When and how to invest in your career

From getting the necessary education to dressing for the job you want, investing in your career can put a serious dent in your finances. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.

When I was growing up, my otherwise frugal father leased a new car every three years. He claimed that, as a financial planner, his clients expected him to look successful, which meant driving a nice, late-model car. He reasoned that nobody would take investment advice from a financial planner who drove a 14-year-old Datsun Bluebird. His message to me was clear: Invest in your career.