Shoutout LA Feature
Press for Beyond Money
Kate Grayson I Money Coach
Hi Kate, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Growing up, I never dreamt of being an entrepreneur… Even through the first phases of my career, I never thought of opening my own business – I was happy with the stability and perks of a full-time job! But in my late 20s, everything changed. The life that I was steadily building came to an abrupt halt when I received a life-changing diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease. I realized that I would have to leave my career, which plunged me into deep distress and anxiety about money. I was suddenly an unemployed, full-time patient, watching the career and bank account I’d worked so hard for slowly slip away.
I found myself questioning my priorities, values, and purpose, and I knew that I’d have to find a new way of life post Lyme treatment (80 hour work weeks just wouldn’t be possible anymore!)
During this period, I really began to experience firsthand just how much financial anxiety can eat away at your well-being, and began to see how many loved ones were also plagued by financial stress and uncertainty — with no one to turn to for honest guidance, everyday management advice, and the tools to succeed. I set to work on teaching myself specific strategies around value-based budgeting, debt reduction, and lessening financial anxiety — and I saw all of my efforts literally pay off. Once I woke up to how much need there is for everyday financial guidance — which traditionally is reserved for the wealthy — I knew there was nothing else I wanted to do but share my learnings with the world.
My company, Beyond Money, was borne from the desire to share my knowledge, tactics, and candid counsel — and the results I see with clients are truly extraordinary, with an average of ten thousand dollars saved for the future and debt paid off within three months — while still living their dream life in the present. It’s such a privilege to help people with such an intimate part of their lives, and I’m so glad I decided to take the leap into opening my business.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The money coaching we offer at Beyond Money is worlds apart from the traditional financial service industry. Most importantly, we don’t believe that financial growth is only for the wealthy! We welcome everybody, and because we know you need a financial plan just as unique as you are, we don’t offer any one-size-fits-all advice. We look at you and your finances holistically, and consider every aspect of your unique lifestyle and goals when developing a plan. We also don’t believe that there are any “should” or “should-nots” when it comes to money. We work with our clients to find the balance that works for them. Our clients care about living the life they want now, not just once they’re out of debt, and a healthy balance means having the lifestyle and experiences that bring you joy in the present, while also planning for a better future. Most of us usually keep money locked away in the corner of our mind, thinking that we’ll get to it next month or next year. Money is still such a taboo, and we’re scared to think or talk to about it. Like most things in life, there’s never going to be a day where it’s suddenly easy to change your financial life. So I am endlessly proud of my clients for choosing another path — for choosing to tackle their money once and for all. And how cool is it that I get to wake up everyday and help them?!
Want to chat?