The Investment Scientist

Recently, I’ve noticed a recurring theme in my conversations with clients and friends: economic anxiety, even among those who are financially well-off. 

Take, for example,  a friend of mine who works at Meta. With total compensation exceeding $350,000, she’s comfortably in the top tier of American income earners. Yet a large house, a luxury car, and costly extracurriculars for her children mean she’s living paycheck to paycheck.

On top of that, her work demands are immense. Not only does she work standard office hours, but late-night meetings with overseas suppliers are a daily occurrence, leaving her burnt out and longing for a less demanding role. However, the thought of a pay cut and the lifestyle changes it would bring prevent her from exploring alternatives, even as her health suffers.

She recently came to me for a second opinion financial review. While I didn’t magically solve her issues overnight, I did provide clear direction. The relief she experienced was so tangible that she shared her experience with several Meta colleagues, all of whom reached out for similar guidance.