BLUEPRINTS
TO BELIEVE IN
40% of Americans won’t have enough money to retire, and that number hits especially hard in marginalized communities.
At TIAA, we believe in the right to retire securely. That’s why, throughout 2024, we will highlight real individuals’ success stories, showcasing diverse paths to financial goals. Swipe through their Blueprints to Believe In for unique perspectives on building a brighter future.
Tiffany
Jones-Keaton
Senior Manager,
Business Diversity
As an only child to a single mother, it was just me and Mom growing up.
She worked overtime to support me, but I was often home alone.
After she lost her job, we had to adjust our lifestyle, and I moved from private to public school.
We moved in high school and so I completed my junior and senior years simultaneously to graduate sooner.
I got married and purchased an outdated home that provided us with 100% equity in 4 years.
I went through a divorce that has hurt my savings immensely.
In the nine years I’ve worked at TIAA, my net worth has increased 300%, allowing me to begin rebuilding my savings.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Get the worst home on the best block.
Per my 85-year-old grandmother’s advice, sometimes the “ugly” house in a great area is the best investment in the long run.
Lovingly sign a prenup.
Before you exchange rings, exchange legal protection for your long-term financial security.
Bet on yourself.
Apply for that job you’re most passionate about. It may be what allows you to leapfrog to your next goal.
For young people building their future:
Pay yourself first via investments, emergency funds and retirement. Never spend 100% and carefully consider before co-signing for friends or family.
Richard
Haberacker
Director,
Primary Market
I grew up in a tiny town in Pennsylvania that still doesn’t have a stoplight.
When I was 12, my parents divorced.
I joined the financial services industry 28 years ago and have been at it ever since.
When my wife and I started a family, we carefully budgeted so she could stay home with our young kids.
When she rejoined the workforce, we used her new income for our long-term goals rather than flashy status symbols.
When our kids turned 17, we encouraged them to start their first job and set up savings accounts.
My father died in 2022, leaving an unexpected inheritance that will help my kids go to college without debt.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Every little bit counts.
Start early and save what you can. $100 a month adds up.
Maintain a modest lifestyle.
If you are OK with your current income but you get a raise, don’t spend that new money on a fancy car or a bigger house. Consider taking half of that raise and adding it to your retirement instead.
Pass on the wealth of knowledge.
Our greatest legacy is our children and putting them in a place to be better off than us is all we can hope for.
For young people building their future:
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Take advantage of tools that your employer offers or seek out the advice of a planner.
Kelli
Jackson
Business
Transformation Lead
I was raised by my loving grandmother in Charlotte, NC.
She lived on a fixed income, so I took on a part-time job at 14 to help out.
I graduated West Charlotte Senior High School as valedictorian.
In college, I helped family members with some of their money problems.
My husband and I got married.
Life took an unexpected turn, and my husband became paraplegic.
Now, I’m focused on saving so we can afford to cover future medical bills and really enjoy our retirement.
Advice I’ve Lived By
Never lend money if you can’t afford to.
Regardless of who the individual is to you, make sure to set clear boundaries as it pertains to YOUR finances. It’s okay to want to help, it’s not okay to be a crutch.
When you live long enough, life happens.
You may lose your job or become ill, but having a decent savings account can make all the difference in ensuring you will be able to continue paying your bills.
Build your financial literacy.
The path we take can be full of twist and turns. Having a basic understanding of money and your finances can provide opportunities to help secure your future.
For young people building their future:
If you work for a company that offers benefits, start contributing as soon as possible. Even something as small as $10 per pay period is important. Contributing to your company’s retirement plan is the easiest way to access “free” money since a lot of companies have matching programs.
Marlo
Fox
Senior Associate
Product Compliance
I grew up in a small town 30 minutes north of Boston, MA.
When I was 10, my parents divorced but remained cordial.
Our financial situation fluctuated until my mother remarried.
I worked from the time I was 16, and eventually paid off all college debt.
I got married and underwent fertility treatments to have twins.
We discovered that our daughter had epilepsy so medical bills became a priority.
I went through a divorce that was financially draining.
I saved up and eventually purchased my own home!
Advice I’ve Lived By
Think big picture.
Establish goals, assess your situation, pay with cash, learn how to keep a budget, visualize the life you want. You do not want to be saddled with debt – it is not a great way to start your life.
Learn what your priorities are.
We were blessed with twins, Jacob and Baylee. Initially, the cost of fertility treatments was very expensive; it was not covered by insurance. I had to shift my financial priorities.
Advocate for your children.
Do everything you need to do when it comes to health and the security of your children. Do your due diligence when finding employment and pay attention to health benefits.
For young people building their future:
Learn how to budget, save and invest, and keep track of your spending. Utilize your benefits wisely, have an emergency fund, minimize debt, and seek advice from an expert!