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Name: Chella Diaz
Business: MoneyIQ901 , money management coaching and consulting
Industry: Coaching & Consulting
Location: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Reason for starting: I wanted to help women take control of their finances. I am able to meet women where they are and help them see what choices they can make on a daily basis to take control of their finances. I give them weekly tasks, so they do not get overwhelmed and they have daily successes. I have been a money magnet since I was a teenager. When I was 9 years old I went to the farmers market and I knew which vendors had the best quality at the lowest price. I bought my car when I was 17 and house at 23 years old. I believe is not how much you make is how much you manage it that counts.
Related: Women & Money: Setting an Example
How do you define success? Success to me is having a balanced life; which means managing the time I spend with friends, family and on work. It is about helping and inspiring others. It is about helping others who want and need the help. It is about having compassion for others and their journey.
Biggest Success: I created a game to teach teens practical money management. My game is an experiential one and there is no other game like it in the world. I was very fortunate to work with Clinton Swaine to create this. I enjoy when a students gets it, the light goes on and I see they have an idea that they will implement. Students walk away with information that will make a big difference in their financial life. My game opens up doors to different possibilities, such as ways to save money, dangers of credit cards, how a good credit score can save you money and why it is important to save money as early as possible. I have two sons who are amazing. My biggest success in raising them has been to allow them to live their lives and to make their own mistakes. You learn so much more when you experience things for yourself vs your mom telling you about it.
What is your top challenge and how have you addressed it? My top challenge is getting the word out about my program. I found alliance painters to help me spread the word about my program, however so far it has not made the impact I was hoping for. Everyone that has done my program has benefited, I know it works. I could use some exposure to share my message.
Related: Reflecting on Women’s Relationship with Money
Who is your most important role model? My dad, he was a baker when I was growing up. He had two full time jobs for about 6 months at time time, though it felt like it was 5 years. He saved all the money from his second job and saved for a down payment for a house. After a few years he sold the house and purchased 6 units, then 4 units, then 2 units. He always found ways to save money and make extra money by doing some of the home repairs. He is handy and very smart man.
[box_light]Website www.moneyiq901.com/freedom
Twitter @chelladiazmoney
Facebook www.facebook.com/moneyiq901[/box_light]
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