How do you go from struggling financially to ready to retire in just two decades? You follow the lead of Kelly Cornell who dreamed big and believed financial wealth could happen to her!
As a property manager, Kelly’s clients are savvy and successful people. She became inspired by how their success allowed them the freedom to explore their passions.
She began to believe—and see—that there was a different path she could follow than the one that demanded you work hard until 65 and then be satisfied with a social security check each month. Because she reached for an audacious vision, Kelly is just about to realize her dream—to retire to Mexico.
Tell us a little bit about yourself
I grew up in Eastern Washington in an area with little diversity. I knew I wanted something different. I was exposed to a larger world when moving to the nearest “big” city of Seattle after graduating from high school. My dream was to be a fashion designer and live in NYC but, with little money, was happy to be in Seattle. I did get to experience the fashion industry and even started a small clothing company with close friends.
I always thought I would be a self-employed artist but, after struggling financially for many years, I was ready for a steady income. In my 30s, I jumped at an opportunity in the property management industry. My employer became my mentor and I have a successful career managing a portfolio of multi-family properties. My greatest financial gains came from making offers on apartment buildings and raising funds from other investors to close deals. I am now in my 50s and have the means to leave this field. I plan to pursue my dream of living in Mexico and continue growing and being creative.
What was your money moment?
As a property manager, my clients are very successful people. I find it inspiring to work with them and hear their stories. Many are self-made entrepreneurs that have not only made good decisions but dreamt big! They now have the freedom to explore their passions whether it is traveling, playing golf, growing flowers on a farm in Hawaii, learning how to speak Mandarin in China or sailing across the Atlantic. Being exposed to these people and their life successes inspired me to dream even bigger.
What was your money mindset before this?
I was raised that I must work hard at a job my entire adult life and, if I was lucky, I could retire at 65 and live comfortably on social security benefits. This didn’t feel right to me, but I didn’t know anything else.
I have always been a voracious reader of self-improvement books. Over time, I began to change my thoughts and form my own ideas about money. By becoming aware of my thoughts, I could cancel negative ones or replace them with positive thoughts. I began to believe that I could work smarter and that I deserved plenty. I then believed that I had the power to create a future of abundance in every aspect of my life.
I started to ask for what I wanted and then looked for opportunities to help me achieve success. It was scary at times but also exciting to see that what I focused on showed up in my life. I didn’t focus on what may be lacking but appreciated all that was good in my life and life in general. This brought more joy to me daily and a really good life began to unfold.
I now believe that I am a powerful creator. I do not draw from the past. I now have a new story to tell and so much to look forward to.
What has been your biggest aha moment from this experience?
Dream big! Decide what you want, imagine it, talk about it and feel that you are living that dream now. All you have to do then is allow the path to unfold and look for opportunities along the way.
What would you most like people to know about money?
Financial wealth does not just happen to others. Become aware of your thoughts about money. If these thoughts are coming from fear, lack or that you are not deserving, it is time to change. Money does not make one happy but it definitely helps opens up doors to provide for more experiences and fun. We are all deserving of a joy-filled life. It’s that simple!
(P.S. If you’d like to check out Kelly’s vacation home for rent in Mexico, you can see it — and book it! — here.)
Have you had a “Money Moment” that taught you something about money, yourself, or your money mindset? I’d love to help you build on that money moment! I always say that you can’t just “work on your finances” once and be done…it’s an ongoing process. So come over to my website and get access to an entire library of free resources!