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Hailan Yu, Williams College, Sophomore, Summer 2025 For the first time in American history, the sticker price for undergraduate tuition has officially surpassed $100,000 a year. Wellesley College recently announced that its full annual cost of attendance will pass this figure for the 2025–2026 academic year. Other highly ranked institutions are not far behind, with annual costs climbing well above $90,000 ( CBS News, 2025 ). Tuition sticker prices at many elite colleges are set to rise by 4% or more this year, signaling a troubling trend in higher education affordability ( Forbes, 2025 ). “It’s honestly shocking that tuition is hitting $100,000 a year, and we don’t even know where that money is going,”  said Felicity Cole, college student.  While some may argue that financial aid helps low- and middle-income families, increases to cost of attendance widen the gap between the institutional cost of delivering education and the financial capacity of most American households. Even students receiving aid often face steep out-of-pocket expenses or are forced to take on significant debt. These rising costs are not coming out of nowhere. A sharp increase in U.S. tariffs is further driving up expenses. As of June 2025, the average effective tariff rate has surged to 14.2%, up from just 2.3% last year ( Fitch Ratings, 2025 ).  These tariffs, aimed primarily at imports from China and other major trading partners, are inflating the prices of goods and services that colleges depend on. Additionally, the Senate’s version of the OBBA was passed in July 2025 “[holds] colleges accountable for the earnings of former students who received federal financial aid,”  increasing the financial burden of a college education even more ( EAB, 2025 ). Jonathan Fansmith, the senior vice president for government relations and national engagement at the American Council on Education, told Forbes that the bill shifts both jurisdiction and funding away from institutions to the federal government, preventing schools from using the money for what the school and students want like financial aid support ( Forbes, 2025 ). Hannah Surrette, political science student researcher, advises prospective students to be proactive, “to take the time to research each school’s financial aid system, including need-based and merit-based scholarships, work-study opportunities, and private and federal loan practices… it’s important they understand the full financial commitment of attending their top-choice institutions” . Statistics:  https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2025/04/01/tuition-sticker-prices-increasing-by-4-or-more-at-many-elite-colleges/   https://www.fitchratings.com/research/sovereigns/world-economy-will-slow-sharply-despite-us-china-tariff-de-escalation-26-06-2025   https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/news/wellesley-college-tufts-university-tuition-costs/   https://eab.com/resources/blog/student-success-blog/what-the-obbb-and-the-new-carnegie-classification-could-mean-for-higher-education-accountability/   Interviews:  Hannah Surrette, Williams College Stanley Kaplan Scholar The Stanley Kaplan Program in American Foreign Policy enables students to pursue studies of the past, present, and future of American leadership in world affairs. Thanks to a generous contribution from a donor, the program is able to bring distinguished visiting professors in both history and political science to spend a year offering courses to students at Williams. Students who are particularly interested in American foreign policy leadership have the opportunity of pursuing a concentration in leadership studies. Felicity Cole, Sophomore at Davidson College Questions for Hannah:  As a Stanley Kaplan Program in American Foreign Policy scholar that focuses on world affairs, what are your opinions on tariffs on upper level education in America?  What do you foresee for the future in terms of tariffs and tuition prices?  What are your opinions on the OBBA in terms of tuition prices? Questions for Felicity:  Context: Wellesley is the first school to increase their cost of attendance for the 25-26 school to $100K. Other elite schools, especially liberal arts colleges, are soon to follow suit, also increasing their tuition every year (not past $100K yet) As a liberal arts college student, what are your thoughts on another liberal arts college, Wellesley, increasing the cost of attendance to over $100k for the 2025-2026 school year? In your time at Davidson, have you seen the school increase programs, student sizes, or projects that may have been the reason that the cost of attendance increased for students? Do you think that Trump’s tariff policies may have taken a toll on the increase of material costs for liberal arts college students and thus the increase in cost of attendance for liberal arts college students? “[the bill is] taking money that was given to institutions for charitable purposes and giving it to the federal government, which basically means it’s not being used for the purposes it was given, which is financial aid support, research, things that people really want schools to spend their money on”

