💡Personal Development & Finance

Negotiation isn’t just reserved for the job or when asking for a raise. On vacation, it’s one of the most underrated money skills you can use. From upgrades at the hotel to buying souvenirs, I’ve saved thousands just by asking more savvy questions and being slightly bolder. Here’s how I do it — without being pushy, uncomfortable, […]

Let’s kill the myth: You don’t need to quit your job, raise a $2M pre-seed, and post founder-of-the-day stories on LinkedIn to be a true startup founder. Some of the biggest startup successes were started in the in-betweens — before work, after dinner, between meetings. That’s the actual grind. The not-glamorous one. So if you’re working full-time

When I started my part-time MBA at NYU Stern last year, I knew networking would be important. What I didn’t expect was just how overwhelming it would feel at first. Round-the-clock intros. Endless small talk. The anxiety of “sellingyourself” within three minutes or less. Every conversation started to sound the same — and honestly, it

What if I told you that luck isn’t just a product of random chance, but something you can actually cultivate? That outsized opportunity — those big, game-changing moments that seem to happen to the lucky ones — are, in fact, within your reach, and it doesn’t require waiting for some cosmic alignment or a random lottery win. In real

When I first started my MBA, I knew I didn’t just want to study business — I wanted to be in it. In the mess, the momentum, the ambiguity. I wanted to earn relevance, not just read about it. The best way to do that, I figured, wasn’t to wait for an opportunity or beg for one

In a world where it’s trendy to be “busy,” the feeling of time slipping away from us is increasingly familiar. Navigating the ever-larger digital landscape of notifications, emails, and social media all at the same time as being productive is exhuasting. The notion of “finding more time for things that bring joy” can sound great;

In a world where every generation tends to have its own unique spending and financial priorities, Gen Z is turning out to be one of the most fascinating cohorts to observe. As digital natives who came of age during an era of swift technological change, economic volatility, and global interconnectedness, Gen Z’s spending habits are

It’s 2025, and Gen Z is walking a tightrope between endless discounts, flashy ads, and the constant pressure to “treat yourself.” You’d think this generation, with all the options and Buy Now, Pay Later schemes at their fingertips, would be out here living large, swiping cards like there’s no tomorrow. But instead? They’re holding onto

With the modern world being so rapid, there’s just so much pressure, especially on Millennials and Gen Z, to build their own brand, launch a company, and be entrepreneurs before they’re even done with their early 20s. It seems like what society is saying is, “If you’re not launching your own company by 25, you’re

In today’s digital world, it is hard to avoid comparing yourself to others. Whether you’re looking at social media, seeing influencers show off their perfect lives, or hearing about your friends’ latest job successes, it’s simple to feel like you are not good enough. This “not enough” feeling sneaks in and makes you doubt your

Many of us nowadays are obtaining multiple jobs to earn extra income, follow our passion, or learn something new. Having a full-time job and several part-time jobs might make it feel like you’re always juggling assignments, deadlines, and expectations. The stress of doing well in both can very easily become overwhelming and leave you exhausted.

In society today, it would appear that nearly everything has a requisite label attached to it. From perfectly manicured nails to perfect haircuts, it is not difficult to imagine that these indulgences have become requisite for the sustenance of one’s self-esteem or societal status. Yet, when we take a closer look, many of the things

In the business world, making friends and being liked matter a lot. But in 2025, there’s a new buzzword taking over: Bizz Riz. So what is it, and why should you care? What is Bizz Riz? Bizz Riz is “Business Charisma” or “Business Swagger.” It is a mix of confidence, being articulate, and being a people

Image by Unsplash You might have heard of the 80/20 Rule, or Pareto Principle. It’s a simple idea that describes how 80% of results come from only 20% of efforts. When applied to business, this rule can transform the way you invest your time, money, and priorities. So what is it, and how can you harness

Come on: we all think we’re multitasking geniuses. Maybe you’re reading emails while brainstorming, texting your friend while listening to a podcast, or scrolling through Instagram while you “work.” It looks like you’re doing it all. But the thing is — task switching is quietly undermining your productivity and turning you into a frazzled, overwhelmed mess. And

Some mornings I wake up and say, I’ve got this, and other times ask, What am I doing? Balancing a full-time job in tech, part-time MBA at Stern, modeling, blogging, startup consulting, and social life at times feels like balancing on a tightrope and never knowing when I will fall off. But despite the chaotic

It’s 2025, and we’re all running around with our hair on fire. Between work, family, social lives, and the occasional existential crisis, time is probably the most precious thing we have. And yet we waste it like we’ve got an unlimited supply of it — because let’s be honest, if we had a dollar for every time

Come on, let’s be real: never have we had forecasting more complicated than it is today. From climate mayhem, world politics being well, a bit of a hot mess, robots rising up (we’re looking at you, AI), to the financial rollercoaster that just never ends, how can we possibly predict anything anymore? Spoiler alert: You

