START SMART — SELECTED TESTIMONIALS
Terri Osland
At 23, in my very first year of teaching in 1991, I attended a retirement planning workshop led by veteran educator Kay Hawley. While retirement felt a lifetime away, Kay’s practical wisdom and authentic, no‑nonsense approach sparked something in me. Her message wasn’t just inspiring — it moved me to take immediate action toward my long‑term financial goals.
Fast forward 32 years: I retired at 55, completely debt‑free. Today I’m enjoying part‑time work as the general manager of a pickleball club, pursuing a true passion of mine.
I am deeply grateful to Kay for her insight, integrity, and generosity in sharing her knowledge. Her guidance didn’t just influence my finances — it shaped the course of my life.
Brett Smith
The financial comfort we enjoy in retirement today is a direct result of the lessons Kay shared with us in our 20s. She taught us the power of the time value of money — how small, consistent choices early on can grow into lifelong security. What began as simple strategies became the foundation of our financial confidence.
Many teachers in our district benefited from her seminars, but for us, Kay’s guidance was life‑changing. To every young adult: the earlier you start, the greater your freedom later. Kay made that truth real for us.
Donna Montgomery
Kay Hawley quite literally changed the direction of my financial life.
When I first met her, I was a mother of four with a husband who was in and out of work. We spent years on welfare, food stamps, and county assistance. I had maxed‑out credit cards, no savings, and no understanding of investing. The debt I carried was simply the cost of raising my beautiful kids.
Then I took a financial education class from Kay — and everything changed.
Kay gave me a simple, step‑by‑step plan that I could actually follow. Over the years, I paid off every single debt. The day I made that last payment, I cried. Today I have savings, investments, and financial stability. I retired on my own terms — something I never thought possible.
Kay met me with respect, empathy, and zero judgment. She gave me hope — and a plan. She has since taught my children and grandchildren, and we all trust her beyond measure.
If you follow the wisdom she shares in this book, you are taking the first step toward changing your life. I know, because she changed mine.
Feno Rainaldi
I have worked with Kay Hawley for many years as both a trusted financial guide and a dear friend. Her steady presence, wisdom, and calm perspective have enriched my life in countless ways. Kay has helped me understand my investments, make thoughtful decisions, and feel confident that my money is being cared for with intention and integrity.
Our friendship is one of the greatest gifts that has come from this journey, and I am deeply grateful for her continued guidance.
Financial Awareness Class Participant
Kay is a dynamic, inspiring speaker. Her seminars uniquely help participants overcome limiting beliefs, use research to identify strong financial options, and develop strategies to reach personal and financial goals.
Gary Rosen
Kay has a refreshing way of analyzing the markets. She doesn’t rely on guesswork or hunches — she uses a thoughtful, methodical approach with a proven track record. On the occasions I chose a different path, my results suffered.
Her greatest strength is communication. She listens carefully, asks thoughtful questions, and speaks respectfully. You leave conversations with Kay feeling heard, educated, and informed.
Diane Berk
Kay Hawley has turned my life around. She teaches by example with sincere commitment to helping colleagues become informed and confident in making important financial decisions.
I once believed finance was far too complicated for me. Even my financial consultant reinforced that belief. Kay began by helping me understand educator benefits, such as the 403(b), and encouraged me to refinance my mortgage when interest rates dropped, saving thousands of dollars.
Now I am confident I can monitor and even manage my own money. With Kay as my mentor, I have repositioned my investments and learned how to track my progress and make informed decisions.
Kay structures learning so people can grow together, and she has a rare ability to make complex topics understandable. I am grateful she is in my life.
G. Bryan Fleming
I have known Kay personally and professionally for several years and have found her knowledgeable, caring, and visionary. Few people possess the perseverance and commitment that Kay brings to educating children and adults alike.
After attending her “Plan Now, Smile Later” seminars, I came away excited about planning, managing, and investing for my financial future. With Kay’s help I overcame limiting beliefs and began mastering financial planning — even building my first new home.
Kay believes in helping people help themselves. If you are interested in becoming financially educated and empowered, I strongly encourage you to use the resources she provides.
Brett Smith, Education Association Representative
Our Education Association hired Kay on numerous occasions to share her unique approach to financial planning. She is the only independent financial educator we found who is not motivated by sales commissions. She truly has teachers’ best interests in mind and has inspired many in our district to take charge of their financial health.
A post‑seminar survey showed 100% of teachers felt hiring Kay was a good use of dues dollars. Comments included: “dynamic and motivating,” “compresses complex information clearly,” and “excellent handouts and investment examples.”
Her knowledge of financial issues affecting educators and her passion for empowering others make her an invaluable resource.
Dr. Douglas Nimmo
Music educator, financial educator, colleague, and friend — Kay Hawley brings enthusiasm, honesty, and practical guidance to her teaching.
After inviting her to present financial planning clinics for future music educators and at the Minnesota Music Educators Convention, both were received with great excitement and appreciation.
Kay teaches teachers how to get their financial lives in order. I highly recommend her as an educator of financial strategies and as a remarkable individual.