long down the road, you find yourself working in a, a wealth management firm.Yeah.Where the people have a lot of money.Where people have a lot of money.So what- Yeah.How, how, how do you kind of reconcile that?Like, how does that, how do you process that?Yeah.I mean, I think honestly in a way I'm like lucky to be naive about money.Like, I obviously see that as a privilege, even though I'm not someone that has, comes from money, but it's like I still have that.Like, I don't really think ofI just, it's nice to see people with money because now I understand that this is like a possibility of life.Hmm.Because I- Did you think that it wasn't?I just don't think I cared about- Yeah.that part of life.Like, I didn't care aboutI wanna be able to like pay my bills and like live where I wanna live, but like beyond that, that's, you know?That's it.Did you ever, did you ever like have opinions about people with money prior to wealth management or anything like that?LikeNo, and I will say like my friends from college, it's like we're all veryWe all have the same morals and like- Yeah.values, and I think that's really where I find my connections.It's like, again, I'm neverYou would never know that they grew up differently than I did, you know?Sure.I mean, there's little things obviously when you pay attention.But it's like for the most part, we're all friends because we respect each other.We, like, just come from the same type of morals and values.SoAnd I feel like that's how I'll continue to like move, and I don't think I would ever judge anyone based off of money unless like it's in your face.Yeah.And like they wanna be judged off of their money.Yeah.'Cause I think that's different.Yeah, that's incredibly refreshing though- Yeah.I find.Because in our world, pretty much all we ever talk about is money, and that's a driving conversation.Yeah.So that must be kind of difficult for you at times too.I just thinkYeah, sometimes there's this, like, daunting pressure of, like, money is so important.Like, money is everything, and society is obsessed with money.Like, it's just the only thing I feel people can talk about and people can value themselves for.And I feel like I don't see it like that, and I feel like you guys don't see it like that.You just help people that do have money, so it's like, that'sI'm sure you guys find this too in your job.But it is sometimes a lot beings- the conversation always kind of being money.Yeah.But I don't find that outside of, like, talking to you guys.I don't find that, that's what you'd bring.It's only in, like, a client meeting.But, like, our whole job revolves around moving money here, doing all this.Like- Yeah.moving, likeLike, at first, I was so nervous to, like, move money between accounts-because I was like, "This is the most money I've ever seen in my life."And like, "What are youLike, are you sure I can do this?"And you're like, "It literally can't go wrong."And I'm like-"I don't know."Like, "I don't know."Just press the button.Yeah.So, like, you can drop it.Oh, my God.Like, you're not picking it up and then putting it down.No, I know.But it was just like- Yeah."This is a crazy amount of money that I've never"So I think- Yeah.me wrapping my head around it in the beginning was that.Was like, "Can I really do this?"Like, "Am I supposed to be seeing this?"Like, 'cause IAnother thing with growing up is, like, we never, like, saw any financial things, like, in a way.Yeah.Like, we never knew.I don't know.I wouldn't know what having money is and what not having money is.Right.That'sYou know what's funny?I feel like this was part of my journey as well.I'm sure it was part of yours.You get more comfortable with larger numbers the more you are- Yeah.in this world.And yeah, the first time, like, you process a wire or something- Yeah.for somebody that, likeThat's scary.I feel like a wire is much scarier than, like, transferring- No, I'm talking about a journal.Yeah, I know.I know.Which- I was like, "Are you sure?"Look at you throwing around lingo.Yeah, I know.You're picking up on the jargon.But- One year in.Yeah, yeah.But no, it's true.Like, it'sI think it's- Yeah.That's a very common kind of pathway.Yeah.Right?It is.I remember in operations, um, we had a client.This was, like, my first few weeks, and I was sitting at the front desk.And a client walked in, and this was like, I knew nothing about money at the time.And they