by TJ Armour

Kimberly Thomas is a Wealth Accumulation and Conservation Specialist at KimCo International, Inc. located in the West Loop of Chicago. She is responsible for assisting her clients with making smart choices with their hard earned dollars through the use of annuities and insurance programs. Since 1998 Kimberly has been successful with creating financial strategies for her clients. She helps establish and monitor lifetime financial goals; create emergency funds, establish college plans, and maximize retirement plans among other services.

Before KimCo International, Inc. was established, Kimberly was a Wealth Accumulation Specialist at Sanmar Financial Network from 2011 to 2015. Sanmar Financial Network is under the leadership of Dr. Roger F. Salter and Roger C. Salter, and this is where she received the vision of KimCo International, Inc. Before coming to Sanmar, Kimberly was a Senior Financial Advisor at Waddell and Reed from 1998 to 2011. She was awarded the Circle of Champions Award and the Crest Award from 1999 to 2011 from the company. All of the awards Kimberly has received represents her commitment to sales and service to her clients.

In addition to her extensive professional resume, Kimberly has been a member of Trinity United Church of Christ for 35 years. The Howard University graduate is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Adopt a Student Ministry and the Raise the Roof Ministry. Her eagerness to make sure our kids make smart financial choices comes from being a devoted mother of three boys, Justyn, Jalen, and Julian.

N'DIGO recently caught up with Thomas to find out more about gaining wealth and all the things she does at KimCo International.

N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Kimberly Thomas?

Thomas: A woman with a big heart that has a passion for people to succeed in their life's endeavors! I love it when a person wins because we all win! It is important for me to give people financial hope because we can all achieve financial freedom!

Please tell us about KimCo International, the services you offer, and what inspired you to start your company?

After working 13 years at Waddell and Reed, Inc., alongside my mother who is a Senior Financial Advisor there and manages close to $50 million, I decided to continue to pursue my passion and involvement in the financial planning industry. I love what I do and could not see myself doing anything else.

As a Wealth Accumulation and Conservation Specialist, I am responsible for assisting my clients in making smart choices with their hard-earned dollars through the use of annuities and insurance programs. I have been creating financial strategies for clients since 1998. Through annuities, I help clients send their kids to college, establish and maximize their retirement plans for my individual, small and midsize corporations. Through both annuities and insurance programs, my can clients have peace of mind knowing they have a lifetime income they can't outlive and can pass on to their heirs.

Annuities are one of your specialties. For those unaware, can you break down what an annuity is and why they are one of your specialties?

An annuity is an insurance contract between you and an insurance company. You pay a set amount of money today, or either overtime that you set up and have 100% control over, and in exchange, you receive a lump-sum payment or stream of income in the future possibilities for the rest of your life. Most people are familiar with pension plans, that is an example of how an annuity and how it works. There are different types of annuities but working with a financial professional you can determine which type would be best suitable for you and your financial needs. They are my specialty because they can assist with solving income problems, taxation problems, estate problems, and minimize the loss of your investment.

Sometimes when you're in survival mode, it's hard to look ahead and think about retirement and investing. How can beginners with small budgets get started with investing?

No matter what the situation, day or time.... You are the most important person in YOUR life! People have to be reminded to invest in themselves and for themselves. They are their biggest bill. They go to work, earn a check, and then pay everyone else but themselves. That way of life HAS to change.

Just like when you board an airplane and they take time to give you instructions before the flight takes off. The flight attendant informs you to PUT YOUR OWN OXYGEN MASK on the 1st before assisting anyone else. Your financial reminder from KimCo International, Inc today is to ALWAYS PAY YOURSELF 1ST THEN TAKE CARE OF EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE ELSE. That way you will always have money and you won't be in survival mode anytime soon.

More and more people are doing almost everything from their phones these days. Are there any financial or investing apps that you'd recommend?

Cash App and Acorns are two apps I would recommend to consumers.

How would you suggest someone with a small budget that is interested in investing in real estate get started?

Owning a home or a property is part of building a solid financial foundation for yourself. There are SO MANY benefits to being a home/property owner. If you are able to secure a property with a small budget, you can make the property work for you by renting out rooms in the property or either by purchasing a multi-unit property and you rent the other units in the building so you can live rent-free.

What are some books you'd recommend on building and growing wealth?

How do you find the time to maintain a healthy balance with your various projects and your personal life?

My business mentor Dr. Roger F. Salter, and his son Roger J. Salter of Sanmar Financial Network have been my business coaches since 2010, and are both Certified Financial Planners that counsel me on how to maintain a healthy work-life balance. They are also great examples for me to maintain a healthy work-life balance because Sanmar Financial Network was established in 1974 and has written over a billion dollars in life insurance coverage and they make time for family, friends, projects, and travel.

In this business, you have to balance or you will burn out quickly. Dr. Salter told me something years ago and I still do this on a daily basis...dedicate the 1st hour of your day to yourself. So daily the 1st act I do is pray, meditate, read the bible, journal, and read something I enjoy. I am currently reading The Wealth Choice by Dennis Kimbro and this is my 2nd time reading the bible.

Best advice or words of wisdom?

Live on less and invest the rest.

What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

I got tricked into working in the financial planning industry by my mother, but it was the best trick ever!

Favorite quote or affirmation?

"The poor keep score by their cars and clothes. The middle class keeps score by their degrees and titles. But the wealthy keep score by their bank accounts." - Dennis Kimbro

What’s next for Kimberly Thomas?

I am excited about my upcoming book project in 2020. It is an ebook that will be downloadable to continue to assist and educate small businesses on their financial affairs during these unprecedented times. Also, I will continue to grow KimCo International, Inc by bringing on more financial advisors that will continue to help people live the financial life they deserve.

For more information of Kimberly and KimCo Financial, please visit www.kimcointernational.com