Amira Maurice, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Sophomore, Summer 2025 The recent political climate has sparked debates about immigrant communities residing in the US. Coming from two immigrant families, one from Haiti and one from Mexico, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices many immigrant families have made. Understanding their sacrifices, work ethic, and perseverance has given me a personal perspective on the ways immigrants contribute to the country’s economy. As the next generation of Americans grows into having voting power and economic autonomy it’s essential that we examine and understand all the facts.  Immigrants often come to the US in search of a promising future, seeking economic opportunity through hard work, education, and community. Many take it upon themselves to start businesses.  Around 25% of businesses in the US are immigrant-founded and owned (American Immigration Council, 2025) . These businesses stimulate the economy and create jobs in local communities. Brasen Asiedu, a University of Illinois computer science major, shared insight on her Ghanaian father’s successful accounting business: “I saw how my father was able to mentor others, hire people from our area, and give back. Growing up around that allowed me to see that business can be a tool for building generational wealth and empowering others.”  Her family’s story reflects the broader positive economic impact of immigrant-owned businesses. Beyond entrepreneurship, immigrant workers are an essential part of the US’s economic functions. Immigrants make up about 15% of nurses, 28% of healthcare aides, 54.3% of agriculture graders and sorters, and over 25% of construction workers (Appleby, 2024) . Without the skilled labor that millions of immigrants provide, the productivity of many industries would dwindle significantly. Silvia Soler, a Community Outreach Specialist at World Relief which is an organization dedicated to helping people from all over the world, shared her first hand experiences working with immigrants: “Newcomers here, they want to learn. They want to not only learn professionally they want to learn about the system. And they are ready to grow.” Immigrants are the engine that has kept our country running for centuries. Today’s diverse pool of immigrants from all over the world contribute in limitless ways, ensuring the well being of all. We must advocate for immigrants and provide pathways to citizenship to ensure the economic stability and longevity of this country’s global connections. Works Cited Appleby, Kevin. “The Importance of Immigrant Labor to the US Economy.” The Center for Migration Studies of New York (CMS) , The Center for Migration Studies, 2 Sept. 2024, cmsny.org/importance-of-immigrant-labor-to-us-economy/ .  “New Data: Immigrants Keep Economy Strong, As Congress Considers Wasting Billions on Mass Deportation.” American Immigration Council , American Immigration Council, 17 Mar. 2025, www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/press-release/immigrants-keep-economy-strong-as-congress-debates-mass-deportation/ .  Interviewees Silvia Soler - World Relief, Community Outreach Specialist Brasen Asiedu - University of Illinois, Computer Science

Samantha Loies, UC Berkeley, Freshman, Summer 2025 “Buy now, pay later” (BNPL) services like Afterpay, Klarna, and Affirm have exploded in popularity, especially among Gen Z. With just a few taps, people who shop online can split purchases into multiple payments over several weeks with no interest. Sounds perfect, right? But for many young consumers, these apps lead to more spending than saving. Nearly 60% of Gen Z shoppers have used BNPL  ( Shawgo, 2023 ). With sleek designs, fast approvals, and minimal upfront costs, these services are marketed as smarter, more flexible alternatives to credit cards. But beneath the surface lies a growing concern: debt is being disguised as convenience.  “BNPL made me feel like I could afford things I really couldn’t,”  says Emily Chen, a 19-year-old college student who used Klarna to buy clothing and tech gadgets for classes. “At one point I had five different payments going at once and completely lost track. It tanked my budget and I had no idea how to catch up, which is a huge concern especially for a college student like me.” While the appeal of interest-free installments is clear, the reality is more complicated. Missed payments can result in late fees, overdraft charges, and even damage to your credit score if the service reports to credit bureaus. A 2022 Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) report found that over 10% of BNPL users were charged at least one late fee—a number that's steadily climbing as usage grows ( Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 2022 ). Financial literacy educator Carlos Ramirez, who runs youth finance workshops in Chicago, says the core issue is misunderstanding.  “BNPL isn’t evil, but it’s often seen as free money. In reality, it’s just another form of short-term credit. The danger is when users stack purchases or forget due dates.” To use BNPL responsibly, experts recommend only using it for planned, necessary purchases, never for impulse buys. It’s also important to review repayment terms carefully, link payments to accounts with enough funds, and set calendar reminders. As BNPL services continue to grow in popularity, so does the need for better financial education. With the right knowledge, Gen Z can make informed decisions—and avoid falling into debt traps disguised as flexibility. Sources: 2- Statistic Links to both article sources Name of 2 people you interviewed, title/position, email if possible https://quantacred.com/2023/12/19/buy-now-pay-later-usage-patterns-and-late-payments/   https://files.consumerfinance.gov/f/documents/cfpb_buy-now-pay-later-market-trends-consumer-impacts_report_2022-09.pdf   Emily Chen, college student Carlos Ramirez, financial advisor

