We recently had the chance to connect with Wendy Raizin and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Wendy, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I try to avoid technology at all costs when I wake up. I want the first ninety minutes of my day to be spent quietly enough to hear my own thoughts. I will sit and think, read a book- something other than current news, or do a physical activity to get my brain moving.
Once, I’ve allowed my best ideas to come through or solutions to challenges I’m dealing with, I can begin the hectic momentum of my day.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Wendy. In my former life, I was the youngest arbitrage trader on Wall Street. I worked on the Arb desk at Oppenheimer & Co. in the World Financial Center and later traded institutional investments at a hedge fund on Wall Street.
Now , I am the co-founder of a free educational platform called Official Moneychick, where I put out financial literacy content to help and encourage people to start investing.
I’m working on growing the platform (we’re still in start-up mode) and becoming the modern-day version of Kahn Academy meets Suze Orman. I’m not interested in telling people not to buy a $7 latte, but more how to get the big wins so they can stop worrying about money and spend their time on the things that truly love.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
The head trader on my desk at the hedge fund where I worked had an emergency and couldn’t be there on one of the craziest trading days in years. We had a ton of international funds and American retirement funds at stake. I was fairly new a the firm and not prepared to run an entire desk under that kind of shit storm (for lack of a more technical word). I don’t know what happened, but I was trading like crazy that day, while simultaneously taking calls from all over the world. I didn’t even look up til the market closed at 4:00pm, only to notice the president of the company and some co-workers giving me a standing ovation for killing it. I don’t even remember the trades; it was as if I was an auto-pilot, But it was then that I realized I liked the pressure, the fast math and that no matter who you are and what your background is, numbers don’t lie. No one can argue with performance.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, last week! Starting a new company, with social media playing a big role, is the most humbling experience I have had.
I know I have the knowledge and experience to compete, but it’s crowded out there and finding my own particular
lane has been challenging.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Family, integrity and independence.
Also it really pisses me off that women still get paid less than men for the same job- usually.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say that I had a ton of energy and was willing to use every facet of my natural abilities to try new things, learn new skills and help more people. A Renaissance woman is a description I wouldn’t be opposed to. LOL
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.officialmoneychick.com
- Instagram: @officialmoneychick
- Linkedin: officialmoneychick
- Youtube: @OfficialMoneyChick
- Other: https://officialmoneychick.substack.com/
Image Credits
Wendy Raizin- selfie
Andrew King- LuvRox Photography- only for photo that says “this is the sign you’ve Been Waiting For”
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
