As college tuition rates have risen 25% in the last 10 years, it is no surprise that millennials are drowning in student debt and completely overwhelmed in their financial life. Being a millennial himself, Stephen Fletcher, CFP®, MBA, understands the complex and crippling tide of millennial money. In an interview with Gold Coast Radio, Stephen provides, hope, empathy, and a call to action for all millennials: know your goals, and save for yourself.

After a shocking survey was released from the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) about Millennials and Finances, it has become apparent just how desperately millennials need guidance in areas of budgeting, retirement planning and investment strategy. In an interview with iHeartMedia, expert and lead educator for NAPFA Genesis, Stephen Fletcher, CFP®, MBA, contemplates the financial roadblocks hindering his peers, and expresses the impact that the right financial advisor can have on your finances and your peace of mind.

A recent survey conducted by the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors revealed the unsettling truths about the relationship millennials have with money. Being a millennial himself, BlueSky's own Stephen Fletcher, CFP®, MBA, digs into the statistics and provides a positive outlook on tackling millennial financial struggles like student loan debt, budgeting, goal setting, and retirement planning.

Investing money can often seem like the pursuit of the latest, hippest, shiniest object. “Top 10 funds!” “Put your money on Bitcoin!” “Gold is where it’s at!” It seems like someone is always promising a sure-fire way to get rich quick.

David Blain, CFA, CEO and Founder of BlueSky Wealth Advisors was recently featured in the New Bern Sun Journal for the launch of his book, Invest in Your Life, Not Just Your Portfolio.

My dad had it exactly right: “Don’t spend more than you make, pay yourself first and set aside something for the future. When you can, pay in cash and be careful with debt.” If only everyone had heard these words when they were young and starting to build their lives and their portfolios.

Good financial advice should be available to everyone. Yet traditional fee structures of financial firms can be complex and exclusive. Many times, it results in shunning people with small investable accounts who would greatly benefit from professional advice. I like to compare financial advice to ordering a steak at a restaurant. Your steak costs the same whether you make $20,000 or $20 million. However, just as you wouldn’t pay filet mignon prices for a hanger steak, the same goes for good advice—you get what you pay for.

Have you ever jumped off the sofa declaring “I need a vacation” and then sped off in your car toward the airport? Of course not! You planned. After everyone agreed on where to go, you checked calendars, chose dates, and reserved flights, hotels, and various activities. Then you waited weeks or months for the special date. In the meantime, you squared everything away at work so nothing would interrupt your big trip.