Kimberley Bigby

Financial Trainer

I joined the Gym because I have a heart for service and a desire to help people become the best version of themselves. I didn’t grow up with good financial values, but I used that as fuel and motivation to do and be something different. Money and numbers always interested me from an early age. My first job was as a supermarket cashier and in less than a year, I became a bookkeeper in the back office. I received a B.S. in Accounting from Hampton University and later attended Long Island University to pursue an MBA in Finance. I am three credits short of my MBA, but that’s a story for another day. I am a long-time client of the Financial Gym and I remain a client to this day. As a result, I developed good financial habits that allowed me to buy a condo, build an emergency fund and personal investment portfolio, pay off debt, and pay for a wedding without going into debt. Once you show you can be a good steward over a little, you will be permitted to be a good steward over a lot!

What is the best financial advice you were ever given?

If you can’t afford to lose it, you can’t afford to lend it (or co-sign for it).

What are you working for?

A retirement that will allow me to live comfortably without worrying about money or ever working again unless I want to.

What’s your best and worst financial decision?

Best financial decision: Investing in my 401K at twenty-four and remaining at my first job until I was vested in the pension.

Worst financial decision: Loaning money to family and friends, but even worse, I loaned them money without consequences, skin in the game, or a way to pay me back.

What’s your favorite financial tip?

Pay yourself first.

Expert In/Specialty Area:

Budgeting, Debt Repayment, Investing, Saving