Episode 85: His Financial Setbacks is what Plotted a Path to his Future Success

Dare To Share Your Untold Story

Leon immigrated to Canada when he was 10 years old unexposed to the world of financial challenges and this continued to follow him when he reached post-secondary education. During his time enrolled in university, he met credit card representatives where he was encouraged to sign up for high value credit cards, not knowing that he could go into credit card debt or understanding the implications of making high ticket purchases he couldn’t afford. Leon shared it got to the point where interest accumulated on his amount owing on payments and eventually, he was left with his only option, to declare bankruptcy. Through this financial struggle, he would have nightmares, experienced a great deal of frustration and anxiety, even just seeing his name appear on the envelope of what he knew was an enclosed bill. This led him to withdraw from his social circle and isolate himself even more, he felt ashamed and embarrassment and didn’t feel he could face people. There were numerous questions being asked of him by his family members, he felt a loss of control, and continued to feel the high pressure of expectations placed upon him culturally to excel and to do well, in addition to being first born sibling. Leon shared how this took a large toll on his mental well-being, feeling like a loser, feeling hopeless and desperate, he started to rely on alcohol to escape all the complex emotions he experienced at the time. He did regain his momentum which led him to undo the financial distress that he was in by getting external support. His key message to the listeners is that: financial planning is for everyday folks; you can have a worry and debt free life; be honest with yourself and don’t let your ego take over; there are people who are willing to help, so just take that first step to seek the help you need.