CSUN China Institute: Tea and Talk Series – Session 1
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Smart Money – From Saving to Spending
We were honored to kick off our Tea & Talk Series with an engaging and insightful session led by our distinguished guest speaker, Professor Yi Ding, a Financial Literacy Educator and Advisor.
We were pleased to host 15 participants, who joined us both in person and via Zoom, creating a dynamic and interactive environment for discussion and learning.
(Photo By: Farimah Chalabi)
Professor Ding delivered a thoughtful and highly informative discussion on the fundamentals of financial planning, with a special focus on retirement strategies. She guided attendees through the different financial priorities between pre-retirees and retirees, highlighting the importance of balancing growth and preservation of assets over time. Her ability to break down complex financial concepts into clear, practical insights made the session both accessible and impactful for everyone in attendance.
A key highlight of the session was her emphasis on diversification—not only across investment types such as stocks and bonds, but also across tax strategies. Professor Ding explained how combining pre-tax and after-tax accounts can help individuals better manage their future tax burden and ultimately retain more of their income in retirement.
(Photo By: Farimah Chalabi)
She also underscored the importance of starting early, demonstrating how even a small delay in saving can significantly affect long-term financial outcomes. Attendees gained valuable perspective on real-world risks in retirement, including inflation, market fluctuations, and longevity, as well as practical strategies such as the 4% withdrawal guideline and prioritizing essential needs over discretionary wants.
(Photo By: Farimah Chalabi)
Throughout the session, Professor Ding’s expertise, clarity, and passion for financial education truly stood out, leaving participants with actionable knowledge and a deeper understanding of how to build a secure financial future.
We are incredibly grateful to Professor Yi Ding for sharing her time and expertise, and to everyone who joined us for this meaningful conversation.
Stay tuned for more sessions in our Tea & Talk Series—we look forward to continuing these enriching discussions and welcoming you to future events!