Q: Can you tell me about your background?
A: I have an undergraduate degree in finance and management and an MBA in business. After spending 20 years in retail banking and gaining substantial business experience in corporate settings, I achieved my MBA as a personal goal. My mentor at Delaware Valley University introduced me to adjunct teaching, and I was inspired by the experience of helping students realize their potential. This led me to pursue a Ph.D. in business to become a professor.
Over the past 10 years I’ve been teaching, and often encounter similar questions from students about how to do adult things like signing a lease, buying a car, how to save money, etc. I aim to connect concepts that aren’t covered elsewhere and bring knowledge, particularly to underserved communities, where access to information is limited.
Q: How did you end up teaching at CHC?
A: I began my career as an adjunct professor in 2017 and later transitioned to a full-time role teaching economics, business, and HR management courses. Over time, I developed concentrations in finance and supply chain management. Additionally, I currently serve as the graduate program director for the master’s in organizational leadership program.
Q: Can you tell me more about organizational leadership?
A: We strive to stay aligned with student needs and evolving trends in education. The organizational leadership program emphasizes that there is always room for growth, regardless of one’s undergraduate degree. This program is beneficial for everyone, as it covers topics such as ethics and leadership, how to analyze the financial stability of a company, and the distinction between leadership and management.
Q: What was the impetus for the book?
A: I had the idea for my book about 10 years ago, but it remained on hold until I completed my PhD in 2021. In September 2022, I met Elin Hilderbrand at an author panel, which inspired me to seek out a publisher. I connected with Naren from Amplify Publishing Group in June 2023, who expressed interest and requested the manuscript by September. The book is intended to provide financial literacy information and raise awareness, serving as a starting point for further research rather than a comprehensive guide.
Q: Who is this book for?
A: My target audience includes busy single moms and college students who are juggling multiple responsibilities. The book focuses on personal budgeting, including the 50-30-20 rule and the Rule of 72 for investing. While there are many extensive books on investing, I aimed to create a more holistic guide that incorporates practical life skills along with financial advice.
Q: How did you choose the title for your book, and what significance does it hold for you?
A: Raising my children made me realize that as they reached the age of 18, they faced a significant transition. Although 18 is the legal age of adulthood, many young people lack the education and resources that come with being an adult. We expect students to take responsibility for their actions, but without proper rules and guidance, it’s challenging for them to navigate their future. We need to provide them with the direction and support they need to succeed.
Q: What research did you conduct for this book?
A: The research for this book primarily involved finding statistics related to housing and car prices. Additionally, it draws on my personal experiences and the insights shared by thousands of students over the past 10 years.
Q: What’s been the feedback about the book so far?
A: The feedback has been very positive, and I included quotes from two college students and a college librarian, who previewed the book to ensure it reflects the perspectives and needs of today’s college students.
Q: How did you get the word out about your new book?
A: To promote the book’s release, I launched a podcast in January of 2024 aimed at students and their parents. The podcast goes beyond financial topics to address feelings of being overwhelmed, navigating mental health with respect to money, and finding the right career path. For example, one chapter of the book focuses on finding the right path and exploring various funding options, emphasizing that a four-year degree isn’t the only route to success and highlighting available alternatives.
The podcast has reached 93% of its audience in the U.S. and has also reached people in Russia, Portugal, and Australia, among other countries. I share my insights from a perspective of experience rather than advanced knowledge. My tagline is, “Be invaluable for what you share – not what you know.”
The book has also been featured on Talking Wealth TV and is actively promoted through Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
Q: What was the most rewarding moment you experienced during the writing process?
A: It’s been rewarding to see my work being recognized as valuable. I’ve been invited to interviews and events like the Pyramid Club, which has provided further validation of my efforts. Seeing the physical books delivered was especially fulfilling. Although it’s a short book, it’s a hardcover with a jacket, not a paperback, which makes it feel that much more real and important.
Q: What do you hope readers will take away from your book?
A: My goal is to get my book into every high school. I’ve spoken with career coaches who specialize in entrepreneurship, and they have shown interest in purchasing the book for their students. Additionally, guidance counselors from high schools in Maryland and New York are considering using it as reading material. Typically, 8th graders are introduced to basic career concepts, and having this book could be highly beneficial. In addition, CHC’s WCHC course for incoming first year students could incorporate the book as a tool, allowing students to read the first chapter and engage in an experiential learning exercise.
