We recently caught up with Donna Sgangarella from FinFit Wealth Solutions, who kindly gave us an exclusive interview:
Tell us about your work
I am a Personal Financial Coach with FinFit Wealth Solutions. I work with my husband Phil to help our clients become Financially Fit. I have been in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years (I did start young). After spending 17 years working for large Corporates I decided to start my own business and offer tailored financial coaching and improve the financial lives of others. I work hard with my clients to help them reach peak financial fitness. If you want to run a marathon you need a lot of training. The same concept relates to your Financial Future. It doesn’t just happen you need to plan, work hard, be disciplined and stay focussed.
FinFit offer the full range of Financial solutions from Superannuation, Cash Flow solutions, Investment advice, Budgeting, Family Protection, Finance solutions, Tax Planning, Estate Planning and Property advice. We are a one-stop shop for all your wealth needs. All of our solutions revolve around your goals and we have customised plans for each and every client. I leverage off my own life experience and would not recommend a solution to you unless I have done it myself or would do it myself.
How did you get interested in financial coaching?
From a young age, I was interested in Finance and knew that it was the path I wanted to follow. I had a job at the age of 13 and paid cash for my first car at 17. I watched friends live above their means and over commit themselves with credit cards. I wanted to be able to help other people and coach them on my proven strategies.
What’s the biggest financial problem you see with your clients?
The biggest problem I see with my clients is they don’t have structure and don’t have a plan for their future. They earn a good income but have no visibility on what they are spending it on. I get excited after a client completes their Financial Health Check knowing I can make a difference and improve their situation. Money can be the cause of stress in relationships and it shouldn’t be.
Allot of my clients are also time poor. They are busy with their work and also family. They simply don’t have the time to focus on their financial world. They know they need to do something but not sure where to start.
Can you describe a typical day?
I start my day at 4.55 am when my alarm clock goes off so I can be at F45 Paddington for their 5.15am workout! I then come home full of endorphins ready to have a sensational day! I get ready for work, pack my son’s lunch, drop my boys at school and then head into FinFit HQ. I am very structured in my day to make the most of every minute. I have a mix of client coaching sessions and working behind the scenes on setting and reviewing strategies. There is never a dull moment. I also love 80s music in the background to keep me going! I may also break out into song every now and then.
What’s been the highlight of your career so far?
The biggest highlight is definitely creating FinFit with my husband Phil. We had a vision and worked hard to make it happen. We started our business with no clients and have smashed all our targets in the past three years. We have worked long days and weekends but have loved every minute and continue to grow. Being a small business owner is awesome and we are continually evolving our offer especially with the use of technology.
What do you love most about what you do?
I love my clients. It is so exciting to see them achieve their goals and understand the difference I can make to their lives. I jump out of bed every morning excited about the day ahead and the value I can add to others. Every day is different and every client is different.
Who or what inspires you?
I am inspired by my husband Phil. We live and work together and I am so motivated by his passion for helping others. People often ask us me how we go working together. I tell them that I wouldn’t have it any other way. We have very opposite personalities but that is what makes us work effectively together. We are fortunate to share the same values and are very focused on success for our clients and ourselves.
What are you saving up for?
A Hermes Birkin Bag. I love fashion especially designer bags. One day…..
Do you have any predictions for the financial industry in Australia?
One of my favourite sayings is that in a world of change we need plenty of energy. Our industry is constantly changing and you have to stay with it, embrace it and think ahead. A good example of this is the use of technology in our industry and the evolving are in ‘Robo Advice’. Markets are changing constantly and I am excited about the future.
Do you have any plans for the next 12 months?
I have started writing a book to help others become Financially Fit. I have a goal of helping more people in Australia be in a better financial position and hope this is a way of helping achieve that goal.
About FinFit Wealth Solutions
FinFit Wealth Solutions is a privately owned business with combined 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry. We employ sound wealth-creation strategies that have been tested and proven to work for our clients. Our professional Brisbane based wealth advisers analyse your financial situation and assist in defining long-term financial goals.
Take control of your finances with expert financial planners located in Brisbane head to the FinFit Wealth Solutions website.
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