UPCLOSE & PERSONAL INTERVIEW

KALEE BOISVERT

Q: HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE FINANCIAL INDUSTRY?

I was raised by a single mom who didn’t receive any child support. Despite her efforts, money was a constant source of stress and struggle in our household. More than anything I wanted to help out and relieve some of the burden.

As I saw how some people didn’t face the same financial scarcity, I became curious about money. I believed that if I could understand it better, I could somehow change our circumstances. So, I threw myself into learning everything I could about money.

That passion stayed with me throughout university, where I pursued a business degree with the goal of making a positive impact. Right after graduation, I stumbled upon a listing for a role in the financial industry. It felt like a perfect opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.

Starting as an assistant to a financial advisor, I quickly realized that I wanted to become a financial advisor myself. Witnessing my mom’s financial struggles fueled my desire to help others overcome their own challenges. I was determined to design an inclusive and empowering approach that provided tailored support to inspire and equip women to take control of their financial futures.

Q: WHAT IS FINANCIAL LITERACY?

Financial literacy is essential for developing confidence around one’s finances. It’s the key that unlocks the door to achieving your biggest money goals. Without a solid understanding of financial concepts, it’s challenging to take meaningful action.

Unfortunately, we don’t learn these concepts in school. Formal education often falls short when it comes to teaching financial literacy. Many individuals don’t have the opportunity to learn about money until adulthood. Initially, it can feel overwhelming, like trying to drink from a fire hose. But if you commit to learning and expanding your financial knowledge, it can pay off by boosting your confidence.

Once you’ve built that confidence, you’ll be ready to take empowered action. Gone will be the days of stress and selfdoubt. Instead, you’ll focus on making informed decisions and taking the necessary steps to achieve your financial goals. Embracing financial literacy is the first step to taking control of your financial life.

Q: TELL US SOME OF THE KEY POINTS FROM YOUR LATEST RELEASE, MAKE MONEY YOUR THING!

This book is here to boost your confidence when it comes to money and investing. Many women often lack the confidence they need in this area, but it’s time to let go of excuses like “I’m not good with numbers” or “Money just isn’t my thing.”

The truth is, it’s never too late to make money your thing! Anyone can develop a positive relationship with money. When you embrace money as your ally, it will support you in achieving your biggest goals.

The journey begins with self-reflection. By examining your money habits, thoughts, and preconceptions, you’ll gain a better understanding of your financial mindset. The book provides powerful strategies and tools to overcome obstacles and develop a healthy money mindset.

Building confidence starts with knowing where you stand. The book also helps develop your money awareness so you can assess your starting point.

One important message throughout the book is that nobody will love your money as much as you do. By actively engaging with your finances, taking control, and making informed decisions, you reclaim your financial power. Instead of relying on others, you become the primary driver of your financial journey. The book also emphasizes adaptability, acknowledging that unforeseen circumstances may arise. While you can’t control everything, you can adapt and make the most of the situations that come your way.

Finally, the book helps you solidify your newfound confidence by aligning your financial goals with your personal values. It encourages you to embrace your role as a money boss and identify the deeper desires behind your financial aspirations. By reflecting on values like personal freedom, purpose, and adventure, you’ll see how money can help you achieve these aspirations. This connection between money and core values will infuse your financial journey with purpose, fulfillment, and meaning.

Q: AS A FINANCIAL ADVISOR, WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON TOPICS THAT YOU DISCUSS WITH YOUR CLIENTS?

As a financial advisor, my main goal is to have open and meaningful conversations with my clients to gain a better understanding of their unique needs. Conversations can vary greatly, but one common theme that often arises is the desire for action and change. Many people come to me feeling unsure or lost about their financial situation. They want to take charge and make positive changes that will support them in reaching their financial goals. By working closely with my clients, I strive to provide the guidance and support they need to feel empowered and on the right track.

It’s also essential to acknowledge the emotional aspect of money. Money can evoke strong emotions, and my role as a financial advisor extends beyond just numbers and strategies. During challenging times in the stock markets or when the economy faces uncertainties, I am there to support my clients emotionally. I regularly check in with them to ensure they are staying on track with their goals and offer proactive advice on rebalancing or adjusting their investment approach. This personalized support helps clients navigate the emotional rollercoaster that financial markets can sometimes be.

Every client brings their unique circumstances and concerns to the table. It could be planning for retirement, saving for a child’s education, managing debt, or navigating tax implications. Whatever their individual needs may be, I strive to address them comprehensively and provide guidance to help them achieve financial success, taking it one step at a time.

Q: WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO TURN YOUR KNOWLEDGE INTO BOOKS AND WHY?

