Client Comments

“In our current climate, we cannot rely on company pensions and social security to be there when we retire. However, like most young people, I’ve been intimidated and overwhelmed by the thought of managing my own retirement. Learning how to manage my own investments was a critical skill that I needed to get—but where? I read books, attended seminars and ended up right back where I started—a retirement portfolio in need of serious help! When I took Mary Ellen’s class, I realized that I could get a handle on my situation and really play an active role in making my money work for me. After several private coaching sessions, I’ve cleaned up my portfolio and learned the fundamental skills that I needed to continue managing my money. Mary Ellen through Responsible Investing provides a unique service—helping you become a savvy investor and take charge of your financial future.” — Michael, Brookline, MA

“Just want to share this with you. My friend sent me a tip to buy [a stock]. Per your course, I looked at the fundamentals and wrote to him that this stock was scary. He bought allot! Today he sent me an email telling me his info was wrong and he was tricked! He studies this all day long with his retired friends. [But] the stock’s [financials] made no sense at all. THANK YOU for teaching me how to check the value of a stock. I could have been really injured.” — Sandy, Brookline, MA

“Thank you for sending the form to me. I had a lot of fun going through that exercise with you. I found the whole process is very interesting and helpful. Now I definitely have a better idea of the whole picture of our portfolio. I can't wait for our next meeting to learn more about how I can use my broker’s site to rebalance my portfolio. Investing is really becoming a hobby of mine. It's really fun for me to do. I know I still have a lot to learn, but so far I am not as intimidated as before.” — Anita, Boston, MA

“I had the good fortune of being in one of Mary Ellen's Brookline Adult Education courses and of having private counseling sessions with her. Mary Ellen provided many useful handouts and relevant articles as supplements to her classes and coaching. Mary Ellen's explanations to various questions that I had were clear and informative, and ultimately, the answers gave me more confidence about facing retirement.” — Mary, Brookline, MA

Comments from class and workshop participants:

“Thank you so much for the great workshop you presented at [our company's women's networking group]. Your workshop was the most informative training I've ever had for mutual funds and the materials were excellent. I especially wanted to thank you for the handouts—it was great to know that all the slides could be referred to later, which meant I could concentrate on listening and taking notes about what you said, not trying to capture all that information. Also, we got to take all the exercise materials with us. This was one of the best workshops on investments I've ever attended. I can't wait to spread the word about you and your website with my friends! Thanks again!” — Ruth, Wellsley, MA

“This class is worth its weight in gold. Mary Ellen is a delightful, knowledgeable and really interesting teacher. I expected to learn and I learned more than I expected—and had so much fun in the process. Thank you!”

“Best adult education course I ever took. Very enjoyable and informative. The teacher’s preparation and handouts were excellent and the amount of information and practical exercises that we participated in gave us a substantial understanding of this very complicated area.”

“Each session, the demonstrations first and hands-on applications following was a perfect balance, giving [me] confidence in the step-by-step process of using research tools and investing.”

“I went in knowing nothing and left with a true interest and a basic understanding. I really appreciated how basic it was. Most financial courses assume too much. Great program.”

“Mary Ellen was very knowlegeable and receptive to questions. She really encouraged us all to try investing on our own.”

“The presentation was accessible for the nonspecialist without being condescending.”

“In a short time [The ABCs of Investing] course opened my eyes to so much.”

“Really relevant information, clearly presented. A great introductory course.”

“She's amazing—always organized and so helpful!”

“A top-notch instructor.”

“Lots of info—theory, practice, handouts were great, instructor passionate and well-versed in the topic.”

“I would highly recommend [The ABCs of Investing] to others!”