I’ve heard a lot of people resolve to get a hold of their finances in 2010. 2009 knocked us all for a loop. Almost every one of our preconceptions about working and earning was turned on its head last year, and we’ve vowed to never be in that position again. Trouble is, how are we going to avoid 2009, the sequel? Where do we start?
Welcome to Smart Cookies, a clan of 20 and 30 somethings who got together for one main reason: to turn around their financial futures. They were successful women with good jobs and not much to show for it. They formed a money group and together developed strategies to improve their finances and still have fun. Now they’re sharing what they learned in a few ways: in their book, on TV, and through their on-line community.
My favorite feature on the website is the opportunity to join a local money group to get your financial engine running in the right direction and keep it that way. Check out what the Smart Cookies have to offer you on your road to financial good fortune.
Published by Christa Avampato
IN BRIEF
Author, journalist, digital product manager, and licensed New York City tour guide. Creator and host of NYC's Secrets and Lies. Alumna of the University of Pennsylvania (BA), the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA), Arizona State University (Biomimicry), and the University of Cambridge (MSt in Sustainability Leadership).
I build digital media platforms, report on urban climate resilience and biodiversity, and produce live narrative experiences that connect communities to history, nature, and place.
THE DEEP DIVE
My work centers on a single thread: building systems and stories that foster deep connection to our shared world. Across digital streaming, environmental reporting, and live civic storytelling, I design experiences that help people understand complex ideas and the environments around them.
DIGITAL PRODUCT STRATEGY & MEDIA LEADERSHIP
At Carnegie Hall, I serve as Digital Product Manager, leading product strategy, operations, and technical delivery for the video streaming platform Carnegie Hall+. I translate artistic mission into scalable, high-performance streaming architecture that reaches audiences globally. Previously, I led agile product and delivery teams across operations and compliance at American Express, managed Broadway theatrical productions and national tours, and guided strategic initiatives across cultural institutions.
ENVIRONMENTAL JOURNALISM & AUTHORSHIP
As a freelance journalist, I investigate how living systems, urban infrastructure, and human culture intersect. My reported features on urban decarbonization, biodiversity, coastal resilience, and biomimicry appear in publications including Smithsonian Magazine, The Washington Post, Mongabay, Natural History Magazine, and Foreign Policy Magazine. In fiction, I write the Emerson Page young adult novel series, alongside upcoming historical fiction and nonfiction works on New York history, mythology, and human resilience. I also write Togetherhood, a LinkedIn newsletter focused on urban ecology and community restoration, and co-host the podcast Frameworks in the Wild.
LIVE EXPERIENCE & CIVIC STORYTELLING
As a licensed New York City tour guide and live event producer, I transform urban landscapes into shared narrative encounters. I created, produce, and host NYC's Secrets and Lies, an interactive live storytelling series staged across cultural landmarks including the New York Transit Museum, the South Street Seaport Museum, and the historic tall ship Wavertree. I also design and lead site-specific walking tours exploring coastal ecology, food history, and neighborhood evolution, often with partners at Climate Week NYC and the Natural Areas Conservancy.
DOUBLE OR NOTHING MEDIA
Through my independent production studio, Double or Nothing Media, I develop ventures across media, ecology, and public history:
Digital Products & Strategy: Architecting scalable digital platforms, streaming experiences, and operational models for mission-driven institutions.
Environmental Reporting & Publications: Delivering long-form reporting, books, and newsletters grounded in climate resilience and regenerative design.
Site-Specific Live Storytelling: Producing immersive live shows and educational walking tours that engage public audiences in community history.
CONNECT
Website & Production Hub: doubleornothingmedia.com and christaavampato.com
Newsletter: Togetherhood on LinkedIn - linkedin.com/newsletters/togetherhood-7273771832221089792/
Instagram & Threads: @christarosenyc
Emerson Page Novels: emersonpagebook.wordpress.com/
View all posts by Christa Avampato
I’ve heard a lot of people resolve to get a hold of their finances in 2010. 2009 knocked us all for a loop. Almost every one of our preconceptions about working and earning was turned on its head last year, and we’ve vowed to never be in that position again. Trouble is, how are we going to avoid 2009, the sequel? Where do we start?
Christa:
Thanks for your latest post. It made for great reading.
Well, sorry to hear about how 2009 was not the best for you financially, but it can only get better from now onwards. The right consultants can help to guide you.
It seems like you have worked so hard to get where you are now, and I think you deserve to be financially comfortable. Personally, I enjoy it when people do well.
Once again, it seems, you have found a clan: a great group of people, a support system you can count on when the chips are down. And it gladdens my heart whenever I learn that you are moving forward with your life.
The only concern I have is…and maybe I am wrong…and feel free to correct me..but it just seems like companies these days are interested in cost-cutting measures, and are demanding more from their employees even in the management ranks.
Consequently, MBAs like you may be hired for less and may have to take on additional responsibilities. I am not sure this is true for all companies–maybe there are exceptions to the rule–but that’s what I have been told; and read about in the media. Hence the need to be a generalist and develop cross-functional skills too.
Yes, with the economic downturn it seems like a lot of people are suffering in the job market, but keep your chin up. I am sure a brighter future is just round the bend.
Working with your clan, you will find creative solutions, and I am sure your financial wheels will get back on track. As always, I wish you the best and cheers to your life!
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Hi Archan,
I totally agree – people are hired for less and expected to do more. It’s why I think we will see a huge exodus from corporate America to start-ups once the economy improves a bit or people just get comfortable with taking more risk.
I have to say that I am extraordinarily blessed – 2009 was actually a very good financial year for me precisely because I was so concerned about losing my job. I work in a very volatile industry that has been incredibly effected by the down-turn so for me, I kept socking away as much money as I could to protect myself. It was a happy side-effect for me.
I had many friends and family members who did not fare so well and that was very difficult to experience. I hope 2010 is a better financial year for everyone, and I think organizations like Smart Cookies is a way for people to get their financial bearings again in this new economy.
Thank you as always for your thoughtfulness and ingenuity.
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