This event is exclusively for College of Engineering graduate students. A light lunch is provided for those who join us in the Lurie Engineering Center.As a grad student, you’re juggling research, papers, and probably some late-night snacks. But one thing you can’t afford to neglect? Your financial future! Whether you’re eyeing a career that pays off big-time or just trying to survive on a student budget, this class is your financial game plan.Join our guest presenter, Dr. Erika Moore, for a special class for graduate students. She is a scientist, professor, and a financially savvy superhero! After tackling a mountain of student loans while juggling grad school, side hustles, and late-night study sessions, she not only earned her Ph.D. but also paid off every penny of her debt. Now, she’s on a mission to teach her students the financial tricks she wishes she’d known sooner, helping them navigate the world of higher education—without the stress of debt hanging over their heads. Class Breakdown:1. Budgeting & Saving (Because Grad School Isn’t Cheap)We know those student loans are real, but that doesn’t mean you can’t manage your money like a pro! Learn the best budgeting strategies—whether it’s the 50/30/20 Rule, or the classic Zero-Based Budget—to stretch your dollars without sacrificing your lifestyle. We’ll also discuss the importance of financial goal setting and building an emergency fund so you never have to hit "pause" on your goals.2. Making Investments (Channel Your Inner Shark)
Want to get in on the next big thing? Whether you're eyeing the stock market, exploring real estate, or thinking about your retirement, we'll teach you how to make your money work for you—no complicated jargon, just easy-to-understand tools like Roth IRAs, brokerage accounts, and more. Get ready to diversify your financial portfolio like a true investor!3. Navigating Career Moves & Money (Planning Your Own Glow-Up)
If you’ve seen those “how I went from broke to CEO” success stories, you know it takes smart planning. We'll guide you through estimating your expenses after graduation, planning for life after college, and aligning your future career with your financial goals. It's never too early to think about retirement—even if you're just starting your journey.Meet Your Money MentorDr. Erika Moore is an Assistant Professor within the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the University of Maryland, College Park, where she serves as the Principal Investigator of the Moore Lab and is also the President of Moore Wealth, Inc. She has created national scholarships and serves as a seminar speaker for multiple organizations throughout the United States. Dr. Moore is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and has been featured in CNBC, Forbes, and BuzzFeed. Moore Wealth Inc. has been awarded the Constellation Prize for Financial Literacy and Equity for empowering historically excluded students to pursue STEM careers through financial literacy.