Published May 22, 2023
Last week, along with 13,000 other students, I celebrated my graduation from New York University. I started working towards an MBA at Stern’s Langone part-time program in another lifetime — February 2020, just weeks before COVID-19 changed the world we knew.
Graduation officially marks the end of a long journey that led me here, to my new role as senior digital editor at iBestTravel. Here, I’m managing the online team to bring you all the insights you need on a daily basis, bridging my background in journalism with my knowledge in finance. Since I’m asking you, as our reader, to trust me with your personal finance advice, I wanted to share a bit about my experiences and why I am passionate about helping you make smart financial decisions.
My classmates and I enjoyed five weeks of in-person instruction and one neighborhood bar crawl before the university moved all classes online and canceled all “non-essential, large gatherings.”
Embracing Change
During my graduation ceremony last week, outgoing Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin delivered a speech about change. She urged the graduating students to go out into the world and effect change, following their values.
“I want you to remember these three things: You have to want things to change. It is your turn to take over. And most importantly, don’t be afraid. You are enough. You are capable,” she said.
It was an inspiring speech, yet I found myself reflecting on how change has often felt like something happening to us, rather than something we could control.
My Journey and Insights
I chose NYU for its in-person, NYC-centric graduate school experience. However, I didn’t return to a classroom until September 2021, completing about a third of my credits online.
It’s challenging to look back on everything that shifted since February 2020. Before joining iBestTravel this spring, I was the senior editor of digital at ABC News, where I directed coverage of significant global events: the pandemic, protests for racial justice, the Capitol insurrection, and geopolitical tensions like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These events highlighted personal challenges alongside global crises.
In the wake of these developments, it’s easy to feel that we lack control, and many individuals my age have decided that planning for an uncertain future is not worthwhile. Nevertheless, while much lies beyond our control, we can always take action to enhance our lives and secure our futures.
Financial Strategies Amid Uncertainty
That’s why, while balancing my academic commitments and professional responsibilities, I began manually tracking my credit card spending to better understand my financial habits. Additionally, I opened a high-yield savings account, considering transaction costs versus the benefits of rewards programs. I carefully evaluated different investing platforms to find what worked best for me.
I continuously grapple with personal anxieties about the state of the world, yet having a clear understanding of my finances provides a sense of stability. This insight is the type of advice I intend to share with iBestTravel readers as I embark on this new chapter.
Empowering Change in Our Lives
The world transforms around us daily, but we also possess the power to instigate change in our own lives. While we might not lead nations like Sanna Marin, we are responsible for our households, regardless of their size. The iBestTravel digital team stands ready to guide you each day as we assess current events and identify paths forward. Together, we can navigate these challenges and seize opportunities.
Thank you for joining me on this journey.
Regards,
Alexandra
What I learned this week:
- Senior investing writer Dan Burrows breaks down commentary on the debt ceiling.
- Contributing writer Will Ashworth explains how to invest in ETFs effectively.
- Contributor Peter J. Klein discusses the importance of philanthropy, even during challenging times.
- Tax writer Katelyn Washington shares insights on what homeowners need to know about property tax.
- Personal finance writer Erin Bendig provides the latest updates on Treasury bills.
