Clare Turner-Marshall lives for educating and coaching people about money. And as the “Money Guru” behind Clare Turner-Marshall LTD, Clare does just that, helping clients around the world understand their money and how to make it work for them on a daily basis.
Managing money is a lesson Clare had to learn from her own successes and missteps and, after figuring it out, she decided to help others mature from financial naivety to financial freedom. Clare asserts that the most rewarding part of her work is, “hearing from clients further down the line … how life has changed as result of the work we've done.”
Listen to your inner voice of reason and take time out to just be.
What inspired you to pursue a career in financial services?
Really honestly: I thought at 22, it was about time I got a proper job! I didn’t go to college and did various jobs that were just fun, rather than career-oriented. I knew it was time for me to settle down and get amazing at something and, well, money seemed a great thing to get amazing at. It was one of the best decisions of my life.
What does your job involve, and what types of responsibilities do you have in your position?
I'm here quite simply to educate and coach people about money. I'm very aware that customers get the results they desire, which requires me to move them to action. When clients come to me, they're usually in a place where they can take no more, so I'm literally there to transform their lives. It may sound cheesy, but the No. 1 thing I teach is that people rule their money; their money doesn't rule them.
Every day is wonderful, because it's all about seeing people transform and seize the day. I love it!
What is your favorite part of your job?
Hearing from clients further down the line who tell me about how life has changed as a result of the work we've done. They do it all; I'm just the guide that gets them there.
What challenges keep you awake at night?
Nothing now! I have a great team that's invaluable to my business and together we keep everything running smoothly. But before that, when I wasn’t in control of everything in my life, my challenges always kept me up at night.
Is work/life balance ever a problem with you? If so, what is one no-fail tactic you use to create balance?
Sometimes it can be a result of me wanting to help too many people and having an inability to say “no” when I know someone needs my help. However, I've learned to listen to my inner voice of reason and take time out to just be. We can feel guilty for taking rest and relaxation, but without it, the balance isn't there, and then the ripple effect starts. Balance is very important and when I'm out of balance, things don’t work as well as they can. I try to start each day with a "power hour" to maintain this balance.
Was there ever a moment in your career where you’ve thought, “I made it!” What was it?
One day, I realized that every day, I woke up with a smile on my face because I was so happy with everything in my life. It took a lot of work to get there, but I wouldn't change a thing -- even the bad stuff. Without all of my experiences, I wouldn't be where I am today.
What are some of the rules you live by?
I am the most important person in my life. If I'm not firing on all cylinders, then that has a ripple effect.
The 7 P’s: Proper prior preparation prevents piss-poor performance.
What qualities does it take for someone to be successful in your line of work?
Tenacity, focus and the passion to change a generation.
What one piece of advice do you wish you could tell a 21-year-old version of yourself?
Take control of your money! I wasted so much money in my early years. I'd also tell the young me to listen more. I was rather headstrong and ignored things that were very valuable, because I thought I knew what was best.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I see myself living six months of the year in the UK and spending the other six months traveling and working with my overseas clients -- as well as with a TV show that educates people about money.