Up next in our ‘Meet the Expert’ series is Steven Gay. Steven lives in Fort Worth, TX, and is one of our financial guides and is an Accredited Financial Counselor® candidate. 

Q: What got you interested in personal finance and coaching?

A: Ministry work through my local church provides emergency assistance for those in crisis situations. Trying to provide hand-ups instead of hands out many times meant looking at spending and trying to find creative solutions to avoid similar situations in the future. 

Q: Do you have any pets? 

A: Dog, Mocha, 15 years old.

Q: What do you love about being a Financial Guide?

A: As a guide, I feel a sense of responsibility to provide the very best guidance and recommendations given this level of trust.  I enjoy discussing household goals and brainstorming together a plan/action to achieve their goals.  Any new tool and knowledge put into action can literally change the financial trajectory of a family and that is awesome!

Q: What’s your favorite financial topic to discuss/help people with? 

A: Household budgeting and College savings goals/plans

Q: If you gave a 10min Ted Talk today what would it be about?                                 

A: College Savings Plan

Q: What is your biggest win as a Financial Guide so far? 

A: Having a client see how being free of consumer debt could help elevate the well-being of their entire household.  Moreover, the client and spouse develop an action plan to get out of consumer debt by age 50.

Q: Share a moment with a participant that impacted you.  

A: Discussed savings goals for households and how college investing was happening but really without a plan.  Made me realize that it is important to have a plan to go with investing money.  Ensures confidence in actions.  Moreover, plans can be discussed with high school students so they are aware of the college funding plan.  

Q: What’s a hobby that brings you joy?

A:   Camping and hiking

To read Steven’s blog posts, click here!