Three-time author, founder and Certified Financial Planner Shannon Lee Simmons is no stranger to going off-budget—and she’s not afraid to talk about it. After quitting her Bay Street job to start her own advice-only financial planning firm, the New School of Finance, she found herself in more debt than she planned for. Instead of drowning in guilt and shame, she sought to pay it off in a sustainable way. Today, Simmons helps clients and readers find their way through similar obstacles and life challenges—with “awesome, accessible and affordable financial planning advice.” Take notes as she walks us through everything from her definition of necessary splurges to reframing your views on personal debt.
Who are your money heroes?
My first boss on Bay Street. She taught me so much. She was such an inspiration and a total boss.
How do you like to spend your free time?
Always with my fam’. I have two young boys, so we get up to a bunch of stuff every weekend. We are at home in the woods. You can often find us out for a hike, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, making maple syrup.
If money were no object, what would you be doing right now?
All of the above—spending time with my family outside! I do think I’d still work though, just maybe not at the same clip I’m going now.
What was your earliest memory about money?
My parents ran a family business, and we talked about money all the time. I knew that sometimes you’re up and sometimes you’re down. And I learned you have to work to earn money. I was a kid who tried to scale my lemonade stand.
What’s the first thing you remember buying with your own money?
The 1992 CD, Ace of Base, by The Sign.
What was your first job?
I ran an agency after trying to make a real-life Babysitters Club in my neighbourhood. Aside from starting my own lemonade stands and my babysitting business, my first job was at a concession stand at a community centre. I spent my paycheque on a new shirt for school.
What was the biggest money lesson you learned as an adult?
Slow and steady almost always wins the race. Over time, the most successful people have consistent savings habits and patience. Time is on your side.
What’s the best money advice you’ve ever received?
It’s important to talk about money. Talking openly and honestly about money with friends and family helps reduce financial anxiety. And it leads to more empathy and less judgment for others and ourselves. I think it’s important that it not be taboo.
What’s the worst money advice you’ve ever received?
Any advice from a get-rich-quick-scheme. If someone is promising you they can make you a lot of money quickly, then they are likely taking on too much risk.
Would you rather receive a large sum of money all at once or a smaller amount of money every week or month for life?
Oh. Probably a large sum up front. Then I could start enjoying it right away.
What do you think is the most underrated financial advice, tip or strategy?
Automate savings. Even $10 works.
What is the biggest misconception people have about growing money?
That it happens quickly—it takes time.
Can you share a money regret?
I quit my Bay Street job to start the New School of Finance. But, I blew through my money faster than I budgeted for and I ended up taking on a ton of credit card debt in my first year. I pulled money out of my savings to pay it off.
What does the word “value” mean to you?
I have a term that I talk about in Worry-Free Money (HarperCollins, December 2017) called EROI—emotional return on investment. It’s how you judge a purchase for emotional satisfaction or value. A funny example of this for me is the money I pay to cover my grey roots. This has a very high EROI for me, but something many of my pals feel is such a waste of money.
What’s the first major purchase you made as an adult?
The first major purchase I made as an adult was a new couch. After university, I moved out on my own with hand-me-down furniture. I then bought a bed frame after purchasing my first couch. I felt so grown up.
What’s your take on debt?
No one wants to be in debt, but life happens. The worst thing you can do is blame and shame yourself. It often leads to loss of hope and overspending. Pay down debt in a sustainable way that doesn’t set you up for failure.
What was your most recent splurge?
An outfit for the No-Regret Decisions book launch party.
Read an excerpt from No-Regret Decisions (HarperCollins, January 2023), entitled “How to make better financial decisions—without regret—in a crisis.”
What is the last money-related book you read?
Other than my own? Happy Go Lucky (Little, Brown and Company, May 2022). I love it as an all around personal finance book—it touches on everything. It’s also funny.
What is something you always have in your wallet?
My debit card.
What is your favourite possession?
My piano. It’s lived with me in every home I’ve had since I was five. It followed me to every shared accommodation, apartment, flat and house.
What’s your next money goal?
I am fully focused on my mortgage!
My MoneySense quick questions
Rent or own?
Own.
Buy or lease?
Depends!
Save or invest?
Save. (This is a trick question. You can’t invest without saving first.)
Budget or not?
Live within your means yes—but you don’t need to over-budget. That often leads to failure and then people give up.
Read more My MoneySense profiles:
- “My first experience of buyer’s remorse has guided my spending ever since”
- Mixed Up Money’s Alyssa Davies on striving for CoastFIRE, the value of time, and more
- MYNC franchise founder Nathalie Smith on turning a passion project into her full-time job
- “Dragons’ Den” tech titan Michele Romanow on taking risks, betting on yourself
- How dating expert Damona Hoffman handles her relationship with money
The post Shannon Lee Simmons defines “emotional return on investment” and her take on personal debt appeared first on MoneySense.
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