A Life-Specific Financial Plan

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in finance but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shawna McCrea, Founder of Balance Financial, located in Kelowna, BC, Canada.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

My name is Shawna McCrea, and I will help you tie a rope to your future. I am a veteran financial planner and community connector; I understand the power of the human heart in money and business and the possibilities that grow when people collaborate to pursue their visions. I see how our stories shape our financial decisions and how our journeys can converge to create our best lives — by working together.

I also appreciate that our relationships with money can be painful and confusing. Drawing on 21 years of leadership experience with TD Canada Trust, I cut through the industry noise that can fuel our fears and create a financial plan based on my client's specific life goals. My unique power lies in the heart-centered approach I bring to my expertise. I get to know each client as a person, addressing their anxieties and discovering their dreams so that they can choose a meaningful course of action and take steady control over their money matters.

Tell us about yourself

I bring my caring, curiosity, and commitment to the entire community. When I moved with my family to Kelowna from Calgary in 2003, continuing my role as a branch manager for TD Canada Trust, I visited local businesses and found myself deeply inspired by the entrepreneurial pride and passion running through the city. This experience illuminated the need for individuals and businesses to make prudent financial choices based on their particular needs. Leaving TD Canada Trust in 2015, equipped with my knowledge of financial well-being and motivated by my love for the Okanagan, I launched Balance Financial.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

I did it. I started my own business. After working at TD for 21 years, it was definitely intimidating to venture out on my own, but I did it, and I am proud of myself.

What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?

Feeling isolated and on your own. I no longer had a huge organization to lean into; it was just me. I took care to make sure I participated in networking and volunteering opportunities to stay connected with people. I embraced opportunities to meet regularly with like individuals so we could lean into each other.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

Do your homework - research, research, research all that is involved in running and growing a business. There are many moving parts that you need to include - finances, marketing, hr, legal, product creation, etc.
Do your homework - connect with like businesses and learn from them - ask them & follow them on social media.
Do your homework - if possible, start as a side hustle and build it before you walk away from your existing employment situation.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://balancefinancial.net/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnaLMcCrea
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnamccrea/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ShawnaMcCrea
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shawna-mccrea/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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