I made the decision to turn my knowledge into books at the onset of the global pandemic. The shift in my daily routine, from working in an office to working remotely from home, provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my approach and recognize that I was ready to delve deeper into supporting women. With over 12 years of industry experience at that time, I felt confident and prepared to share my insights.

As I contemplated the message I wanted to convey, I considered what I would want my daughter Ivy to learn about money as she grew older. This inspired the topics for my book, which I believe are relevant to every woman. Essentially, I aimed to create a guidebook for those who are ready to take action but may be unsure of where to begin.

Writing this book was significant to me because it offered a chance to reach even more women and transform their relationship with money. I recently received a call from a woman who expressed her realization that it was time to take control of her finances. She had been neglecting them, citing that she had assumed one day she would get married and her husband would handle them. I firmly believe that women should never assume they need a partner or to rely on others to manage their finances in order to achieve financial success. Women possess all the necessary tools to make money their thing right now—no Prince Charming required!

Q: YOU HAVE ANOTHER BOOK COMING OUT, CALLED MONEY WISE MABEL’S BURSTING BANK, FOR CHILDREN. WHY IS IT CRUCIAL FOR YOUNG CHILDREN TO LEARN FINANCIAL LITERACY?

MoneyWise Mabel was born out of the most common regret I hear from people about their financial lives— that they wished they had started earlier. This made me wonder, how early can people actually start? Well, how about really, really early! With my own daughter at the age of 6, I knew I wanted her to have financial empowerment from the start. And that’s what inspired me to create this book for children, offering them an early introduction to financial literacy.

MoneyWise Mabel is a book that teaches children the value of resisting instant gratification and shows them how to work towards bigger financial goals. It instills in them the power of savings and helps them realize that their money dreams are completely achievable. As adults, life often becomes hectic and filled with responsibilities, causing us to lose sight of the power of possibilities and what it’s like to dream.

I want children to grow up with a mindset of possibilities when it comes to money, without feeling limited by their circumstances. Poverty doesn’t have to be a cycle that repeats itself in future generations. It can change when young minds believe in themselves and in the endless possibilities ahead. MoneyWise Mabel is designed to inspire and ignite the imaginations of young kids, so they can embark on their own financial journeys with hope and confidence.

Q: HOW CAN CHILDREN BECOME FINANCIAL LITERATE?

When it comes to teaching children about money, open communication is absolutely crucial. As parents, we have a wealth of experience with money, and sharing that with our children helps shape their financial behaviors and beliefs.

From a young age, we can create a safe space where our little ones feel comfortable asking questions and sharing their thoughts about money. It’s about fostering an environment where they know they can come to us with their moneyrelated concerns, dreams, and even mistakes. By being open and approachable, we can lay the foundation for healthy financial habits.

When we talk openly about money with our children, we’re not just giving them knowledge and skills. We’re also instilling in them a sense of financial empowerment and confidence. They learn that money is not something to be feared or hidden away, but rather a tool that can be managed and used wisely.

But it’s not just about talking at them; it’s about engaging them in the conversation. We can involve them in financial decisions, like budgeting for family expenses or discussing the pros and cons of certain purchases. By actively involving them, we’re teaching them valuable lessons about priorities, trade-offs, and the importance of thoughtful decision-making.

Q: WHERE CAN READERS FIND YOU AND YOUR BOOKS ONLINE?

You can check out my website at kaleeboisvert.com, as well on Instagram @kaleeboisvert. And the books can be found on Amazon at:

Make Money your Thing!

in US: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Money-YourThing-Design/dp/1738670287

in Canada: https://www.amazon. com/Make-Money-Your-Thing-Design/dp/1738670287

MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank

In US: https://www.amazon.com/ MoneyWise-Mabels-Bursting-BankKalee-Boisvert/dp/1684632285

In Canada: https://www.amazon. ca/MoneyWise-Mabels-BurstingBank-Kalee-Boisvert/dp/1684632285

ABOUT KALEE BOISVERT

Kalee Boisvert has been in the financial industry for over fifteen years, but her love of money began very young. Growing up in a single parent household, she watched her mom struggle with finances and wished there was something she could do to help. She wasn’t going to allow her circumstances to define her, and thus her own journey into financial literacy and wealth management began. Kalee now has an MBA in Finance from the Haskayne School of Business and is a financial professional whose focus remains on sparking healthy and positive conversations around wealth and investments. She is also a proud mom to eight-year-old Ivy and new baby Jax. She lives with her family in Calgary, Alberta. MoneyWise Mabel’s Bursting Bank is her first book for children. Her self-help title Make Money Your Thing will be released by RE: Books in Spring 2023.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS

Website kaleeboisvert.com/

Facebook @kaleeboisvertwealthandwellness

Instagram @kaleeboisvert

Twitter @BoisvertKalee

LinkedIn @kaleeboisvert

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