Sephi Favela, DePaul University, Sophomore, Summer 2025 The importance of our National Parks isn't being reflected in our federal spending. National Parks preserve natural features, foster environmental appreciation, and boost the economy. However, more government funding is needed to ensure peak operation of parks, which is secured by congressional appropriation among other funding initiatives. The National Parks are undervalued, evident by the consistent underfunding and the $1.2 billion budget cut planned for the 2026 fiscal year   ( Fiscal Year 2026, 2025) . This affects other federal agencies; approximately 1,000 National Park Service employees, 800 Bureau of Land Management staff, and 3,400 U.S. Forest Service personnel were laid off ( Zoë Rom, 2025) . The employees are directly connected to the Parks’ urgent need for repairs. A 2024 assessment by the National Park Service revealed a $22.98 billion need for essential infrastructure repairs due to aging facilities, increased visitation, and limited funding  (NPS,2024) . Frank Floor, Administrator Bureau of Natural Resources and Parks, says “These parks benefit from additional funding economically, as a trashed park would be unattractive to visitors” .  Vibuh Vanjari, national park enthusiast, highlights advantages of parks, including space to disconnect, appreciation of nature, and affordable camping.  Addressing these repairs would ensure that such visitors continue to feel safe, have access to trails, interact with and preserve public wonders.  Economic contributions generated through the parks alone are a persuasive reason to keep them in peak operation . In 2023 the federal budget for the National Park Service was $3.6 billion creating an economic output of $55.6 billion   (NPS, 2023) . Meaning every dollar invested creates more than $15 in economic activity. Shawn Bailey, Professor at DePaul University, says, “From a purely economic perspective, national parks continue to be a great investment for the federal government and nearby businesses”.   The National Park Service relies on congressional appropriations, making public policies (ex: Great American Outdoors Act) crucial. The Legacy Restoration Fund, under GAOA addresses deferred maintenance repairs, is up for renewal this year. Reinstatement boosts economic growth and enhances Americans’ access to National Parks. These irreplaceable resources support economic systems at all levels of spending. Support public policies (ex:renewing Legacy Restoration Fund) to ensure its continued mission. As Bailey said, “There are no guarantees. Do not take national parks for granted” . Sources: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fiscal-Year-2026-Discretionary-Budget-Request.pdf https://insideclimatenews.org/news/02042025/firing-national-park-forest-workers-stresses-public-land-communities/ https://home.nps.gov/subjects/infrastructure/deferred-maintenance.htm https://www.doi.gov/ocl/nps-budget-2#:~:text=FY%202024%20Budget%20Summary,%2Dtime%20equivalents%20(FTE) . https://www.nps.gov/subjects/socialscience/vse.htm Interviewees: Shawn Bailey, Professor at DePaul University Frank Floor, Administrator Bureau of Natural Resources and Parks Vibuh Vanjari, National Park enthusiast

Theo Garino, Latin School of Chicago, Sophomore, Spring 2025 Pets are more than just animals, they are part of the family. Pet ownership is more common than ever – 66% of U.S. households, or 86.9 million families, own a pet ( American Pet Products Association National Pet Owners Survey, 2025 ). Despite the staggering number of pet owners, only 4% of dogs and 1% of cats are insured in North America ( NAPHIA State of the Industry Report, 2023 ). So, why isn’t pet insurance more popular? Dr. Erica Esser, medical director and managing partner at West Loop Veterinary Care, reported a few reasons. Dr. Esser explained that a “lack of knowledge   about pet insurance”  is a major contributing factor, along with many people not understanding the extent of “modern veterinary care costs.”  This leaves pet owners unprepared in the face of emergencies. To combat this, Dr. Esser recommends pet insurance to her clients, saying it can help pet owners “plan for the unexpected” and access care they otherwise couldn’t afford, such as surgery or specialist visits.  