handed me a check for, like, an exorbitant amount of money, and I'm like, "Uh, uh, uh, uh, uh, uh," likeYeah.Just, I don't wanna drop it, you know?Like, it feels like a big deal.And- 'Cause it's, like, life-changing money for y-Like, thatI don't know.Just crazy.It's like- It's a weird feeling at first."I just need to deposit this for you like any other Tuesday?"Like, you know?And it's like, for me, I'm like, "I've never even seen this amount of money."Like, "This is so crazy."Yeah.It's like if someone were to pull out, like, a suitcase full of like $100,000.00.Yeah, and just like put it in front of you.That's what it feels like, even if you'reYeah.Even if it's just digitally.I'm like, "Whoa."Like, you know- Yeah.taken back a little bit by it, but- Yeah.My first experience financed, I've probably talked about this before, but I was working in the Wells Fargo private bank as a temp.Mm-hmm.And my responsibility was, for an hour every day, was to cover overdraft charges for, like, private bank clients at Wells Fargo in Beverly Hills.Like, these are wealthy people.Yeah.Right?And every day, repeat offenders, they would just overspend on their checking account, and I would have to transfer money from one of their other accounts.And occasionally, 'cause I couldn't get ahold of them, I would get fired if that actually didn't happen and, like, some charge didn't go through, or there was a fee, or something like that.I had to choose which account they were transferring from.Oh, God.And it was like, "I don't-" You learned what an IRA is pretty quick, I bet.It's like, it, it's insane that you canEverybody has their own relationship with money.Mm-hmm.And it can be very detached and sometimes in a very privileged way.Yeah.Whereas you had a somewhat detached relationship with money, but not in a privileged way.Yeah.Just more of a, like, "What'sWhat are your values?""What is important to you?"Mm-hmm.It was, like, just safety.Like, "You don't ever have to worry about this."Like, "You're fine."Yeah.But like, y- y- you know, like, you can't goYou can't go crazy.Like- Yeah.we were very put in our place, I feel like, at a young age of like, "This isYou just can't"But we could always-play the sports we wanted to play, or there was never, like, limitations.Yeah.It just was like, "Oh, well, we're y- you knowWe're gonna drive to our vacation spot for the weekend," or- Yeah."We're gonna"Th- there was sacrifices in other ways, but it was neverDiscussed.known.Yeah.Yeah.It just was like, "Oh, this is what we're doing for this"You know, ended up being 3 years or whatever it is.Like, we also all kind of played expensive sports, so I don't, I don't even know.Like, that's the other crazy part is that I don't even know how my parents did that even then.Like, I don't f-I don't know who can afford, like, raising 4 kids.It's a lot.Colin, take, take notes.Yeah, I know.I don't know if it's a lot or not- IBut I assume it's a lot.I've seen-our clients do it, and I'm like, "Wow."It's just like- know?I don't know.And also not even just, um, financially.Just, like, mentally.It's a lot.Yeah.It is a lot.Yeah.S- since, since joining Kofi if- Yeah.you will, has any, like, habits changed in your life regarding money management or anything?I have-Been able to, like, save and do the things that I've, like, wanted to do.I don't know, money is kind of fun-ish, like a game to me- Yeah.'cause again, I don't have that, like, super attachment to it, so I'm just like, "Oh, how can I, like, divvy up my, my paycheck into all these different accounts," and like, "What do I need to live off of and besides that a- and have experiences still and have fun and not need to worry?"And then everything else, I just, like, kinda put away.Nice.Yeah.So you're a natural saver?Yes, like that passbook account.Yes.Wow.Give me the passbook.Pay dividends.It's just like- It is.you know, you set s- Like, I'm a set and forget.Like, I want to doI'm gonna percentage out whatever my paycheck, and that's gonna be it, and the percentage is always gonna be the same.And then I go from there.Do you s- I don't really know if it's good.It's just, like, what I do.Oh no, this is a judgment-free zone-as Colin likes to say.Yes.But do you feel like that's common, like in your group of friends?Like, do you feel like that's representative of what you see around you?Um, I think I've made decisions on, like, where I live, and the