VIRGINIA TECH® Magazine | How to : Manage Your Finances
- YGC Wealth
- May 1
- 2 min read
Tips for every stage of life
Rianka Dorsainvil ’09 entered Virginia Tech as a math major but soon realized she wanted to pursue a career with more interpersonal interaction. After taking a personal finance class, Dorsainvil was eager to share her new knowledge and ultimately found her professional calling in the field.
Today, Dorsainvil, who earned a degree in agricultural and applied economics, is a certified financial planner in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Through her work, she recognized a need to equip a broader population with the same tools and knowledge given to wealthy clients.
In 2013, Dorsainvil debuted a blog to empower young professionals. Then, in 2015, she founded Your Greatest Contribution, a virtual firm offering financial advice via video conferencing. Following several strategic business transitions, Your Greatest Contribution was relaunched, existing as YGC Wealth today.
This fall, Dorsainvil, who has been part of the CNBC Advisory Council for eight years, was interviewed by Sharon Epperson, CNBC senior personal finance correspondent, about redefining retirement across the generations working today. Recently, she offered financial guidance tailored to Virginia Tech alumni at different life stages.
INVEST IN YOUR FUTURE
CURRENT STUDENTS
Master cash flow management: Create a budget that balances tuition, living expenses, and some fun. Use apps such as YNAB or Monarch Money to track spending.
Start building credit responsibly: Consider a student credit card but pay the balance in full each month.
RECENTLY GRADUATED (LESS THAN THREE YEARS)
Take advantage of campus resources: Attend financial literacy workshops and seek guidance from the financial aid office.
Begin investing small amounts: Even $20 a month in a low-cost index fund through apps such as Acorns can teach valuable lessons about the market.
Tackle student loans strategically: Understand your repayment options and consider refinancing if it makes sense for your situation.
Maximize employer benefits: Contribute enough to your 401(k) to get the full company match. It’s free money!
Build an emergency fund: Aim for three to six months of expenses in a high-yield savings account.
Consider term life insurance: If you have dependents or financial responsibilities for others, a basic term policy can offer valuable peace of mind.
Start thinking about your legacy: Create a will and designate beneficiaries on your retirement accounts.