Take dog owner Sarah Jamieson, for example. After adopting her three-year-old dog, Ralph, she had difficulty deciding whether to get insurance. As Ralph got older, she learned he was born with a rotated patella. The Jamiesons thought pet insurance was a good idea, but since Ralph’s condition was diagnosed before they applied, it was considered pre-existing and not covered. Even with reduced coverage, Mrs. Jamieson says pet insurance is still worth it. “We’re glad that we have it for whenever [Ralph] gets in more trouble or gets injured from now on,”  she said. Mrs. Jamieson added that she “definitely regretted not getting it from the start.” With vet bills climbing and pet emergencies striking without warning, pet insurance can be a great safety net, ensuring pet owners have the funds to care for their pets’ needs. On top of that, veterinary service costs rose 5.9% from March 2024 to March 2025 ( U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index, 2025 ), making already expensive visits even more so. When it comes to pet health, it’s better to be safe than sorry, including getting pet insurance early to minimize the exclusion of pre-existing conditions. Sources: Statistics: https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats https://naphia.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/NAPHIA-SOI2023-Report-Highlights_Public-May9.pdf https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.t02.htm Interviewees: Dr. Erica Esser, Medical Director & Managing Partner of West Loop Veterinary Care  Sarah Jamieson, Pet Owner

Ella Richardson, Walter Payton, Junior, Spring 2025 Venture capital is a form of funding provided by private firms to support promising start-up companies. Firms backed by venture capital make up almost half of initial public offerings (IPOs), or private companies first selling shares to the public, in the United States. However, fewer than 0.5% of firms founded in the US each year receive VC financing   (Janeway, 2021) . So does this mean it is nearly impossible for most startups to gain funding through venture capital? Shawn Sommer, Director of Licensing and Technology at Lonza, mentions that “getting connected through personal networks can make a big difference”.  Venture capital firms are primarily concerned with the reliability of potential investments, and the decision process is much easier when these startups are endorsed by someone already respected in the field.  In addition, nearly 20% of VC firm deals come from referrals by other investors, so that these firms can proactively seek out new companies of interest   ( Gompers et al., 2021 ) . However, Sommer also emphasizes that “it is absolutely attainable for first-time founders and even students [to] raise capital.”  He highlights curiosity, persistence, initiative, and being willing to fail as notable shared characteristics among these people. Chris Kornfeld, Emerging Biotech Consultant at Merck KGaA, agrees with this sentiment. He explains that it is important for those seeking VC funding to “network as much as [they] can”  and to “not be afraid to talk about [their] progress, even if it’s small – other established professionals love to see that you’re not just dreaming, but actually doing.”  He also addresses an additional concern of many innovative founders of tech startups who are interested in remaining in “stealth mode”, or keeping all operational information private from the public and possible competitors. In this case, founders may not be able to demonstrate capital they have raised. Kornfeld, however, doesn’t see this as an issue. “As long as founders can clearly explain the problem they’re solving and why their approach is different, they don’t need to go public to raise money.”  In the event that they need to share sensitive product information, NDAs exist to help protect founders’ ideas. While venture capital may be rare, it is entirely possible for founders to receive secure funding with persistence and the willingness to network. Works Cited Gompers, Paul, et al. “How Venture Capitalists Make Decisions.” Harvard Business Review , 1 Mar. 2021, hbr.org/2021/03/how-venture-capitalists-make-decisions . Janeway, William H., et al. “Venture Capital Booms and Start-up Financing.” Annual Review of Financial Economics , vol. 13, no. 1, 1 Nov. 2021, pp. 111–127, https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-financial-010621-115801 . Chris Kornfeld - Emerging Biotech Consultant Shawn Sommer - Director of Licensing and Technology

Umar Sheikh, Walter Payton, Senior, Spring 2025 Thanks to Divvy, the city’s official bike and scooter sharing system, Chicago's streets have become increasingly dotted with blue bikes. Since its launch in 2013, Divvy has expanded to more than 15,000 bikes and 1,000 docking stations across Chicago and Evanston, making it one of the largest systems of its kind in North America. According to CBS News,  “ The Chicago Department of Transportation said more than 11 million trips were taken on shared bikes and scooters in 2024, a new annual record ” ( Feurer, 2025 ). But beyond convenience, Divvy’s rise carries real public health and environmental benefits. Cycling promotes physical activity, helping combat sedentary and car-reliant lifestyles in urban areas, and the benefits extend beyond individual riders. According to a 2024 research study, for every 300,000 bikers, around 25 people avoid early death thanks to the health benefits of cycling, even in polluted conditions ( Chen, He, Deveci, Coffman, 2024 ) . With millions of riders each year, Divvy significantly improves Chicago and creates a healthier city. However, Divvy is still far from perfect. Riders have voiced concerns over issues such as inconsistent bike availability and