You can’t un-do meeting Kirstin Kuka and it’s hard not to be touched by this client hero story. First off, it’s crazy well written, it’s straight from the heart, steeped in simplicity, positivity and authenticity.

Buckle up, this edition will be a day maker!

Where are you from originally?IMG_3739

Originally I am from a little town called Bruno in the heart of the grain belt of Saskatchewan, about 2.5 hours north of here.

Growing up in a small town (like 600-700 people small!) definitely gives you a completely different view on growing up. I spent a lot of time outside, on my bike, at the playground, and out at my aunt and uncle’s farm right outside of town.

My family moved to Humboldt when I was 12, which is only about 20 minutes away from Bruno, and I remember being like “what?? you mean to tell me that I can just go to the store and get a Slurpee whenever I want to?!” It was definitely different spending my teenage years in a bigger place, even if Humboldt is only like 7,000 people!!

What is your occupation?

I work for the Ministry of Justice on the Corrections and Policing team. I love working with people, and being able to make a difference in the lives of others in a rehabilitative way is both rewarding and enjoyable.

What is your favourite quote?

I actually have a rustic-looking-barnwood-framed chalkboard hanging in my bedroom and it’s one of the first things I see when I get out of bed in the morning. I love inspirational quotes, so I try to change them whenever I find one that hits me in that moment! But certainly one of my favourite quotes is by one of my favourite authors F. Scott Fitzgerald which reads “For what it’s worth: it’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope that you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over again.”

What is your favourite hobby?

Recently I have taken up crafting- particularly anything “shabby chic” or rustic looking.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?

When I was 19 years old I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder. When I was 22 I was asked to tell my “Strength Story” about my battle with anxiety and the depression that followed as a part of Mental Health Awareness Week at the University of Regina. Theo Fleury was the keynote speaker we brought in, and myself and another peer stood up in front of 350 people (AND Theo Fleury) and told our stories of failure, triumph, and determination. We got a standing ovation. And it was the most terrifying and exhilarating moment of my life. I’ve never been so proud of myself!

What is the most challenging aspect of starting a career in your field?

Definitely the fact that no case is the same. There is no “classic textbook” way to work with our type of clientele. This can be hard because something that works really well for one person may totally not work for someone else. It’s not always a bad thing as it always keeps you working towards different techniques that work. And once they do it’s easier to build upon those techniques to develop case plans and relapse prevention plans.

What is your top money frustration?

The fact I want to travel more often but unfortunately life and bills have been getting in the way!

Money and I get along like:

An icicle during the spring time. Its there but it’s going and you know that you can’t stop it because it has to be done as a natural process of things. Money comes in, bills get paid, then you’re standing there like “where did it go?”

My proudest money moment:

Clearing a ton of stuff out of my house that had been cluttering my closet and cupboards and selling it on the VarageSale App. I made money instead of spending it and it helped me to look at the stuff I already had in my closet and say HEYYY this would actually look pretty good together!!

Financial security to me means…

Being able to not panic the day before your rent/car payment comes out! And of course being able to have some spending freedom and enjoy life.

What was your latest splurge?

With Christmas just passing a little while ago I’m not even sure what my last splurge on myself would have been. But I can tell you my next one will be an iPad because everyone has one but me and it would be so much nicer to not have to lug a laptop around now that I’m done school (for now until I get bored and decide to go back!)

If you could ask a financial planner any question, what would it be?

How do I get that healthy balance of adult-responsibility and 20-something-freedom?

What feelings did you have prio r to our first meeting?

Major anxiety and a feeling of not having control over my money situation.

What feelings did you have when first entering the Financial Studio?

Surprisingly relaxed! The atmosphere is so friendly. I didn’t really know what to expect so I was pleasantly surprised!

How did you feel after the first meeting at the Financial Studio?

So. Much. Better. Knowing that I’m on the right path is such a good feeling. I’m excited to continue to plan out and budget my spending. I’ve become much more aware when I’m out and feeling impulsive and want to spend money on something. And I’ve never actually ever understood finances ever, so now having a better understanding also makes everything a lot more fun to plan out!!

TCM: See you have read it to the bottom didn’t you – we didn’t disappoint did we? A bit like whiskey in a tea cup.

Watch for our next blog when we address Kirstin’s question of balancing adult responsibility with 20-something freedom. That is actually a great question no matter how old you are.