Letter from the Co-Founder ✉️ 

Dear Andwise Community,

Greetings to all of you from the Andwise team!

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the significant contributions of African Americans to U.S. history - and naturally our community has a special interest in the medical field. The Association of American Medical Colleges highlights the journeys of African-American medical pioneers, who overcame immense racial barriers to lay the groundwork for future generations. Two that caught my eye: James McCune Smith, MD, became the first African American to earn a medical degree in 1837 (although he had to study at the University of Glasgow Medical School due to discriminatory practices in the U.S). Rebecca Lee Crumpler broke additional ground in 1864 as the first African American woman to receive an MD degree in the United States. Their stories are not just about personal achievements but are a testament to resilience, hope, and the fight for equality.

As we honor these pioneers during Black History Month, let's draw inspiration from their determination and continue advocating for equity and diversity in medicine and beyond. Their legacies remind us of the importance of persistence, courage, and the ongoing journey towards a more inclusive society. There are obviously still a lot of systemic barriers to education equality and much work for us to do.

We remain steadfast in our commitment to empower the Andwise community with the best of personal finance education, innovative technology, and expert guidance, which remains stronger than ever.

Exciting Developments at Andwise:

• Educational Expansion: We're tirelessly working to broaden our educational resources, ensuring you have access to the most relevant and impactful knowledge to navigate your financial and career journey. Look out for announcements on webinars and workshops soon.

• Technological Advancements: Our tech team is working hard on the Andwise app, set to launch before Match Day. This tool promises to revolutionize how you optimize your financial wellness - with personalized nudges and algorithmic based guidance.

• Team Growth: We're thrilled to announce the arrival of Chuck Kable, Esq., our new in-house legal expert. Chuck brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be invaluable to our community, especially in understanding the legal nuances of employment contracts and our physician career trajectory. He joins Tanya Frias, CFP® in building out our ‘trusted circle’ of experts inside of Andwise. 

Market Updates:

• S&P 500 Achieves New Heights: This past month, the S&P 500 soared to another record, reflecting the ongoing resilience and potential of the market. Such milestones serve as a reminder of the opportunities that lie within disciplined investing and strategic financial planning.

• Federal Reserve Insights: Despite the market's performance, Fed Chief Jerome Powell has indicated that a March rate cut is unlikely. This stance underscores the importance of a well-considered investment strategy that can adapt to shifting economic signals.

• Tesla's Turbulence: In a surprising turn, one of the ‘Magnificent Seven,’  Tesla's stock has experienced a 20% decline. This highlights the volatile nature of individual stocks and the critical need for a diversified investment portfolio to navigate market unpredictabilities.

Looking Ahead:

As we move forward, our focus remains on providing you with not just the tools, but also the guidance to make informed decisions about your financial wellbeing and career. Our upcoming app release is just the beginning of many more innovative solutions Andwise plans to introduce.

Remember, whether it's managing student loans, planning for retirement, investing wisely, or navigating challenges during our careers - our mission is to serve as your compass. With our expanding team, technology, and educational resources, we're here to support every step of your journey towards financial independence and success in your career as a physician.

Thank you for being an integral part of the Andwise community. Your trust, engagement, and feedback fuel our drive to serve you better. Here's to a future filled with prosperity, wisdom, and success.

Warm Regards,
Varun Verma MD
Co-Founder, Andwise

What We’re Reading 📚️ 

Compiled by Tanya Frias, CFP®.

1. The Most Important Man in Finance You’ve Never Heard Of by Andrew Duehren, The Wall Street Journal: The article highlights Josh Frost, the U.S. Treasury Department's Assistant Secretary for Financial Markets, emphasizing his pivotal role in shaping the government bond portfolio, with far-reaching implications for financial markets and national debt management, exploring his career, approach to bond market challenges, and influence on financial market stability.

2. 8 Tips To Make Tax Filing Easier This Year by Robert Farrington, Forbes: The article advises individuals to stay organized with tax documents, file promptly, report interest income, consider electronic filing, and seek professional assistance if necessary, emphasizing the significance of accounting for life changes, adhering to deadlines, and tracking eligible deductions and credits.

3.  What to Do When Your Home-Insurance Policy Isn’t Renewed by Veronica Dagher, The Wall Street Journal: The article offers advice for homeowners dealing with non-renewal of their home insurance policies, recommending actions like home improvements, quick response to notices, exploring alternative insurers, including lesser-known options, and considering state-mandated FAIR plans as a last resort, with an emphasis on choosing a reliable insurer capable of fulfilling claims.

4. A Rewards Strategy That Can Cost You: Booking Travel With Your Card Company by Jacob Passy, The Wall Street Journal: The article explores the intricacies of utilizing credit card companies' travel portals for booking flights and hotels, emphasizing the disparities in prices compared to direct bookings and analyzing the pros and cons, while also addressing the influence of credit card rewards and incentives and challenges related to travel disruptions and loyalty points.

New Andwise Member Resources 📩

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