WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A MENTOR?
I decided to become a mentor because I've always enjoyed sharing the new things I learn and transferring knowledge. It's a two-way street, as teaching often deepens my own understanding of the subject. Specifically, in the realm of personal finance, my journey from living pay check to pay check, and having nothing to show for despite my high income, to achieving financial stability three years ago has had a profound impact on my life. I now experience greater peace of mind and lower anxiety. I want to extend this sense of financial security to more people.
I've noticed that many individuals comprehend the importance of managing their finances but struggle with the "how”. I was in a similar position once.
I believe that achieving financial freedom is all about freedom of time, which is the most valuable finite resource we have in life. I'm motivated to help others become better educated in this area and ultimately experience the freedom and peace that comes with it.
HOW DID YOU GET YOUR CAREER START?
My journey into my new career path began with a passion for numbers and investing. However, I struggled to figure out where to begin. The turning point came when I attended a meeting with an investment advisor, and it was a revelation. I immediately started reading books and listening to successful investors, which ultimately transformed my life.
As I began sharing my newfound knowledge with friends, I realised that many of them struggled with the same uncertainties I did before my epiphany. I started assisting a few who were eager to improve their financial situations, and witnessing their progress brought me so much joy. It was at that moment that I realised the fulfilment that comes from helping others gain better control over their finances and set off on my path as a mentor.
WHAT DO MENTEES USUALLY COME TO YOU FOR?
Mentees typically approach me with a range of financial goals and challenges. Many are eager to venture into investing but seek that initial guidance, that first push in the right direction. In such cases, I often advocate for an automatic "set it and forget it" system as an excellent starting point.
Others are interested in grasping the path to financial freedom and want clarity on what steps to take to achieve it.
Budgeting and managing monthly finances are common concerns too.
Regardless of their specific needs, I follow a structured approach in my mentorships. We begin by gaining a comprehensive understanding of their current financial situation. Then, we work together to establish both short and long-term SMART goals, crafting a step-by-step plan tailored to their unique circumstances, ensuring they can realistically achieve their objectives.
WHAT'S BEEN YOUR FAVOURITE MENTORSHIP SUCCESS STORY SO FAR?
One of my most memorable mentorship success stories occurred before I joined Mentor Cruise, although it followed a similar structure to what I practice here. A close friend of mine had made significant financial missteps in a very short time and was attempting to solve them with even more mistakes. I emphasised the importance of the first step he needed to take: when you find yourself in a hole, "stop digging". Together, we identified the root causes of the problem and implemented fail-safes to prevent repeating those errors.
Subsequently, we worked on addressing the core issue, and I'm thrilled to share that, after two years, he not only achieved his short-term goals but also developed a clear plan to attain the long-term goals we established together. This transformation in his understanding of finances and the progress he made is a testament to the power of strategic financial mentorship.
WHAT ARE YOU GETTING OUT OF BEING A MENTOR?
Becoming a mentor has brought me a multitude of personal and professional benefits. While my initial motivation was the sense of fulfilment derived from helping others, I've gained so much more on this journey. Mentoring has deepened my comprehension of the subjects we explore, making me a more knowledgeable and informed individual.
Moreover, it has improved my skills as a communicator and public speaker, enhancing my ability to explain complex financial concepts in a comprehensible manner. It's also taught me how to handle challenging and emotional conversations with empathy and grace. Most importantly, being a mentor has enriched my capacity to listen, support, and empower those around me, making it an incredibly rewarding and enriching experience.