poorly maintained docking stations. Nick Salyga, a Divvy user and high school student, says, “ Sometimes I’ll walk three blocks just to find a working bike, and the next day that same station has too many bikes with nowhere to dock. ” Some neighborhoods, particularly those that are low-income, also lack adequate station coverage, raising questions about equitable access, but the city and Divvy are aware of this. “ We’re working to expand Divvy into more neighborhoods, especially on the Northwest, Southwest, and Far South Sides ,” said a spokesperson from Chicago’s Bikeways program. The program aims to create a more connected and inclusive cycling network to serve all Chicago residents, not just those in central areas. As Chicago continues to invest in sustainable transportation, ensuring that Divvy is accessible and reliable will be key to maintaining its momentum. The growing presence of these blue bikes on city streets signals a cultural shift. Choosing to bike instead of drive is no longer just about convenience; it's becoming a meaningful step toward a healthier and more livable city. List Sources: 2- Statistic Links to both article sources https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214140523000476 https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/chicago-divvy-bikes-shared-scooters-new-record-2024/#:~:text=The%20Chicago%20Department%20of%20 Transportation,2024%2C%20a%20new%20annual%20record .  Name of 2 people you interviewed, title/position, email if possible Nick Salyga, High School student https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/complete-streets-chicago/home/bike-program.html , Bikeways program contact

Ernest Gontarz, Lane Tech College Prep, Junior, Spring 2025 For many college students, receiving a credit card offer in the mail feels like a rite of passage into adulthood. With promises of rewards and other goodies, these offers can lead young borrowers into debt before they even graduate. Total household debt just reached $18.04 trillion ( New York Fed, 2025 ).  Additionally, a record 10.75% of credit card users are making only minimum payments ( Mierzwinski, 2008 ). Mierzwinski states how the industry sends out around 6 billion offers to consumers , hoping a good percentage of students sign up for their cards. This issue raises concern about financial literacy, responsible lending, and the repercussions of early credit card debt for young adults. Many young adults get their first credit card around the time college rolls around. Credit card companies view this demographic as an ideal customer - young, easily influenced, and likely to carry a balance. Without a steady income or an established credit history, many students are instantly approved for “beginner” cards, without fully understanding interest rates or repayment terms. “ Companies know students are inexperienced, and they design their offers to appear harmless, even helpful,” says Martin Cheng, a financial literacy researcher.  The repercussions of early credit card debt can be massive. Many students graduate with not only student loans but also credit card debt, which can lower credit scores, and even worse, hinder the ability to secure a loan in the future. While the Credit CARD Act of 2009 introduced some protections, like the requirement of a co-signer for no credit history, aggressive marketing tactics still leave students vulnerable. Educating students early on about the dangers of debt traps is important. “I’ve seen older friends make mistakes with credit cards, and I don’t want to be the same,” says Leah Martinez, a high school senior preparing to get her first credit card. Schools are starting to offer financial education courses, but their effectiveness is yet to be seen. For now, students must make the right choices as the system attempts to make a profit off them. As students attempt to make informed choices, early education and conversations about credit are essential to avoid the financial pitfall of debt and build a strong financial future. List Sources: https://pirg.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Campus_Credit_Card_Trap_2008_USPIRG.pdf   https://www.newyorkfed.org/microeconomics/hhdc   Martin Cheng: Financial Literacy Researcher Leah Martinez: High School Senior

Joseph Dai, Whitney Young, 2025, Spring 2025 What do self-checkout machines, drive-thrus, food delivery apps, and streaming services have in common? On the surface, it is evident how these innovations utilize technology to enhance our daily experiences. However, the question remains of how businesses, such as fast-food restaurants, movie studios, and grocery stores, implement these high-tech services, which are out of their field of expertise. This is where consultants come in: experts who are hired by companies to solve various challenges. Consulting is a rapidly expanding industry. As stated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “ Employment of management analysts is projected to grow 11 percent from 2023 to 2033, much faster than the average for all occupations ”   (BLS, 2024) . This optimistic job growth projection is attributed to the rapidly expanding consulting industry in the US. IBIS World, a market research firm, predicts “ revenue to grow an annualized 3.5% to an estimated $404.1 billion over the past five years, including an estimated 1.2% growth rate in 2025 alone ” (IBIS, 2025).  