Today we’d like to introduce you to Estelle Gibson
Hi Estelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
…..My story starts when I was 8 years old and my father started teaching me things about money. When I got my first job at 16, I started managing my own money. This was a deviation from what was happening in my family because my dad always managed all the money.
In my junior year in high school I ended up taking an accounting class, by default. At the beginning of the semester my schedule included a study hall, which was rare for me as an honors student, so I was really excited. The assistant principal at the time said, “ you are not going to waste your time in study hall, you can take a business class”. Now, at the time I was working towards attending nursing school, so a business class didn’t make sense to me at all. But, she was persistent and although I had no idea what accounting was, I followed her advice and took the class. And as they say, the rest is history. I ended up loving accounting and actually became an assistant bookkeeper my last two years in high school. I continued on to college and enrolled as a declared accounting major. After graduation, I started my career with an international accounting firm and a few years after obtaining my CPA, I began working for private companies as an accounting and finance manager.
Now, I’ve always had an interest in helping people beyond the numbers. When I worked at the accounting firm I always made it a point to offer opinions and information on each engagement that would make a difference for the company beyond their bottom line. And now, as I work with individuals, couples and entrepreneurs as a holistic financial coach, it’s even more of a focus.
The catalyst for doing what I do today, like for many people, was a life changing circumstance – my divorce. When my husband came home and blurted out that he wanted a divorce, I was taken by surprise and left in a state of shock. And, weeks later when he moved out I was left with a house I couldn’t afford and bills I couldn’t pay. You might be wondering, how does that happen to a financial professional that is skilled and trained in managing other people’s money? I reverted back to what I learned growing up – that one person manages the money. I had handed over my financial power. Like most people I work with and many that I meet and talk to, one person in the family usually manages the money. And, because I was working with other people’s money all day long, I was actually happy that my husband was managing ours. My mistake was that I didn’t stay involved and understand everything that was going on with our money. So, I was left to rebuild my life not only financially, but emotionally and the process that I went through led me to what I do today, helping others do the same.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
…..Like everyone that goes through the stages of what I call your Money Life Cycle – there are challenges, obstacles and opportunities for growth along the way. For me it started with having to work three jobs and take out student loans to pay my way through college, because my father told me he wouldn’t be able to help me. As a young professional, I got on the roller coaster pattern that happens to so many of us of accumulating credit card debt, paying it off and accumulating more. Several years after my divorce and after yet another failed relationship, I had to support and raise my son as a single parent. In addition, I began building my business while working full-time. Through all of these stages there were times that were difficult, but I persevered and learned about my strengths and weaknesses, building confidence, courage and resilience along the way.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Journey to Freedom?
…….I’m passionate and committed to empowering individuals, couples and entrepreneurs to create financial freedom, so that they can choose to live their dreams, whatever they are, everyday!
What makes me different from other financial professionals is that I use a holistic approach in my coaching and programs. This approach takes into consideration that money affects every area of your life and that you are a unique individual. This isn’t a one size fits all problem. Each of us have individual behaviors, beliefs, personalities, lifestyles, skills, experience and situations that dictate how we operate, see the world and how we deal with money. I teach my clients and students how to manage their money in simple ways that are personalized for them and to break free from the limiting beliefs that stop them from achieving their goals and dreams. I work with clients and students in one-to-one and group settings.
As a transformational speaker, it’s my intention that my audiences receive more than just information. I want them to experience a powerful shift in their awareness of how they relate to money, spend money, think about money.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like that we are in a region that has a rich history. Whether it’s trailblazers like the Wright Brothers, inventor Charles Kettering, music greats like the Ohio Players, writer Erma Bombeck or actor Martin Sheen, this is a region that was founded on and supports innovation, creativity and the arts.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.estellegibson.com , www.poorbychoice.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jounrey2Freedom
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/J2Freedom
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@estellegibson
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estellegibson
- Other: https://www.poorbychoice.com
