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How financial stress can affect you.
Financial stress costs employers an average of $5000 per employee per year in lost productivity. It also increases health costs and turnover. We implement training and workshops in financial education providing tools for employees to help reduce financial stress and increase productivity, engagement and loyalty in the workplace. Financial wellness programs allow you to start budgeting, build savings, invest in your long term goals and improve your overall health and well-being. Contact us so we can begin to design your financial wellness program today!
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Importance of finding financial clarity.
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A career change led me to financial planning when I was recruited as a financial representative. I soon became licensed to sell life and health insurance products; consulting on financial goals and comprehensive planning. As I learned more about finance, I developed a strong desire to ensure my three college-aged daughters were financially savvy enough to maintain their independence. I further engaged with millennials entering the workforce, as well as small business owners navigating retirement plans and high net worth individuals in need of estate planning. Among them was a common thread~ the financial arena was confusing, and many had no idea where to start!
Helping people make smart money decisions.
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Teaching my clients the basics of budgeting, setting financial goals and investing in their financial future was satisfying. I wanted to help others who were intimidated by the complexities of finance and began SMART Money Matters to provide education and simplify financial matters. Today, I help organizations through workshops and seminars that engage individuals and provide the guidance needed to make smart money decisions. I have found that improving your financial life requires planning, which starts with setting goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART).
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Giving back to the community.
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My passion to teach has spread into my community, working with students and business owners. I have served on the board of Guilford A Better Chance for almost twelve years and found a need to address financial literacy with our college-bound scholars. By engaging the students within the program, I have seen them become empowered and develop strong leadership skills. I also serve as a volunteer at the Guilford High School Theatre Arts Program, and am responsible for organizing an annual benefit concert to raise funds to help support Guilford ABC. Music and the arts are a passion that is shared within our community.
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What I do in my free time.
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When I'm not developing a workshop or volunteering in the community, I enjoy travelling with my husband and three daughters to new destinations, exploring cultural attractions and different foods. In the summer, I often go on long walks, kayak on the sound or spend a day at the beach with a good book. We enjoy spending time with friends and going to places where we can visit a local winery, see live theater or go to an outdoor concert.
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Marie Berry
SMART Money Matters provides financial wellness programs that educate, engage and empower.
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