cost ofMy cost of living is definitely less than all my friends who live in Boston, so they're, you know, paying a lot more and probably making the same as what I'm making, and they're probably not able to save what I'm able to save.Um, but that's because I've made decisions that are important to me for that.And I'm also, thankfully, just like, not a huge city person.Or maybe just likeI just didn't have that desire.I wanna live with my friends, but I don't wanna move to the city, and so I took advantage of, like, my sister not wanting to be in the city anymore either, so I got to kind of have this like in with living outside of the city, living in places that cost less to live in, just even outside of rent, likeLifestyle.Yeah.So like, I do a lot of outdoorsy things.Like, I'm not, like, going out to eat and spending money solely on drinks and things on the weekend, so yeah.That'sI think I'm able to do what I'm doing just because of the choices I've made that have led me here, so- Yeah.I don't think it's as common.Like, it's not crazy when I feel like my friends are talking and like Ithey have to say no to things because they don'tthey truly can't afford it.I feel like I'm very grateful that I haven't had that.Yeah.Like, I haven't had to do that, and I think that's a huge goal of mine is, like, not to say no to things because I can't afford them.Like, I need to be able to afford those things.Like, that is the only way I'm gonna enjoy my life.You wanna know what sticks out to me, isYou talk about how money necessarily isn't a priority and wasn't a priority growing up.Mm-hmm.But you make consistent decisions where you don't have to worry about it.Yeah.Like, you make consistently good decisions, so it's not a priority, but it is a priority to a certain extent- Yes.because your decisions are being guided- Yes.to prioritize the things that you wanna do.Yeah.And I feel like you actually talk about this a lot, about how, like, if you're taking care of your savings in your retirement accounts, then everything else should be like a guilt-free spend.Mm-hmm.And I totally agree with that.Like, I feel like that's just- That resonates with you.what I do, but I'm also not even as stressed about making sure thatI mean, I'm 24, so I feel like I'm in, just in a good position.You're almost 25.I'm almost 25.It's coming up.Stop it.Quarter-life crisis around the corner.I know.Yeah.I'm gonna drain my retirement account.Don't do that.You said, you said once recently, as you'veI'm, I'm gonna, shine some light on you and say that you've had some car troubles, um, and- Here we go.we were talking about, like, what a solution might be for those car troubles, and you said that having a car payment would be like the worst thing for you right now.What does that mean?Yes, like- Why?Why is that?I mean, obviously, it's a little dramatic, but yeah, I would say, like, a car payment is justI just don't need that.It's just like another thing I have to worry about, and it's like, oh yes, a car payment, but it would be a lot-because cars are expensive.Yeah.So it's like notAnd I don't wanna have a car payment on a car that's, like, slightly better than mine, you know?Like, I'd rather struggle through, have no car payment until it blows up.Okay.Hopefully not literally.Not with you in it.Not with me in it.Yeah, not with you in it.Maybe in the drive-by.You also don't like cars.I just don'tYeah, like, that's such an expense to me.That would consistently be annoying and honestly piss me off every single month.Yeah.I'd be like, "Another $300 for this stupid car."See, that's- Every single month.I think that's- That's what I would think.It, it shows your priorities because I don't feel like that is the way you think about travel or- It's not.No, not at all.Yeah.I feel likeYes, yeah.It, it's true.It is true.Yeah.But I'm like, oh, I don'tI don't know.I justYeah, I don't care about the car.I don't care aboutI just need a vehicle that gets me to A to B.Yeah.I don't care about what it is.And it doesn't matter if you're air-conditioned along the way, right?No.Just roll the window down.No.And it has heat and that's, that's important.For now.Yeah.You and Kaylee are very similar.Kaylee has a car that she cannot stand and the roof lining just fell off of it the other day.That is my old car.Yeah.And we're just driving down the road and it just, it just fell off- Yes.randomly.Yeah.And then I'm