“What if you could have access to dozens of financial planners all on one day?” asked accomplished news anchor Tracy Davidson during a Solution Side news brief on NBC10. She was referring to the first ever Financial Focus Day held by the FPA (the Financial Planning Association of the Philadelphia Tri-State area) on October 3, 2009 in Malvern, PA where she would open the series of breakout seminars with a keynote speech to consumers.
In a phone interview, Tracy shared with me that FPA has been invaluable to her own research as she seeks to empower and educate the public through Consumer Alerts she shares on the air and Consumer Headlines she writes for her new website www.tracydavidson.com .
“On my website, we asked ‘What are you struggling with?’ and we received a lot of comments about getting a job. People don’t know what to do,” says Tracy, adding, “Networking is different now. Before, you had lunch with everyone you knew. Now, you can use social media like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.”
Facebook and Twitter began as user-friendly portals for individuals to connect online with friends and family. Observing their potential in reaching niche markets, the corporate arena is capitalizing wildly on the interest and demand. In contrast, LinkedIn.com began as a business tool to allow people of similar industries to connect through common employment sectors such as marketing, medical interests or teaching, to name a few. Used mainly as a professional networking tool, it should be taken seriously whether one is looking for or trying to keep a current job. By providing a place to upload and store one’s current resume and activities, employers and employees are able to search by terms, occupations, associations and more to find each other.
“Even if you have a job, get on and stay networked. For example, on LinkedIn, you can see who is doing things you want to do and ask others to make key introductions for you,” says Tracy.
Another popular question people ask Tracy is how they are going to pay their mortgage when taxes are up and income is down. She gives the advice to ask for help and not keep one’s head in the sand when there are many trustworthy financial advisors ready to go over financial and credit issues and help create a plan of action for paying down debt and finding a way to save. On the converse, there are also many scams one needs to watch out for as they seek the advice they need. Be wary of the many loan modification claims and commercials touting “We will help you.”
“And, if you are a first time home buyer with good credit, now is a great time to buy before the $8,000 tax credit expires at the end of this year,” adds Tracy with another quick tip.
In her ongoing efforts to support and uplift the members of the Delaware Valley in these tough economic times, Tracy continues to be active creating and attending events such as “The Great Shredder Event”, “The Money School”, small business seminars, DTV Transition help clinics and Phone Banks. Davidson’s website offers many links and resources to help consumers get the help they need when they need it.
On October 8th, Tracy will be joined by Kristin Kane of Kane Partners Staffing Solutions at the NBC10 studios to teach attendees how to “Rev Up Your Resume.” Attendees will hear from Kane regarding a well-crafted resume and expectations of an employer. Eight resume specialists will be on hand to review individual resumes and give pointers and tips. Jobseekers may register at http://nbc10.eventbrite.com. No walk-ins are allowed.
In The Phoenix, October 3rd, 2009
