

Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace McGee.
Candace, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Like a lot of families of color, we didn’t have money conversations in my home when I was growing up. I picked up negative financial habits by watching the people around me and followed down a familiar path of self-sabotage. I left the nest as soon as I was old enough. I got in over my head with debt and was laid off from multiple jobs. It took years for me to start creating my own version of financial security.
In 2017 I decided to purchase a home but was denied for a mortgage loan. I was offended! I actually had money left in my account when my next direct deposit hit for a change (such low standards, I know!). But it was the wake-up call that forced me to change. Once I got a money coach, my life improved in leaps and bounds.
Through my growth process, I found that living a life free of financial stress wasn’t hard. A mindset shift and adaptation are the only prerequisites you need to get started. I unlearned the bad stuff and replaced it with good. In less than a year I went from receiving that mortgage denial and no money in my savings account to purchasing a home, increasing my credit score and 401k contributions, paying off a maxed-out credit card, having shares in 20+ companies, diversifying my 401k and building a solid stash of savings. I learned a lot in a short amount of time. Once my net worth cleared the red zone, I found purpose in helping people who look like me create better financial habits for now and for the future.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Once my mindset shift happened the process of fixing my finances was a breeze because I saw real results. I also saw my therapist regularly, which helped to keep me balanced. I easily adapt to change and had a coach to help me see through the fog along the way. I’d say I’m a good student!
My struggle came with the people around me. They asked me for money help and I was happy to oblige. But it made me sad when those people reverted back to old habits. What I’d done was no different than giving someone the answer key to a test. Meaning that people won’t learn if you do everything for them. I started understanding how to have conversations to determine if people were ready to put the work in to change their lives. I’m a Money Coach because I care about helping people. This includes educating those who aren’t ready to change… until they get to the point where they are.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I operate as the Millennial Financial Educator, a Money Coach that teaches young people how to treat their money like reliable employees. This means that you give each dollar a job and put systems in place. When you do this, your money produces results that make your life easier. It’s the same as a boss delegating things to employees that are trustworthy.
I take time to listen to my clients and get a feel for what they really need. They may WANT to fix their credit quickly so they can get a new car but I’m going to make them see how keeping the car they have is more beneficial financially because that’s what they NEED. I know that money coaching is life-changing because I lived it. I don’t give theories to my clients. I coach from experiences and proven practices. I meet people where they are and teach them how to pull themselves up.
I’m very engaging on my Instagram platform and play a game with my followers, where I ask them, “what’s something that you want but TEMPORARILY can’t afford?” I share the thing I want and give video responses to their answers in my story. I like to remind people that when you’re working on your finances, a better life is waiting just around the corner for you. So whatever you can’t afford now – you WILL be able to afford it one day. And you’ll be able to enjoy it without stressing about the price tag or paying interest because you impulsively charged it to a credit card.
What sets me apart from other Money Coaches is that anyone can come to my Instagram page, DM, or email inbox and learn something. I don’t speak in a language that’s only recognizable to people with a PhD. It’s been said to me that when people come to my IG page, they don’t feel “small” or guilty about where they are in their financial journey because I speak clearly and from a non-judgmental space. I’m incredibly proud of that!
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was very laid back. I liked playing outside but was always at peace when writing and playing with my dolls. I had (and still have) a vivid imagination that has helped my creative pursuits greatly. I was always a good listener. I was s a reserved child but I had a smart mouth on me! It got me in trouble a lot and as a teenager, it cost me a trip to Japan!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.candacemcgee.com/
- Email: cjm@candacemcgee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/millennialfinancialeducator/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/millennialfined
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