just like, "Babe, like, your car has a ton of miles on it.It's well over 100,000."Yeah."It has all these issues.Why don't you justLike, why don't we just replace it?"And she's like, "No, that's stupid.I'm not spending the money."Yeah.And I'm like, "Why not?"Like, if, you know, he, like- I know.if he really hate it that much and complains about it, and she's just like, "No, I don't wanna take away from vacations.I don't wanna do all that other stuff."She was like, "I don't care about cars.Don't get me anything."Yeah.And I feel like that's you.Yes.Yes.Do not get her- A nice car.a, like a, a Acura sales event for Christmas type of thing- Yeah.with a red bow or - No.something like that.Do not do that.She'll be like, "Return that."Yeah.That's good.I mean, obviously, if, like, I was gifted a car, that would be great but I'm not- Yeah.Hint, hint.Who's listening?Yeah.Uh- I don't know what your budgets are.Yeah.No, I think it's really important to identify, like, the things thatI, IWell, I could embarrass my daughter.I'm gonna embarrass my daughter right now-but things that give you the ick.Yeah.Right?Like, it's the, the stuff that you're really uncomfortable with and then understanding, like, why you're uncomfortable- Mm-hmm.with those things.Like, we had that conversation last week about saving in a 401.Mm-hmm.And whether you should or should not, IRA, Roth, whatever.And after that, we were, as always, asking for your feedback.And you said, "I don't know.I just feel kinda-" Yeah.not great about that."Why?Like, what was it about that conversation that made you uncomfortable?I don'tSometimes I just1, I think it's about this idea of, like, retiring and, like, you're lucky if you are able to retire.And it's like, okay, savingHaving all of these complicated ways of saving money for retirement when it's like, to me, it's so important to live in the present and, like, do the things you need to do now and, like, just see kind of what happens , like.Mm-hmm.I don't know.It's just so hard to plan out life so strategically sometimes.And I feel like when we come up with these ways that are, like, loophole or whatever, like, around what you should be doing, what could be better, what couldn'tLike, to me, I'm like, that's so complicated and, like, you're so, such banking on having the ability to retire and, like, worried aboutI feel like leaving behi-Like, things about, like, leaving behind, I don't, like, want that.Like, I wanna, like, live.I mean, I also don't have kids yet, so it's like hard.I was gonna say.Yeah, I know.It's a little soon to be talking legacy.Legacy planning territory.No, no, no, like- Yeah.I don't, I don't expect anything to be passed down to me, like, from my parents.So it's like I don't thinkI, I move through life like that.Like, I don't expect other people to be worrying that I'm gonna be fine once they're gone.Does that make sense?It does make sense.And, like, I feel like I appreciate that in a way.Yeah.Like- Well, it's freeing.Yeah.Right?It's just like take care of yourself.Yeah.And like, this is your life.You wanna know what this strikes a chord with me on is, umAnd I wonder if you see this too.But a lot of our clientsAre you Gen Z?Yes.Okay.So Gen Z.I get them all mixed up.Anyway.What were you gonna say if he said the wrong ge- like, I feel like- I don't know.I was kinda confused as to whatLike, I'm like- I don't know what's-right in the, like, right in the middle.Yeah.It was a valid question.Gen Z and what?I don't even know.Alpha?The 1 The next my-daughters generation.The one, the 1 Yeah.the alpha- Yeah, that one.Yeah.The alpha generation.Yeah.I always forget the name of it.God, they're gonna be so big-headed.They are the alpha generation.I know.And then they'reAnd then it's gonna be beta after that, which, like, sucks because of that beta.Oh, yeah, which is like that's the worst name.Yeah, that's true.They should think about renaming that one.It's like you're so clearly second.Yeah.Yeah, that's true.Like- Yeah, you matter less for sure.Yeah, they're, they're gonna- That's a 100%, yeah.That's gonna cause some issues for sure.I agree.Um, anyway.Gen Z.So you're a Gen Z.Yeah.And I feel like it's this way too with, um, younger millennials.I find more and more people necessarily aren't prioritizing retirement, but are prioritizing saving in a way where they can maximize more experiences now.And we've talked about this in other