"Don’t try to have it all together before you start your business" with Cyndia Rivera

Cyndia Rivera is passionate about helping families change their financial legacy. Her mission is to empower individuals and couples how to manage their finances with confidence and reduce stress. Cyndia has helped many families find financial freedom by coaching them on how to create a spending plan, save money, and pay down debt while enjoying life with their loved ones. Cyndia has taken Dave Ramsey’s Financial Coach Master Training, she is a Certified Professional Financial Coach™, and is currently studying to become an Accredited Financial Counselor. www.FamilyFinancesRedesigned.com

Can you tell our readers about your background?

I was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI. My family moved to Florida in 1989. My husband and I have been married for 29 years have a 28-year-old daughter and a 16-year-old son. I have a bachelors’ degree in Christian Leadership from Florida Christian College (now Johnson University). My last full-time job before launching my business in 2017 was as the Administrative Assistant to the Chief of Police of the Clermont Police Department.

My husband and I know very well what it’s like to be in debt, lose a house, and have cars repossessed. The financial stress we endured over the years caused anxiety, guilt, and shame. We also know what it feels like to follow a spending plan, work hard to pay off debt, and feel like we finally have a handle on our finances. It took a lot of commitment and healthy conversations about money to obtain the financial freedom we now enjoy. I want to help others do the same.

What inspired you to start your business?

After experiencing the stress of debt and seeing families being torn apart because of debt, I knew I had something to offer and could make an impact.

Where is your business based?

I am based out of Clermont, Florida. I work virtually allowing me to work with clients out of state as well. 

How did you start your business? What were the first steps you took?

After starting the Financial Coach Master Training I immediately launched my business in 2017 while still working full time. I met with clients in the evenings at Panera Bread even though I didn’t have all my systems and processes in place. I was focused on helping clients instead of trying to have everything perfect. 

What has been the most effective way of raising awareness for your business?

I am currently a member of BNI (Business Network International). Networking and building strong relationships have been great for business. Word of mouth from raving clients has also helped.

What have been your biggest challenges and how did you overcome them?

Getting out of my own way and out of my comfort zone. I consider myself to be somewhat of an introvert and often found myself in “analysis paralysis” mode. This only led to a fear that I wouldn’t succeed. Having mentors who have experience has been extremely helpful to me and the growth of my business. 

How do you stay focused?

I calendar block. I put everything on my calendar (personal & business) each with its own color. This helps me to stay on track. On Friday I look at the next week’s schedule and again on Sunday to make sure I know how the week is going to flow. Because I color code it’s easy to see what is business and what is personal. Everything has an allotted time, but I also give myself grace if some things don’t get done as planned. 

How do you differentiate your business from the competition?

I’ve been where most of my clients are at. I understand the roller coaster of emotions that come with financial stress. I’m transparent with them about our struggles and how we overcame them. This is something my clients have come to appreciate. My mission to help them move out of that place of guilt and shame. They understand this is a judgment-free space.

What has been your most effective marketing strategy to grow your business?

Being authentic. I don’t post on social media daily because honestly, it’s a bit overwhelming. For me, it has been making sure my branding shows what I do and how I help families. Having a professional website is helpful as well. It took three years to get these to where I am proud of them.

What's your best piece of advice for aspiring and new entrepreneurs?

Don’t try to have it all together before you start your business. Start where you are the rest will fall into place. Don’t compare yourself to someone else who is more successful than you. That will only bring you down. Remember they all started where you are. Instead, learn from them and surround yourself with mentors and coaches who can help you get unstuck and move forward. Concentrate on learning and growing. 

What's your favorite app, blog, and book? Why?

I can’t say I have a favorite book or blog probably because I’m not an avid reader. I’m working on that. However, I love listening to various podcasts. Some of the podcasts I listen to are The Ken Coleman Show, The Christ Wright Show, The Prosperous Coach, The Power of One, just to name a few. From building relationships to networking, to how to coach clients and balancing work and family, they have all contributed to my entrepreneurial journey. 

What's your favorite business tool or resource? Why?

Zoom definitely especially since my coaching is done virtually. I also like using Later for social media and Mailerlite for emailing. They are both user-friendly. I feel I get a lot of features from the free versions, but if I ever need to upgrade the monthly rates are affordable. 

Who is your business role model? Why?

Kelsa Dickey and the Fiscal Fitness Phoenix team. Kelsa has been a financial coach for 12 years and has been a fantastic mentor to me and many financial coaches. She’s genuine in her approach and loves sharing her knowledge and struggles. That is the type of coach I want to be with my clients. I appreciate mentors who are honest about their struggles and successes. 

How do you balance work and life?

When I first started my business I was working all hours but that was stressful. Now I schedule the first two hours of the day for working out at the gym and read a devotional before meeting with clients. These help me start my day right. I have set work hours and take one day out of the week where I don’t meet with clients. That day is usually to do administrative work or just take it off if needed. If a call comes in after business hours I simply let it go to voicemail. If I don’t have boundaries my business will consume my life.

What’s your favorite way to decompress?

I love family movie nights at home and puzzles. Putting together a good puzzle is calming and a stress reliever. 

What do you have planned for the next six months?

I am looking forward to creating financial wellness workshops for businesses and organizations. I also plan on participating in virtual summits and podcasts.

How can our readers connect with you?

I can be found at www.FamilyFinancesRedesigned.com. My Facebook and Instagram handles are @familyfinancesredesigned. LinkedIn is https://www.linkedin.com/in/cyndia-rivera-familyfinancesredesigned/.