Obi is a rare young man, who is committed to bettering not only himself but the world around him. After speaking with this gentleman on a summer afternoon, it was clear that his ideals about financial education and reformation were rooted in uplifting those in poverty. His ideas encompassed raising financial literacy to build generational wealth and create positions of power for the powerless. Dreams of change for impoverished nations in his home continent of Africa fuel his ambition and desire to assist others. See what he had to say in his own words below:
Could you tell us a bit about yourself? How old are you? Where were you born and raised?
My name is Chinedu Obi Iloh. I’m 24 years old, born and raised in Boston, MA and Lagos, Nigeria.
What did you want to become when you were a child?
Since I’m Nigerian, when I was a kid I wanted to become a doctor and my sister wanted to become a lawyer.
What do you do?
I am personal financial advisor. I help individuals, families and small business map out their financial future.
How did you get involved in this industry?
I got involved in the industry through a friend that I met while on set for a show. We spoke briefly about finances and he offered to help me. Now, I pay it forward.
How do you help others with what you do?
I help others by educating them on fundamental financial practices that 80% – 90% of us are ignorant to. Financial illiteracy is a huge problem in this country. Only 5 states in the US offer financial literacy as a one semester elective in high school. While the rest of us are dependent on our parents or job for our financial education.
What is the name of the company you work for? How long have you been with them?
The name of my company is World Financial Group. I have been with them for 9 months.
Why should people do business with you as opposed to someone else or another company? What are the benefits?
People should do business with me because I have their best interest at hand. I didn’t get into this industry for the money, contrary to what everybody tries to tell me. It took me a while to realize that that wasn’t my motivation. I was almost ashamed to admit it. Sure I like the things that money can allow me to do, but if I didn’t need money to do those things then I wouldnt want money. Above all and everything, I want change. I want to leave this world knowing that I did something to effect positive change on the people who survive me. Helping someone build a legacy for their family is change that will last a long time. I’m always happy to help someone address the elephant in the room, personal finance. Most of us avoid it because the reality of it can be unpleasant, but once you face it, you see that it wasn’t as big and scary as you thought.
What do you like most about what you do?
What I like most is the seeing the relief and peace of mind that comes over a family after we map out a path to financial freedom. The hope they have in the future of their family.
What are your plans for the future? How do you plan to meet your goals?
My plans for the future include going back to Nigeria and helping to build it up to the world power it has the potential to be. I plan on doing this by educating the Nigerians here in America on financial strategies they can use to create generational wealth. Its that wealth that we will use to invest in Nigeria.
What advice do you have for people who want to work in your industry?
My advise is not to be scared. We were taught to be afraid of finance but to love money. Getting into the industry is easy, all you have to do is learn a slightly different financial language. When you break it down, big banks and insurance companies do business the same way you and your friend do business. They just use different words to make seem more difficult than it is.
Why do you think it’s important for people to follow their dreams?
I think its important for people to follow their dreams because it gives fulfillment. We only get one shot at this life thing. If your blessed to live long enough, you don’t want to live your last years regretting things you wanted to do but didn’t. Also, you have those dreams for a reason. Not everybody has the dreams that you have. Most likely, no one has the same exact dream that you have. So if something is stuck in your mind to the point that you think about it often, its probably best you do something to make it a reality. Working for, and attaining your own dreams is always the most rewarding. Go for it!
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Original article appeared at Dreamer Loop. Reprinted with permission.
Photo credit: Dreamer Loop/Getty Images