podcasts too, but it'sYou're talking about that.I just got off the phone with my sister who's talking about that.Mm-hmm.2 client conversations in the last 2 to 3 days talking about that.Yeah.Yeah.Do you see that too?I do and, and that's kind of what my point with the 401was.Like, youI, sometimes I get to the point with a client and I'm like, "Man, you've saved so much in your 401and you're, like, 35 years old.You're doing really great if this is what you want, but, like, you know, if you continue at this rate-"are you g- ma- are you getting enough out of, out of life?Now?Yeah.Yeah.With, when I was first learning financial planning, it wasn't financial planning, it was called investment planning at Wells Fargo, but they had kind of this, and I think there's another software that does this, but essentially it's like a s- it's like a thermometer.It's like a zero to 100.Yep.And you want your results, clients will say they wanna have like a 100%, you know, success rate or whatever, and we were taught that what you really want is like 87 because if you're maximizing the long term and maximizing getting that 100, then you're not spending enough time on now, right?You're not enjoying your life now.You're worried too much about accomplishing the goals that you may or may not be around to see- Yeah.later down the road, and it is a balance.It's really important to find that balance.I feel like you're doing a really good job with that balance.Thanks.You do seem very well balanced, both financially- Yeah.mentally, spiritually.It's actually my- Jeez, thanks.This, this is a- It's true.another part of your job is that you bring kind of a calmness to- Oh, good.Yeah.The office.I love when we're freaking out about something and Tory's like, "Why does that matter?"Yeah, yeah.And we're like, "Oh, yeah."Because I get mad at myself."It doesn't."It's good sometimes and then sometimes I'm like, "Okay, I need to maybe care a little bit more."I do, like, I, I don't know, I just feel like I've grown up that way, though.And I've grown up in like chaos, too, which is just like funny 'cause it's, could've gone one way or the other, honestly, with, with me.And I just, yeah, I am always like, "We are not"I don't know.It's just like if it's not life or death, like, I am not going to stress about it at all.That's great.I need to take gummies for that.Like, I don't know how you accomplish that naturally.No, it's just like- LikeYeah.Well, now I know when I'm really stressed about something, I'm just gonna call you.Yeah.Yeah, you can just call Tory.And just be like, "Why does this matter?"No, honestly, I'll be like, "Why are you calling me?"I'll be like, "Why are you calling me and bringing me into stress?"You won't even answer.Yeah.I'm like, "Why are you bringing me to this stress?"Great.W- well, clients don't need to call us or Shay.Sh- they'll just call Tory and let her deal with it.Yeah, exactly.Yeah.No, 'cause I, I feel like I'm not good with clients because it's really serious to them.I think- And I'm kind of like, fine."Well, you have to find, here's what you gotta do, you gotta find the right balance between validating their concerns- Yes.and calming them down.Yeah, yeah, yeah.Right?That's really valuable.It so depends on the situation, like for me.Yeah, very much so, yeah.Like, obviously.Yeah.But I wanna go back to the experience part of like my generation.Mm-hmm.And I do feel as though like that the dream of owning a home, getting married, having kids, like white picket fence is like so dead for our generation.Like, I think we'll be the first generation that's like, "I'll just rent for the rest of my life."Like, "I don't really, I don't need to be in one space.I don't need to have roots."Like, you know?Hmm.I feel like that's a big thing for like Millennials.That is.It's like, "I gotta like put my roots down and like start a career and like be someone."Like- Yeah.I feel as though we don't have that as much.It's much more like, "Well, what am I gonna do here?"And obviously this is probably the watered-down version because I don't have the same perspective as everyone and I would say I'm a little bit more free-minded, but- Yeah.it's more so like, "What am I gonna do while I'm here?"And- Here meaning?Like, just here, like earth.Life.Okay, got it.Life and just like, I feel we all have a lot of different lives that we want to live and at this point of life we're not