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
The short of it:
Writer. Health, education, and art advocate. Theater and film producer. Visual artist. Product geek. Proud alumnae of the University of Pennsylvania (BA) and the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia (MBA). Inspired by ancient wisdom & modern tech. Proliferator of goodness. Opener of doors. Friend to animals. Fan of creative work in all its wondrous forms. I use my business skills to create passion projects that build a better world. I’ve been called the happiest New Yorker, and I try hard to live up to that title every day.
The long of it:
My career has stretched across Capitol Hill, Broadway theatre, education, nonprofit fundraising, health and wellness, and Fortune 500 companies in retail, media, entertainment, technology, and financial services. I’ve been a product developer and product manager, theater manager, strategic consultant, marketer, voice over artist, , teacher, and fundraiser. I use my business and storytelling to support and sustain passion projects that build a better world. In every experience, I’ve used my sense of and respect for elegant design to develop meaningful products, services, programs, and events.
While building a business career, I also built a strong portfolio as a journalist, novelist, freelance writer, interviewer, presenter, and public speaker. My writing has appeared in The Washington Post, The Huffington Post, PBS.org, Boston.com, Royal Media Partners publications, and The Motley Fool on a wide range of topics including business, technology, science, health, education, culture, and lifestyle. I have also been an invited speaker at SXSW, Teach for America, Avon headquarters, Games for Change, NYU, Columbia University, Hunter College, and the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. The first book in my young adult book series, Emerson Page and Where the Light Enters, was acquired by a publisher and launched in November 2017. I’m currently working on the second book in the series.
A recovering multi-tasker, I’m equally at home in front of my Mac, on my yoga mat, walking my rescue dog, Phineas, traveling with a purpose, or practicing the high-art of people watching. I also cut up small bits of paper and put them back together as a collage artist.
My company:
I’m bringing together all of my business and creative career paths as the Founder of Double or Nothing Media:
• I craft products, programs, and projects that make a difference;
• I build the business plans that make what I craft financially sustainable;
• I tell the stories that matter about the people, places, and products that inspire me.
Follow my adventures on Twitter at https://twitter.com/christanyc and Instagram at https://instagram.com/christarosenyc.
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 Avampato 
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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