Travel is often touted as one of life’s greatest joys — an opportunity to explore new places, cultures, and experiences. From a quick weekend getaway to a long-haul trip abroad, travel has the potential to have a profoundly enriching, relaxing, and lifelong memorable impact upon the traveler. But in the midst of our hectic everyday lives, many

In professional sports, the journey to peak performance has traditionally been seen as a combination of conditioning, diet, and technique. Recently, though, the dialogue has expanded to include two more critical but oftentimes overlooked factors: breathing and mental health. As players strive for that next level of performance, more mental health professionals and breathing coaches

Over the past several years, a new trend has emerged in how Americans finance their lives: more and more young adults, as well as even older age groups, are turning to the Bank of Mom and Dad for loans. This trend, once thought to be an aberration, has now gone mainstream, particularly among city dwellers.

We’ve all heard it before: “Take risks, and you’ll be rewarded.” But what does taking risks actually look like when it comes to your career, and how does it differ when you’re in your twenties compared to your thirties? Does the idea of risk change as you get older? And is it really worth it

We’ve all been there. You’re sitting at your desk, scrolling through social media, watching successful entrepreneurs sharing their success stories, and you think to yourself, “I could do that.” Maybe you’ve even had that little spark of inspiration that made you believe starting your own business is your destiny. But then… nothing happens. You have

Do you sometimes feel like you just aren’t getting noticed either at work or in your industry? Maybe you know you have got the skills, yet you don’t quite know how to make yourself stand out-mostly when you don’t have all the credentials and experience that people say you are supposed to need to land

Ever notice how some brands just pop out of nowhere, then suddenly they’re everywhere? Like, one minute it’s just another Instagram account amidst the sea of ads, and the next, it’s that brand everyone is talking about. One of the interesting things about modern marketing is how a brand can go from being practically unknown

The moment students complete their undergrad, the pressure is on: should they dive into a job, travel abroad, or just head straight into grad school? For many students in the United States, the feeling of having to continue their education right after undergrad can be daunting-almost unnecessary. Most find the aspect of diving into graduate

We all have those times when we feel stuck. You’re in your job and getting the job done, but things aren’t quite improving as you had hoped. You want to grow — move forward in your career, assume greater responsibilities, and become more prominent in your field — but there is this one huge obstacle:

Image by Unsplash As a Gen Zer, you likely understand the dilemma between living life in the moment and saving for the future. Travel provides you with your own experiences, memories, and stress relief. Saving for the future, though, such as purchasing a home, career investment, or an emergency fund, seems important too. So how

AI is transforming nearly every industry, and sports are no exception. From improving athletes’ performance to changing the way fans experience the game, AI is turning out to be a handy tool. But with the exciting potential of AI comes the responsibility of understanding its implications-particularly by investors looking to capitalize on the intersection of

Two popular trends in the workplace have emerged, hinting at some major shifts in the behaviors of today’s workforce, at least among younger generations. Though the terms, coffee badging and quiet quitting may sound like jargon, they point to more deeper-seated problems that are reshaping how people relate to their jobs and careers. Let us

At some point in time, many of us have had to juggle more than one job at a time. Whether it be a full-time job and a side hustle, freelance gigs on top of a part-time role, or a blend of passion projects and work commitments, juggling multiple jobs has become a reality for many

Over the last several years, the alternative investment space has been growing exponentially, offering retail investors unique possibilities for portfolio diversification and access to some markets previously only open to affluent investors. Whether it be art, farmland, real estate, or even pre-seed startups, there are now a number of platforms that let you in with

At some point in life, many of us find ourselves stuck in a pattern of seeking outside validation, striving to please others, and becoming obsessed with public opinion. Such a destructive process can slowly erode our mental well-being and self-confidence. I was no exception to this phenomenon. In the past, I was one of those

In big cities, life comes at you like a wave, exciting, fast-paced, and full of opportunity. But it’s also easy to get overwhelmed by the noise, the crowds, the continuous motion, and the pressure to “keep up” with everyone else. From grueling commutes to tempting over-spending, it often seems as if the energy of the

Whether you’ve ever found yourself mindlessly scrolling through Instagram, watching as your friend posts the latest vacation pictures or a designer shopping haul and immediately feeling inadequate, you are not alone. The comparison trap is real, and with finances, it gets even more perilous. We are in a world where the success of everyone is

In a world that’s constantly in motion, it’s so easy to think of travel as this simple hobby-a fun way to escape, explore, and recharge. But what if we told you that travel isn’t just about ticking destinations off some list? What if it could be something much more transformative-something that elevates your life in

