Build a stronger foundation for managing income, saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. This session focuses on practical financial habits and strategies for making informed decisions as income and career opportunities grow.
Program Details
Date: Tuesday, December 8, 2026
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
Session: 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Cost: No charge for MCAKC signatory contractors and Associate Members
Session Topics
Prioritizing Your Money
- 401(k) match → Roth IRA → additional investing
- Investing basics, including index funds and long-term strategy
Compensation Optimization
- Bonuses, raises, and negotiating offers
- Taxes at a high level, including how contributions can reduce taxable income
- Common mistakes, including lifestyle creep and under-saving despite strong income
Who Should Attend
Professionals looking to build strong financial habits, manage income effectively, and make informed decisions about saving, investing, and long-term financial planning. This program is open to professionals working for contractors signatory to Local 8 or 533 and MCAKC Associate Members.
Instructor
Mercedes Givens, CFP®, is a Private Wealth Manager for Creative Planning, where he helps clients create and maintain customized financial plans addressing investments, tax planning, risk management, retirement, employee benefits, and estate planning.
He brings more than 15 years of financial services experience, including previous work as a wealth advisor at a major regional bank. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping clients achieve their financial and personal goals.
Mercedes earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics for Business Management from Occidental College and is a Certified Financial Planner® professional.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations for MCAKC events and programs must be received at least 2 business days prior to the event by email at learn@mcakc.org or by phone at 913-948-9200. Cancellations received after this time will be assessed a $100 cancellation fee.
Registrants who do not cancel and do not attend (“No Shows”) will be assessed:
$100 — Events up to 4 hours
$150 — Events over 4 hours