sure of what path we're gonna take and it's like, "Well, how can I incorporate all those into my one life?"Like, it's very, very different of a perspective of like moving forward through life than I think Millennials had.Hmm.Do you know- I don't- And I, I've been here long enough to remember now that that used to be what they said about Millennials.Really?Millennials were never gonna buy houses, they couldn't afford them- Yeah.they were too expensive, and they weren't a priority.And what I think changes this frequently, and it's, I think that the odds are more stacked against your generation- Mm-hmm.so I, I absolutely hear what you say and validate what you're saying.Yeah.I, what I think will be interesting to see is how it changes when kids come into the picture- Yes.because kids tend to be the thing, that drive, buying the house and putting down roots.Totally, 'cause you can't bop around.Yeah.Which I, yeah, definitely, but I also think, I don'tWell, at least for me personally, like my life goals aren't around those things.Yeah.Buying a house, having kids.If they happen, great.But I'm notI, my goal in life is like to create happiness in whatever situation I end up being in.And whether that's 'cause there's so many instances where it's like you can't have, people can't have kids or- Yeah.you can't afford the home or you can'tAnd it's like, those things can't put you like in the gutter.Like you have to figure out how like life is gonna move on if you don'tIf you only set goals around that and you're unable to do that, like you're setting those expectations for yourself to like let yourself down.Yeah.Like we're the only ones that set expectations for ourselves.Yeah.And that's the only reason we're gonna be let down, is because we've set this expectation for our lives.You wanna know what kind of strikes out to me here, is your perspective on certain things.You know the saying, like, "Roll with the punches of life."Mm-hmm.It's almost like you're rolling with the opportunities- Yeah.of life.It seems to me you have a very positive outlook and you're looking at things and being like, "How can I take this and run with it?"Yeah.Which is refreshing.Yeah.I feel like I don't like plan.When I was your age, though, I was the same way.It's another way to say this, but yeah.Yeah, I don't like plan.It's like what, okay, whatever's gonna happen is gonna happen and, and I'll be happy with whatever happens.Like I'll have, I'll find a way to be happy in those circumstances.Yeah.I mean, when I was growing up and I was your age, I didn't want kids.Yeah.I didn't want a family.I was traveling, doing tons of fun stuff- Yeah.and all that.And then sometimes, you know, you meet someone and life changes.Then life, life slows down.And often it doesn't, right?Yeah, sometimes it doesn't.We don't know what the, the world will be.I, I'm curious, I, really curious, genuinely, to see how your perspective changes over the next decade.Mm-hmm.And, and how generationally that, that perspective does or does not change.Yeah.Because it, it may not.You know, the world is constantly changing.It is harded by the house.Student loans are more and more of a, you know, an anchor.Yeah.And, uh, the job market's different.So things are gonna change a lot, um, and we're really happy that you bring your perspective to- Yes.Kofi and, know, we, we hope that you stick around and grow with us for a while.Yeah.We'll do a five year check-in.Yeah.Uh, I'll have, I'll have to come back here?See how perspectives change.She'll be like, "Oh my God, I, I moved in down the street."I'm gonna be like, "I have children."I know.Doesn't matter, you gotta come back.All right.Thanks, Tori.Yeah.Thanks, Tori.Thank you.That was fun.That wraps up Episode 19 of Compound Growth.Today, you got to meet me and hear a little bit about my money story.While my journey is still just beginning, I hope this gave you the chance to learn more about me and what I bring to the team here at Kofi.I'm excited to share that I'll be joining the podcast moving forward, bringing my perspective to each conversation.Part of my role is to make sure we highlight the things that might not always feel so obvious.Because if I'm learning something new, chances are you might be too.Thanks so much for tuning in, and I look forward to growing alongside you.Compound Growth with Wheeler and Collin, sponsored by Cofi Advisors.Reach out today.Yay!