On November 8, the Charlotte Chapter held its third annual Making Cents event. The Charlotte Chapter’s Financial Literacy Committee Chair, Sarah Work, and Making Cents Coordinator, Miranda Edwards, reflect on the event:
Sarah: Miranda, since this was your first year as the Charlotte Chapter Making Cents Coordinator, what was your favorite part about planning the event this year?
Miranda: My favorite part about planning the event this year was getting to work with a great group of volunteers in the Charlotte area to bring this event together. Everyone was so helpful in spreading the word, seeking sponsors and giveaway items, and helping at the event.
M: What was your favorite part about the day of the event?
S: The energy this year was fantastic. All the presenters, participants, and volunteers had great energy. Everyone was engaged and eager to learn more about some great topics, including scholarships, stocks, retirement, mortgages, and budgeting. Attendees were exchanging ideas and learning from each other. The free food and snacks were also pretty tasty!
S: This was the third time we’ve held Making Cents in Charlotte, and the third year you’ve helped in some capacity. What consistent challenges do you see students and parents facing as college nears and how does Making Cents address those challenges?
M: The biggest challenge I see for parents and students is putting off the planning aspect until it’s almost too late. Making Cents addresses how time is a big factor in saving money for the future. It’s amazing to see student’s faces when they see examples of what they could invest in now and the future payoff their, versus if they bought the same investment 15 years from now. It really hits home with them how important the time factor is!
S: I agree with you. So many people see retirement as something way down the road. What they don’t realize is retirement planning can start as early as your first job, like babysitting or mowing grass for your neighbors. I believe one of the goals of Making Cents is to bring the conversation out into the open, so parents and students can have an open dialogue about money and set goals as a family.
S: Looking forward, what goals should we set for next year with Making Cents?
M: One major goal we should set for next year is increased awareness of the event by reaching out to more churches, after school programs, and private schools. We have had difficulty getting into Content Management System so we need to reach out to other places. Another goal would be to increase sponsorships and giveaways for the event. Also, we need to continue to lineup new and interesting speakers to keep this event exciting for the students.
Thank you again to all of our participants, volunteers, and sponsors. Together you “Make Cents”!
Sarah Work, CPA, is the mother of three and a Charlotte-area transplant from Ohio. Upon moving to the area in 2006, she began working at Farris, Cooke & Associates and has been there ever since. As the Financial Literacy Chair for the Charlotte Chapter, she worked closely with the Ohio Society of CPAs to bring FETCH! to North Carolina
Miranda is a recent Johnson & Wales graduate of the Management Accounting program. She is currently serving as the Audit, Tax, and Transaction Services Intern at Cherry Bekaert in Charlotte, North Carolina. She will also be serving as the Student Liaison for the Young CPA Cabinet. Miranda hopes to be attending Winthrop University in May 2014 to begin her degree towards a MBA with Accounting Emphasis.