Jennifer Noonan
My career in financial services spans over 25 years, with experience in a range of different roles and areas within the industry.
In the last 12 years or so I have focused on financial planning and developing advice and strategies that are tailored to the client's goals. Part of that process is educating clients on what the advice is, and how it will assist them meet their objectives. Every day I experience how financial literacy impacts on our financial choices and well being.
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My passion for education has highlighted even further, the many different levels of financial literacy in our community and the impact that knowledge can have on people’s lives.
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One common theme has been the perceived lack of education provided within the school environment and limited understanding of the broader economic and financial landscape. The general financial literacy levels in our community appear to remain stagnant, particularly with women and young adults.
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Why did I write this book?
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In writing this book my aim was to use my expertise to reach teenagers and young adults and provide them with the basic knowledge and skills they need to be financially literate. Everyone deserves the opportunity to learn about the fundamentals of financial life, after all, there is a long standing saying that 'knowledge is power." I really hope that sharing my knowledge will improve financial literacy for young people and empower them to make informed financial decisions earlier in life.
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With three children of my own I am experiencing firsthand different financial behaviours and how these already impact on their overall financial positions. Two are spenders and one is a saver, so my focus is to work with them to appreciate money, saving versus spending and the choices they make. Your Financial Universe explores these concepts in an easy to follow format and provides practical approaches that any young person can take.
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One of the insights I have also gained from exposure to a range of different audiences, from new entrants into financial services through to university students and professionals, is that it is never too late to start learning, however the earlier you understand the financial landscape, the bigger the impact can be. This is easily demonstrated in the Compounding example outlined in 'Your Financial Universe'.
