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Trends with Benefits #57: Flipping the Financial Literacy Script with Janet Alvarez

June 24, 2021

Listen Time 29:53 MIN

 

This week Janet Alvarez, TV and online contributor to CNBC and Telemundo and Executive Editor at Wise Bread joins me to discuss the importance of financial literacy; the specific areas that many consumers struggle with, how COVID has further exacerbated the wealth gap among people of color and the steps people can take to financially prepare and protect themselves from the next crisis.

Main Street Versus Wall Street

While financial literacy feels like it’s becoming a popular topic, the rate of financial illiteracy in the U.S. continues to increase. Janet and I begin our conversation by discussing some of the challenges that come with encouraging consumers to become financially educated. For many, financial literacy does not become a topic of interest until it becomes so out of necessity. Financial advisors and fund managers play an important role in this puzzle. Janet reminds us that while one may think technical and highly sophisticated content is in the highest of demand, many people still struggle with the basics and need information on how to manage aspects of day-to-day financial planning and well-being.

COVID has been a very challenging time in many ways, including financially. Unfortunately, this financial burden has been more apparent and uprooting for some, particularly those of color. Janet highlights the heightened unemployment rate for people of color during COVID and discusses some of the long-term effects this could have in the existing wealth gap. As with everything else these days, journalism is becoming more digitalized. Janet discusses the power of social media in journalism, but also stresses the new onus that has been placed on the consumer to fact check.

Trend or Fad

Listen for Janet’s take on the meme stock trading, social media as a news source, migration to sunbelt states and thematic investing.

Follow Ed Lopez @ThatEdLopez on Twitter and Janet Alvarez @janetonthemoney on Twitter.

You can listen and subscribe to this podcast on Apple PodcastsSpotifyStitcherSoundCloud, and YouTube.

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Please note that Van Eck Securities Corporation (an affiliated broker-dealer of Van Eck Associates Corporation) may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) discussed in this podcast.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker(s) but not necessarily those of VanEck. Commentaries are general in nature and should not be construed as investment advice. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Any discussion of specific securities/financial instruments mentioned in the commentary is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these securities. Fund holdings will vary. All indices mentioned are measures of common market sectors and performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Information on holdings, performance and indices can be found at vaneck.com.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

Van Eck Associates Corporation

IMPORTANT DISCLOSURES

Please note that Van Eck Securities Corporation (an affiliated broker-dealer of Van Eck Associates Corporation) may offer investments products that invest in the asset class(es) discussed in this podcast.

The views and opinions expressed are those of the speaker(s) but not necessarily those of VanEck. Commentaries are general in nature and should not be construed as investment advice. Certain statements contained herein may constitute projections, forecasts and other forward looking statements, which do not reflect actual results, are valid as of the date of this communication and subject to change without notice. Information provided by third party sources are believed to be reliable and have not been independently verified for accuracy or completeness and cannot be guaranteed. Any discussion of specific securities/financial instruments mentioned in the commentary is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy these securities. Fund holdings will vary. All indices mentioned are measures of common market sectors and performance. It is not possible to invest directly in an index. Information on holdings, performance and indices can be found at vaneck.com.

All investing is subject to risk, including the possible loss of the money you invest. As with any investment strategy, there is no guarantee that investment objectives will be met and investors may lose money. Diversification does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

Van Eck Associates Corporation