Despite the increased demand for consultants, the nature of the consulting occupation remains elusive for many. According to high school student Aritra Jana, “ I have heard that consultants help businesses with problems, but the profession appears to be mysterious with how consulting firms are able to assist companies of all different types, across different industries”. This adaptability, however, stems from the strategic way consulting firms hire. Unlike other professions, consultants come from different backgrounds and college majors, with common ones including business, STEM, and the humanities. Thus, firms employ experts across a variety of fields who are poised to use their knowledge to implement solutions. Moreover, an anonymous consultant at a firm highlights how consultants are able to problem-solve for businesses in different industries by “ acquiring context and doing your homework, such as learning acronyms, industry standards, and industry-specific knowledge, which will help you boost your efficiency and engagement with clients .” The consulting industry is poised for an exciting chapter due to its intertwined relationship with technology. Advances in artificial intelligence, internet access, and other technological advancements increase the complexity of business operations and subsequently the demand for consultants will rise to manage such complications. Works cited: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/management-analysts.htm https://www.ibisworld.com/united-states/market-research-reports/management-consulting-industry Interviewee list: Aritra Jana, a high school student at Whitney Young Anonymous consultant at a firm

Kavin Ramasamy, Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, Junior, Spring 2025 In today’s digital world, subscriptions are everywhere, from streaming platforms to meal kits to fitness apps. What began as a convenient way to access services has evolved into a sophisticated system designed to keep users locked in. According to the International Consumer Protection Enforcement Network (ICPEN), “ 75% of subscription services use at least one manipulative tactic to increase user retention, such as hiding cancellation options or quietly renewing free trials.” ( ZDNET , 2024)  Others go even further, employing emotional guilt. For instance, users opting out of a newsletter might be prompted to click “No thanks, I don’t need to work out.” These “ dark patterns ” exploit emotion and inattention, contributing to what CNET has dubbed “ subscription creep ”.  “In fact, U.S. adults now spend an average of $91 per month on subscriptions, and nearly half have admitted to forgetting to cancel a free trial—often more than once a year” ( CNET ) . Managing these recurring expenses doesn’t require cutting everything out; it just needs more visibility and control. “ I usually recommend clients allocate no more than 20% of their income on total discretionary expenses—dining out, travel, gifts, subscriptions, etc., ” says Lupita Lechuga, RICP and financial advisor. A great starting point is consolidating all subscription payments onto one credit or debit card. This method makes it easy to scan a monthly statement and spot unwanted or forgotten charges. Many banking apps also flag recurring charges and categorize them as subscriptions, making it even simpler to track. Creating a quarterly reminder to review and reevaluate subscriptions, especially free trials, is another smart move to curb unnecessary spending. For consumers, like high school senior Joseph Dai, these strategies have made a huge difference. “ I didn’t realize how many things I was still paying for until I looked through my bank statement. I was subscribed to three different video platforms and only used one. Now I review everything every two months. ” With rising costs and stealthy billing tactics, understanding how subscriptions operate and taking the time to audit them can be the difference between financial stress and financial control. After all, convenience shouldn’t come at the cost of your budget. Interviewees: Lupita Lechuga, RICP, Financial Advisor Joseph Dai, Senior, Whitney Young  Works Cited: “7 Sneaky Tricks Subscription Services Use to Lock You in - and How to Avoid Them.” ZDNET , www.zdnet.com/article/7-sneaky-tricks-subscription-services-use-to-lock-you-in-and-how-to-avoid-them/ . Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.  “‘subscription Creep’ Is Real. Consumers Are Paying over $1,000 Each Year, CNET Survey Finds.” CNET , www.cnet.com/personal-finance/subscription-creep-is-real-consumers-are-paying-over-1000-each-year-cnet-survey-finds/ . Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Nimay Piparia, Walter Payton, Sophomore, Spring 2025 As technology in our society advances, both trading and investing is accessible but it is becoming increasingly challenging to succeed. This accessibility to stocks, exchange-traded funds, or cryptocurrency is an advantage for many people, but it comes with disadvantages regarding success rates influenced by a person’s experiences or emotions that may cause an obstruction.  