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Matt J. Goren, Ph.D., CFP®

Matt J. Goren, Ph.D., CFP®

Assistant Professor of Financial Planning, The American College of Financial Services

Matt J. Goren is an Assistant Professor of Financial Planning at The American College of Financial Services. He was previously a professor in the Financial Planning program at the University of Georgia.

Goren focuses on the interplay of personal finance and psychology. As a pro bono financial adviser and instructor, he's worked with over 4,000 individuals across the United States. His personal finance radio show, Nothing Funny About Money, was named 2018’s most outstanding consumer financial information resource by the AFCPE.

Goren has provided strategic consulting to small fintech start-ups, large land-grant universities, and Fortune 500 corporations. He's created and expanded financial literacy programs that help thousands of students from children to seniors. In 2017, his team at the University of Georgia’s ASPIRE Clinic was named Pro Bono Advisors of the Year by Financial Planning Magazine.

He received his doctorate in psychology from UC Berkeley in 2014 and his CFP® in 2018.

Email: matt.goren@theamericancollege.edu | Website: www.theamericancollege.edu/our-people/faculty/matt-goren 

How Psychology Affects Your Search for a Financial Adviser
A photo illustration of a woman who has a mirror where her face would be.
Financial Advisers

How Psychology Affects Your Search for a Financial Adviser

Your emotional relationship with your financial planner plays a big role in how successful your collaboration will be, so picking a person you click w…
May 14, 2022
I Changed Careers, and So Can You
A person reaches a fork in the road.
career paths

I Changed Careers, and So Can You

Making the leap from psychologist to financial planner was challenging but worth it. If you want to make a jump yourself, learn from my experience wit…
March 11, 2022
Is Budgeting Overrated?
A woman lying on the floor peeks out from behind stacks of coins on the rug in front of her.
Budgeting

Is Budgeting Overrated?

Take it from a financial planner, not everyone needs a budget. In fact, sometimes a budget can distract you from the real solutions to your financial …
January 6, 2022
Are You Financially Ready to Have Children?
A mom and dad hold a smiling baby.
family savings

Are You Financially Ready to Have Children?

Yes, children are expensive. Can you handle it? A financial planner with a new baby at home has some helpful suggestions and guidelines for all the po…
November 22, 2021
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OK Boomer vs. Avocado Toast: How to Talk Money Across Generations
A young woman rolls her eyes.
personal finance

OK Boomer vs. Avocado Toast: How to Talk Money Across Generations

It’s time to quit the judgmental money blame game. Let’s open up some healthy lines of communication instead. It’s something that can benefit us all, …
July 29, 2021
Dream of Working Abroad? Beware of Some Serious Financial Pitfalls
A woman in a business suit sits in a European cafe.
places to live

Dream of Working Abroad? Beware of Some Serious Financial Pitfalls

You can work anywhere now, so why not go wild and try the expat life in some exotic locale you’ve always dreamed of? OK, but first you need to researc…
June 23, 2021
Financial Planning Lessons Regular Folks Can Learn from Professional Athletes
Catching a baseball in a mitt.
personal finance

Financial Planning Lessons Regular Folks Can Learn from Professional Athletes

The image we have of lucrative contracts and lavish lifestyles for baseball players and other pro athletes can be pretty far off base. In fact, these …
April 15, 2021
4 Ways Broke Grad Students Can Raise Their Income While Still in School
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college

4 Ways Broke Grad Students Can Raise Their Income While Still in School

Grad students can lighten their financial loads by targeting specific opportunities as they complete their studies. Here are four places to start look…
February 10, 2021
Secrets to Setting and Keeping Financial Goals for the New Year
A ladder leads right to the bull's-eye of a target.
personal finance

Secrets to Setting and Keeping Financial Goals for the New Year

If you’ve ever broken a New Year’s resolution (and who hasn’t?), don’t worry. You really can reach your goal this time. You just need to set yourself …
January 13, 2021
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Millennials Are Financially Jinxed, but Time Is on Their Side
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personal finance

Millennials Are Financially Jinxed, but Time Is on Their Side

Suffering from recession fatigue, this generation nevertheless can’t afford to shy away from stocks. Here’s how Millennials should prioritize their re…
November 16, 2020
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How to Play Defense on Your Debt – Even in an Economic Downturn
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debt management

How to Play Defense on Your Debt – Even in an Economic Downturn

For anyone with debt to their name, right now could be a great time to take advantage of unique opportunities to either refinance, pay off or even dra…
October 22, 2020