The club was created for students who are interested in careers in financial planning, who want to expand their networks and their knowledge of personal finance.

Berger & Smith talked to the group of students about how they started their careers, the importance of managing their personal finances, and some advice on finding jobs in a tough economic climate.

“Be creative.” said Berger. “Everyone has to start somewhere. If you are interested in a specific field, be open to taking an internship or part-time position if you are not able to find full-time work. This could always lead to a more permanent situation or provide you with skills that make you a more attractive candidate to other employers.”

They also encouraged students to start a 401k plan at work, citing that “Starting a savings and investment plan early in your career can help you accumulate wealth more easily than someone who doesn’t start saving until their 30’s or 40’s.”

Chad Smith & Allison Berger are NCSU College of Management alumni, both receiving bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance (in 2000 & 2004, respectively).

To read more advice given by Smith & Berger, and learn more about the Personal Finance Club, click here for the full article.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

RALEIGH (AUGUST 31, 2009) – On Saturday, Sept. 19th from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., local professionals have combined their efforts to give back to the community by providing free financial, tax and estate planning guidance to the public.

The professionals participating in these one-on-one consultations will include:

• Chad Smith and Allison Berger, two independent Certified Financial Planners® from Financial Symmetry, Inc.
• Zeke Bridges, an Estate Planning Attorney with  Bridges Law Firm, PLLC
• Will Holt, CPA with Financial Symmetry, Inc.

The recent economic turmoil has left many people with hard-to-answer questions like:

• Are my investments properly diversified?
• What does my recovery plan look like?
• How will this year’s losses impact my tax bill next year?
• Should I create an estate plan?
• What’s the best way to budget my expenses?
• Should I be contributing to my 401(k) and a Roth IRA?

This event was designed to help give people guidance about where to find answers in a “no strings attached” environment.  Anyone seeking advice is encouraged to bring documents relevant to his/her situation such as 401(k), IRA and Brokerage account statements, tax returns, and wills and estate related information.

“The last two years have been a wake-up call for people financially.  Our desire with these one-on-one meetings is to help people understand the implications of the economic crisis while giving them some practical advice on how they can improve their personal situation,” said Chad Smith, CFP.

The event will be held in the Financial Symmetry offices located at 1401 Sunday Drive, Suite 115.

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About Financial Symmetry
www.financialsymmetry.com

Financial Symmetry, Inc provides fee-only financial planning, portfolio management and wealth management services for individuals and their families. “Fee-only” means we neither sell products nor receive commissions, which allows us to offer our clients the impartial advice necessary to make effective financial decisions.

About Bridges Law Firm, PLLC
www.bridgeslawnc.com

Bridges Law Firm, PLLC offers clients an integrated approach to legal representation, combining the practical aspects of real estate law and estate planning within a single, personal service oriented firm.

We serve our clients with legal professionalism and a commitment to individualized attention.