Dive into the latest episode as co-hosts Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught unravel the intricacies of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and how they are shaping the corporate world today. This insightful discussion provides a deep dive into real-world applications and impacts of DEI. Key Takeaways: • Financial Motivation Behind DEI: While many perceive DEI initiatives as politically motivated, they are often rooted in financial strategies. Studies show that diversity, especially in corporate settings, enhances financial outcomes. • Real-world Examples and Impact: From redefining 401(k )contribution educational sessions to transforming maternity policies into inclusive parental leave policies, tailoring DEI initiatives can lead to a more engaged and financially secure workforce. • Investment Strategies vs. Consumer Influence: Support for DEI can extend beyond investing in stocks. Leveraging consumer power by supporting diverse and inclusive businesses directly can have a significant impact. Tune in to explore how your financial decisions might intersect with your values!

Join Emily Agosto and Amanda Vaught as they explore the dynamic shifts in the economy and provide valuable lessons for investors moving forward. Key Takeaways from the Episode: Economic Predictions vs. Reality: Throughout 2024, many anticipated a recession that never fully materialized. Over time, it became evident that the economy was more resilient than expected, highlighting the uncertainty and challenges in predicting market conditions. International vs. Domestic Stocks: The U.S. stock market outperformed international markets significantly in 2024. Many portfolios unknowingly held significant international exposure, emphasizing the importance of understanding where your investments lie. Tech Dominance & Diversification: While tech stocks continued to attract attention, sectors such as financials and industrials also showed strong performance. This underscores the importance of maintaining a diversified portfolio to capture gains from various market segments. Tune in to gain more insights and make informed decisions for your financial future. We’re here to help you navigate your path to achieving your financial goals.

In our latest episode of Connecting the Dollars, Amanda Vaught and Emily Agosto discuss how our 2024 resolutions shaped up and set our sights on new goals for 2025. Here are three key takeaways: Accountability Matters: Amanda found that setting a reading goal and using Goodreads for tracking helped her stay on course. This method, she notes, can spill over into financial goals – having accountability can make a huge difference. Self-Care & Boundaries: Emily shared how prioritizing self-care allowed her to handle the stress of tax season better, and made her more present and grounded. Setting clear boundaries at work (and home) can translate into a healthier, more balanced life. Evaluate & Adapt: If you're falling short of your financial savings goal or any other goal, don't stress. Adjust and find a balance that lets you live fully while still working towards your objectives. Incremental changes, automated savings, and celebrating small victories are key. We invite our listeners to share their New Year's resolutions with us. Let's make 2025 a year of growth, both personally and financially.

Major life events are great times to get personalized financial advice. Emily & Amanda believe that ongoing quality financial advice can have a greater impact than merely seeking advice for one-off events. There is a big difference between getting the advice and actually implementing it.