On January 30th, Alex Knepp, Senior Vice President and Financial Planner at German American Bank, alongside Nate Raber, a former teacher transitioning into financial planning, shared their expertise with the Daviess County CEO Cohort. Their message was clear: career paths can change, and finding a profession that doesn’t feel like a job is key to long-term success.
During the session, Alex provided invaluable wisdom, emphasizing the importance of future planning. He encouraged students with the advice: "No matter how clueless you are right now, do the best you can with what is in front of you. Always leave good impressions, and don’t shut doors—keep them open."
He stressed the importance of flexibility in career choices and financial planning, underscoring that financial planners aim to build lifetime partnerships with their clients.
Alex highlighted how the decisions made in the next three to four years could have lasting financial impacts. He compared the financial trajectories of individuals entering the workforce immediately after high school versus those pursuing a college degree, reinforcing the significance of early financial planning.
He also educated the cohort on key financial principles, including:
Maximizing employer matches in retirement accounts.
The Rule of 72, which helps estimate investment growth over time.
Investing strategies, comparing mutual funds to individual stocks.
Being proactive and aggressive in financial planning, starting early to maximize returns.
Additionally, Alex discussed the versatility of an accounting degree, demonstrating how it can lead to various career paths within finance and beyond.
One of the most critical takeaways was the power of time as a fundamental tool in investing. By encouraging the cohort to consider the long-term effects of their financial choices, Alex and Nate provided them with both knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, the Daviess County CEO Cohort expressed sincere gratitude to Alex and Nate for their time and expertise. Their insights not only equipped students with essential financial knowledge but also inspired them to take ownership of their futures with confidence and responsibility.