Kel Galavan, Mrs Smart Money

 

Kel Galavan, Mrs Smart Money

Money Mindset Coach

Can you tell us a little about yourself and your business? 

I am a money coach author and QFA who spent most of their life being awful with money. I inherited six debt figures from the last recession, which took me a decade to dig my way out. it was a soul destroying time and I vowed not to let my family to be that vulnerable again. So, I made it my mission to truly understand the money and money mindset. 

In 2019, after leaving my 16-year corporate job and breadwinner income, I embarked on a no-spend year where we cut her outgoing over 27,000 euros. Fast forward to now having my own company helping others get on the path to financial security and, ideally, financial freedom, and I love what I do every single day.

Can you share a defining moment or challenge that shaped your journey? 

While doing my MSc while working, I took a study day off and decided to collect my son, a senior infant. His older sister had been in the school for several years longer, but nobody knew who I was. Therefore, I was told I couldn't bring my son home. 

The mirror of Life was held up to my face, and I realised I spent so much time working from a place of fear so that we would not end up financially destroyed as we had been before. I knew there had to be more to life because not knowing my kids scared me more than a lack of money. Shortly after, I decided to walk away from my 16-year career. I knew I could always earn money, but I could never turn back time, and that one decision changed the trajectory of everything.

What inspired you to start your business or career in this field? 

During the No Spend Year, people kept asking how I was able to save so much money and still have a really good quality of life. It was around then published your approach to me to write the book, and the rest, as they say, is history. What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I've built a business around something that I love and I get to work from home for me to teach people how to build a life they love.

Who or what has been the biggest influence on your professional life? 

My husband and kids let me sound a bit odd, but I keep thinking about what is the best decision for them, what gives us the best quality of life and the most freedom, and from there, the answers and Direction come, and I share everything as I learn it. 

What motivates you to keep going during difficult times? 

Dory from Finding Nemo, she was a positve little thing..... Have a little mantra just keep swimming just keep swimming just keep swimming.. 

Do you have any favourite quotes or mantras that inspire you?

“A paradox of life is that the greatest returns come in the long-term, but the opportunity cost of moving slowly is huge.“

Who is the perfect client for you? 

My perfect client is someone who is putting in the work, they've done the hard graft to bring the income in but aren't sure how to grow it my scale is showing you how to grow it in a stable way where The Foundations are in place and you build out your wealth step by step by step if somebody wants that I can help you

You have experienced a photoshoot with Jill , what was it like for you and do you see yourself different now? 

Yes, I have. It was a very interesting experience. I'm not a big photography person. In reality, I'm quite introverted. I love seeing progression and helping people be better versions of themselves, but I do not like being the centre of attention. Jill is exceptional and knows how to bring out the best in people. I couldn't have picked a better person to do the photo shoot with. Maybe next time, her subject will be more comfortable in this spotlight. She sees things in a different perspective and I love that about her.

What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned as a businesswoman? 

Progress not perfection, always be learning and be patient with myself and others What’s next for you and your business? I realised that building true financial freedom in Ireland is not as straightforward as it is in other countries, so I have compiled my 20 years of investing experience and have just launched a course to teach people how to invest in Ireland sustainably for the long-term even if they are just starting from scratch and know nothing about the stock market. 

 How can people get in touch with you? 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kel-galavan-money-mindset-coach/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrssmartmoneyhq/

Kel’s book, Mindful Money