This is part of our series highlighting businesses that have been operating for two years or less. In this article Nick Elkins shares her experiences and insights since opening Family Finance Freedom.
How did your business get started?
I spent more than a decade making poor financial decisions and having to do the hard grind work to overcome them. I’ve found that my experience and knowledge from overcoming all of those challenges make me really passionate about helping others do the same thing.
The business got started when someone asked if they could pay me for all the help I gave them to get out of debt and on the right path.
Who do you serve and why? What problem do you solve for them?
I help hard working parents put a system in place that eliminates stress around finances and helps them make progress toward their financial and family goals.
What makes your service different?
I’ve been there. I’ve made the mistakes. I’ve overcome them. I won’t judge you for not knowing the best way forward.
What obstacles did you have to overcome in order to start your business?
I don’t have any certifications around financial coaching and had imposter syndrome around why I was qualified to help others. I’ve been an employee my whole life and wasn’t sure I had what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
What has been the most rewarding experience for you since starting your business?
The messages I get weekly from longtime clients telling me about the goals they’re meeting. They’ve worked hard to get there and knowing I had a small part in helping them get there fires me up!
What has been the biggest mistake/lesson you’ve learned?
That I just needed to start! To stop over analyzing and stop trying to make everything perfect before making progress.
If you could do it all over again, what one thing would you do differently, and why?
Start 10 years ago!
How do you keep things fun and interesting for yourself?
Constantly challenging myself to tackle new problems, to meet new people, to be open-minded to new mindsets. Collaboration with mastermind communities and other financial coaches have been huge.
Who do you admire and how has that person helped you to reach your current level of success?
Vincent Pugliese for vulnerably sharing their story of getting out of debt and building a business while shifting from employee to entrepreneur. He’s now my mentor and coach and has become a great friend, guiding me through decisions as I build this business and way of life.
What is your primary business focus for the next 12 months?
Building sustainably and creating the lifestyle I want for my family going forward.