The wellness industry is on fire-and it’s showing no signs of slowing down. A new report reveals that wellness has officially outdone the pharmaceutical and sports industries in value, now sitting at an astonishing $6.3 trillion. That’s a growth of 26% since 2019, according to the latest analysis from the Global Wellness Institute (GWI). This

Let’s face it: post-graduation life is not exactly that dreamy fairy tale sold in school. After years of following rigid schedules, acing exams, and living in that comfortably structured world of academia, it can feel like you’ve been thrown into the chaotic deep end. For many graduates, it’s the overwhelming transition-from dorm life to full-time

At one point or another in life, many of us have lived with the nagging feeling of never being enough or even being stuck. Be it the post-high school blues, college post-graduation blues, or an overwhelming uncertainty that accompanies job changes or phases of life, this feeling of being in a holding pattern can be

As an MBA student, I am surrounded by advice from people who seem to know just how to make those lasting impressions and climb the corporate ladder. In such a hyper-competitive world, juggling your role as your loudest cheerleader with being present for your team can be overwhelmingly daunting. A significant part of this challenge

The very first thing that tends to come to mind when the word networking pops up relates to mere transactions and deals. While those may be the goals at the end of networking, there is certainly something much deeper involved. Networking became one of my core focuses this year with the beginning of the MBA

Last month, Greece made headlines by introducing a 6-day work week for all businesses and citizens across the country. At first glance, the idea might seem counterintuitive: why would anyone agree to work an extra day, even if it means fewer hours each day? This policy has sparked debates not only within Greece but also

In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, my generation and fellow recent grads are grappling with the nuances of hybrid work environments. Despite being adept with smartphones and having navigated Zoom-based education since we were little, the ease of sending quick messages to connect instead can sometimes undermine the challenge of building genuine connections face-to-face. Transitioning

Eating out has long been synonymous with luxury, but for many, it’s becoming less about indulgence and more about practicality. Depending on where you live, dining out can be convenient or costly, but what remains a common concern is the healthiness of restaurant meals compared to home-cooked food. Over the years, dining out has not

As a Gen Zer, one of my favorite hidden passions is fashion and forecasting the latest trends. Just like in the equity markets, unpacking streetwear and consumer habits thrills me. Although I was late to the Succession train, something I distinctly noticed in the series which illustrates fashion today is the focus on quiet luxury

There’s a classic saying: “You are the average of the people you are with.”  Whether you believe this to be true or not, we all possess some qualities, traits, and skills that were influenced upon us by those we spend significant time with. This statement often rings true and is a big predictor of who

In the bustling streets of New York City, traditional budgeting advice such as the 50/30/20 rule often falls short. For the first time in history Gen Z and Millennials are finding themselves worse off than their parents were at their age, thanks to inflation, high interest rates, and the relentless cost of city living. Nowadays

We’ve all heard the saying “time is money”. While it might have become a cliché, there’s a reason it’s so pervasive in our culture. However, obsessively trying to maximize every second for productivity can actually hinder our journey toward true fulfillment and wealth. The Myth of Wasting Time One popular piece of advice, which I’ve relied

When reflecting on our educational journey from grade school through college and beyond, it’s evident that much of our time is spent mastering core subjects and developing technical skills related to our desired fields. However, amidst the emphasis on textbook knowledge and technical proficiency, there’s a crucial aspect missing from traditional education: the cultivation of

Being an amateur in any field can be a daunting prospect. It’s akin to being the new kid at school — simply terrifying. You’re thrust into an unfamiliar environment, feeling as though all eyes are on you, waiting for you to make a mistake. Anything new can evoke fear because it requires vulnerability. However, in the journey

Embodying stealth wealth and maintaining a low profile might seem uncommon, especially for a 23-year-old part of a generation known for being fearless and vocal. However, unlike prior generations, Gen Z is remarkably comfortable discussing money and wearing less flashy more down-to-earth items to boost their mental, financial, and overall lifestyle. While there are stories

Once every 4 years, Americans, including myself, get excited about soccer, or football, and pretend we know all about it.  To be honest, I find it’s easier to follow than American football. Over the past few weeks since the tournament kicked off, I’ve seen more watch parties than actual holiday gatherings hosted in bars and

There’s no such thing as a perfect bank account or body. I know people who were happy without much and were/maybe still are miserable with too much. We don’t chase things, we chase the feeling we hope they (never really do) possess. Shift your purpose to change your life. It’s all relative and up to

This month the U.S. Michigan Consumer Sentiment Report found Americans are the most stressed in 11 years.  Last week, The American Psychological Association reported the results of their Stress in America survey indicating worries around Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and uncertainty with inflation are most alarming. This is a tumultuous time in the markets, especially

We are all guilty of it. We buy things simply because others have it, not because we need nor really want it. Life feels like a comparison game sometimes. A never ending cycle where we are competing against each other running in place. Consume a Peloton for that experience. Guilty as charged. Instead of ruminating