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�������� alum Paul Merriman’s talk May 29, “,” will illustrate how investing $1,000 could grow to $1 million over time — and one lucky attendee will receive $1,000 to get started. 

Everyone who registers online and attends the event — either in person or online — will be eligible for a drawing to receive $1,000 to potentially start their own investment fund, said Eric Wehrly, associate professor of Finance and director of the Merriman Financial Literacy Program at Western. 

“Any and all are welcome to learn from someone who has basically spent their retirement trying to help people make better decisions,” Wehrly said. “This is a passion for Paul.”

Merriman, ’66, B.A., economics, is a retired financial advisor who continues to share his advice for free through the financial education foundation he founded in 2012. Last year, Merriman and his wife Zan established the to share these skills with �������� students and community members. 

Merriman gives this talk every year, mainly for students getting ready to graduate, but everyone is invited, Wehrly said. Merriman will illustrate how a $1,000 investment could grow over time using different investment strategies – and encourage graduating students to take advantage of their future employers’ 401(k) matches and investment opportunities. He’ll also delve into other personal finance topics, such as how to manage student debt. 

Merriman’s annual talk is just a small part of the Merriman Financial Literacy program. regularly offer one-on-one and group sessions to fellow students, as well. 

�������� students and anyone with a �������� email address may also learn more about financial literacy topics through a free, interactive . Students in the College of Business and Economics can even earn digital badges to show their financial literacy acumen on their resumes. 

“Financial fitness is like physical fitness: It’s simple, but not easy,” Wehrly said. “You just need to take the first step out the door and start moving. A few better decisions today or next year can set you up for a much better situation in the future.”