We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Michael Kim. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Michael below.

Michael, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?

My mission is to help working young professionals have control over their money and their lives.

I grew up in a Korean and Chinese immigrant family in Canada, and we really struggled with money. My parents were constantly fighting about money and we even almost lost the house we lived in. And so at a young age I decided to dedicate my life to learn how to effectively manage my own money.

I spent over 5 years and $100K+ to studying accounting & finance at the IVEY Business School, got my Certified Professional Accountant (CPA) designation, and started worked in corporate finance. And within just 2 years, I was able to build a $100K stock investment portfolio a successful personal finance coaching business, and have the freedom to work and travel anywhere in the world as a Digital Nomad.

That’s when I realized that: “When you learn to use money, you get to CHOOSE the life you live.”

That’s why my goal is to help working young professionals learn to use money to achieve their financial goals, become financially stress-free, and design a life they actually love.

Michael, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

The wealth gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider.

This is because the rich have access to Financial Advisors, Tax Professionals, and Consultants to help them make and keep more of their money. Meanwhile, the low-middle class aren’t even taught basic financial literacy skills.

And this is why I became a Personal Finance Coach, to help bridge the wealth gap between the rich and the poor by helping working young professionals learn how to master the “skill” of money.

At the end of the day, money management is a “skill” that can be learnt and it can be broken down into 3 main skills: MAKING $$, SAVING $$, & INVESTING $$. And once you master these skills you can achieve any financial goal and design a life you “actually” love.

This concept is my from my signature framework the ART OF MONEY MANAGEMENT which is the foundation of my coaching philosophy and my TEDxTALK, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0laavBo25ew

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2021, my body started erupting in chronic eczema, hives, and inflammation where some days I could hardly move. I saw countless doctors and specialists, and spent thousands of dollars out of pocket for treatment… but nothing worked.

Then, in September 2023, I decided to quit my corporate job, go full-time in my online business and booked a 1 way trip ticket to Mexico. And within just 3 weeks 90% of my health issues went away.

Moving to Mexico literally saved my life. But the truth is, I wouldn’t have been able to move to Mexico, if I didn’t have my personal finances in-order. I had emergency funds, a $100K+ stock investment portfolio, passive income, and the skills to make money online through my business.

This is why learning how to effectively manage your money can literally save your life, because it will give you the freedom and the options to prioritize your health.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

In the online space, its really easy to fake results and testimonials which results in a lot of scepticism and distrust.

The way that I’ve been able to build my personal brand and reputation is simply by providing an exceptional service for my clients and exceeding their expectations.

By doing this, my clients are excited to share their wins and experience with their network. Over the past 4 years I have over 100+ client results sharing their experience working with me and how they’ve been able to completely transformed their personal finances and with it their lives.

When people see real people getting real results, consistently, this is how you build a strong brand and reputation.

To check out some of my client interviews you can go to www.michaeleekim.com/clients

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.michaeleekim.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeleekim/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeleekim/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@michaeleekim
• Other: TEDxTALK: MASTERING THE ART OF MONEY MANAGEMENT https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0laavBo25ew