Mary Papazian, Managing Director and Finance Professor states that “starting at a younger age allows you to gain progressive rewards by using long-term investments that are bound to grow slowly but surely in the future”. Beginners often engage index funds or ETFs like the S&P 500, which have consistently shown growth since the 1930s.  Long-term investment is primarily used to reduce the unpredictability of the modern market as it fluctuates very frequently. Age is a major factor influencing investment habits due to the experience and time dedicated to the market. According to a study done by the Pew Research Center, “Americans between the ages of 55 and 64  are the ones who invest in the stock market the most on average” ( Pew Research , 2024).  In contrast, day trading is a fast-paced method of buying and selling stocks within the same day to profit from short term rapid fluctuations. In our modern world, trading has gained popularity among a younger population seeking quick profit. From experience, Alexander Ford, a student at Walter Payton College Prep and a part-time trader,  states that “in this day and age, trading can become excessively difficult or time consuming and not worth the imbalance of risk and reward”.  Moreover, Lori Schock, Director of SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy argues that  “ it can be especially difficult to check your emotions at the door when making investment decisions in this kind of environment, which may lead to some costly financial mistakes up to twenty five to thousands of dollars lost ” ( Schock , 2025) .  Because of challenges in this environment, trading becomes harder for people to keep up with. Whether you are a young investor or an experienced professional, understanding the basic/key principles of investments of any type is essential. By learning at a young age, controlling your emotions, and understanding current trends, you will be able to make astute and apt financial choices that will continue to benefit you in our modern society.  List Sources: Unbiased Team. “Investment Statistics.” 27 November 2024, https://www.unbiased.com/discover/investing/investing-statistics   “Thinking of Day Trading? Know the Risks.” Thinking of Day Trading? Know the Risks. | Investor.Gov , Lori Schock, www.investor.gov/additional-resources/spotlight/directors-take/thinking-day-trading-know-risks Mary Papazian - Founder & Managing Director and Assistant Finance Professor at Merrimack College - PapazianM@merrimack.edu Alexander Ford - Student at Walter Payton College Prep - aford13@cps.edu

Riaan Srivastava, Whitney M. Young, Freshman, Spring 2025 Stocks are a major part of the financial world, yet many teens and young adults lack an understanding of the essential terms and principles that form the foundation of successful stock market participation. This knowledge can help them make informed financial decisions, increasing profits and investment opportunities. Studies show that 30% of Americans who avoid investing stocks show a lack of knowledge ( Almazora , 2024) . By mastering the basics, young individuals can develop the skills to make informed financial decisions, build wealth, and navigate the financial markets. A stock signifies company ownership and are bought and sold on exchanges, like the NYSE and NASDAQ. Prices change with supply, demand, and company performance. Some companies distribute dividends to shareholders. Investing in stocks also carries risks, but diversification helps reduce the risk. According to ControlAllFinances, the median cumulative compounded return for stocks is -8%, showing that the average person is, statistically, more likely to face lost money than gains ( Ruchot , 2024) . Therefore, they need to be informed on common mistakes. The stock market has essential terms that guide investors toward informed decisions. A bull market indicates stock price increases of 20% or more, reflecting optimism, while a bear market signals a 20% or more decline, highlighting caution. Dividends, another key term, represent a company's profit distributed as cash to shareholders. Ryan Srivastava, a student at Whitney Young Magnet High School, shares, “When I first started investing, I hadn’t even heard of many of these terms. I wish I had known them sooner as they are very helpful.”  His experience highlights the importance of mastering stock market terminology for confident investing. A former analyst at Fidelity, Shyam T., emphasizes to teens and young adults that “ the stock market is a highly competitive and demanding environment and poor analysis can lead to significant financial losses. It requires diligent research and effort. Staying informed is essential in this fast-paced environment.”  Knowing how fast paced and competitive stocks can be, learning the fundamentals, even as a teen or young adult, can equip you for the financial world. Learning and understanding stocks is crucial for building confidence and making informed financial decisions. By mastering essential terms, principles, and strategies, individuals can navigate the stock market. They can participate in wealth-building opportunities and secure a stable financial future. List Sources: Why don't nearly half of Americans have any investments? - Investment News Big or Small? Understanding Loss Rates in the Stock Market Shyam T: Ex-analyst of Fidelity Ryan Srivastava: Whitney M. Young student