Our bank rep from CIBC sat on our black, leather couch and told me point-blank:
“They don’t have enough money.”
As the eldest daughter in my family, it was my role to translate this to my immigrant parents…
And I was scared. Like, really scared.
Luckily, we found a way to keep our home --
But that memory hasn’t faded.
→ This is a part of my *own* money story.
A BELIEF THAT: I WASN’T ENOUGH UNLESS I HAD MONEY.
That money is a form of power, security, and control.
No money meant you had none of those things — and I didn’t want to feel powerless about my own life because of money.
Money trauma impacted my relationship with money
I almost lost my childhood home at the age of 16 years old, because we didn’t have enough money..
10 years later at 26, I hit $100,000 saved.
And then I doubled it to $200,000 by 28.
Because I had financial security I was:
- Able to pay $40,000 for my wedding in cash (without putting my parents in a tight financial spot)
- Buy our first home by contributing $100,000 for the down payment
- Work towards early retirement goals by hitting $100,000 invested between my TFSA and RRSP by age 30
in order to have choices, I knew I needed to build my financial independence.
I didn't want to stay limited by money
And you might find yourself in this role as well.
Anytime someone needs help with money, you're the first to volunteer because you were taught that in order to be a "good daughter" you needed to help others before yourself.
You want to treat your parents because they worked so hard to provide for you - so your bank account doesn't feel like it's just yours.
But there aren't many spaces where personal finance is discussed this way, that's inclusive of our experience as a first/second generation daughter.
Because it can be overwhelming trying to manage your OWN finances while balancing your responsibilities.
as the eldest daughter, I'm the caretaker and financial saviour.
- I love using money to travel, invest in my business and health - but I'm not a big designer bag girlie (no judgement if that's your vibe though!)
- Small expenses bring me the most joy - like a $6 pastry and $5 latte from any Vancouver bakery, this is my favorite thing to do!
- West Coast girlie: I love the forest and the chill, laid back vibes of the pacific north west
Fun Facts About Me
as seen in
- It’s money in your bank account and working for YOU (money to pay for emergencies, book that trip, and fund your parent's retirement)
- It's about having CHOICES: the choice to leave home, that job, your partner because you don't have to stay stuck
- Being able to help your family without resentment/guilt or hurting your finances
- Being able to invest in YOU: self-care habits, services, mental well-being
- Traveling and enjoying the world and sharing that with those you care about (parents, sibs, friends, partner)
- Buying yourself quiet, lux items like aesthetic decor, skincare, jewelry, and wellness products, and feeling PROUD of the purchases because you budgeted for them vs. guilty
- It's about getting your time back - as a kid of immigrants there was no “free” time concept as our parents worked 12+ hour days to earn income
But - there's some work for us to do to help get you there.
We're re-defining what "RICH" is as a daughter of immigrants:
i became the older sister I wish i had to protect me from financial mistakes and learn about money in a relatable space.
Let's talk 1:1 coaching
