Meet The Member - Crystal Kelly, Amani Financial
The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives.
Today we’re sitting down for an interview with Crystal Kelly to learn more about building Amani Financial.
Tell us more about you and your business! We’d love to know about your business today and the story of how you got here.
I am Certified Financial Planner® with 18 years of experience in the financial services industry. The primary mission of my independent financial planning practice, Amani Financial Inc., is to guide women to financial independence so that they can break the cycle of financial chaos and bring peace of mind to their lives.
Women have unique needs, challenges, and inequalities they face when it comes to their financial well being, as such the financial advice they receive should be just as unique. This is achieved through holistic, fee-for-service financial planning in the areas of cash flow management, investment planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance and risk management, tax planning and small business financial planning. With an emphasis on education and empowerment.
Areas of specialization include women transitioning from employee to self employed and women going through a separation or divorce, and am a candidate for the Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist designation. I am a mixed settler and indigenous woman descending from Musgamagw Dzawada'enuxw, one of four tribes making up the Kwakwaka'wakw peoples in the Pacific Northwest. I have a special interest in serving indigenous nations through education and guidance. All in an effort to help build a robust indigenous economy.
Let’s dive more into your business. What products/services do you offer? What do you do for your clients that sets you apart?
The financial services industry is very male dominated and his heavily influenced by colonized and patriarchal world views. Unfortunately this results in women not getting the type of support they are now demanding, in order to create real, long lasting financial security. Women's unique needs and challenges need to be addressed as part of a financial plan.
In addition, my fee for service model offers a way to get financial advice without product pitches or sales tactics. The majority of the advice out there is tied to commissions from the sale of investment products. My fee for service model eliminates that conflict of interest so that the recommendations made are truly in your best interest. It also eliminates the need to have an existing portfolio to get good advice. You can have a robust portfolio, or be just starting out! It doesn't change the qualify of advice you receive.
I can be hired for the following services:
Comprehensive fee for service financial planning
Educational Workshops
Speaking Engagements
Consulting
What is your favourite part of what you do?
When my clients express how working with me has improved their quality of life, reduced their stress levels, increased their confidence with their financial well being and helped them make informed decisions about their financial security and build wealth long term.
Witnessing my clients go from fear, shame and confusion around their finances to excitement, empowerment and confidence...it's why I do what I do.
What's a challenge you’ve overcome as a business owner, and what did you learn from it that you can share with others?
A challenge I have experienced as a business owner is how isolated and alone it can feel. When you're building the tracks as the train is coming and wearing all of the hats of your business, it can be very difficult. It is similar to the challenges I've faced as a single mother. Sometimes I need to vent, sometimes I need to talk through a problem that I haven't figured out a solution for yet, sometimes I need inspiration when my creative brain feels stuck.
The most valuable lesson I have learned from going through this challenge is to prioritize connection with other women. The relationships we with have with the women in our lives are so incredibly important and the rich connections we build expand our lives in ways we can't see are possible when we are doing it all alone.
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Always have something in the calendar that you are looking forward to.
Do you have a go-to motto or quote that inspires you?
One of my favourite quotes is by Russ, when he was asked...
What is the best advice you've ever received?
Russ: "What if it can turn out better than you can imagine?"
What is the worst advice you've ever received?
Russ: "Be realistic"
Is there anything you'd like to share with the YBB Community?
If you would like to receive practical financial information and tools in your inbox and stay up to date on upcoming workshops or launches, please sign up for our monthly newsletter on the website https://www.amanifinancial.ca/.