BCBusiness
Real people. Real finances. From six-figure earners to side hustlers, BCBusiness's Money Makers is pulling back the curtain on how British Columbians really make, spend and think about money—no filters, just facts.
At 44, this government archaeologist has carved out more than a stable career—he’s built a life with financial breathing room. After leaving a higher-cost city for Maple Ridge, he traded a longer commute for more flexibility with money. The switch has paid off. Now, with a $130,000 salary, extended health and dental coverage, life insurance, pension plans, wellness perks and even commuting subsidies, he counts himself fortunate to be satisfied with both his work and his benefits.
That doesn’t mean he’s immune to financial worries. While he feels fairly paid for what he does, he admits to carrying a quiet insecurity—less about himself and more about his kids’ future. “I worry that I will either burden them or will not be able to set them up well when we’re older,” he says. Still, with a spreadsheet to track spending, steady investments in low-risk funds and a definition of wealth tied to peace of mind rather than status, he’s confident in his plan.
Do you feel fairly paid for what you do?
Yes.
Name one item you splurge on, regardless of your budget.
Meals when travelling.
What’s something you refuse to spend money on?
Faster shipping.
Do you use a financial advisor, app, spreadsheet—or vibes?
Spreadsheet.
How has living in your city/neighbourhood impacted your financial choices?
Yes, I left a high cost of living area to a lower (but still high) area, this meant a longer commute, but more ability to be flexible with finances.
Do you ever find yourself concerned about money or financial security? If you’re comfortable sharing, what contributes to that?
Yes, but more for my kids than myself. I worry that I will either burden them or will not be able to set them up well when we’re older.
How, if at all, are you approaching retirement planning right now?
Putting away a fixed amount every month before bills and other spending, investing in diversified and lower risk funds and not worrying overly much about the short term market.
Is there a job you secretly admire for the pay or lifestyle?
No, there are trade offs for every job/lifestyle and I’m happy where I am.
How do you define financial success? What does being “rich” mean to you?
Financial success means being in a place where you can stop worrying about the money you need now and think about the future. Being rich means you can stop worrying about the future too.
What’s one lesson you’ve learned about work and finances that you think others in your industry could benefit from?
Always have a plan for what comes next; things can change very quickly, so don’t get so focused on one aspect of life that you lose all sense of what’s going on around you.
Want to share your money story with BCBusiness? We want to hear from anyone living and working in B.C.—regardless of your role, experience or background. Take our short, anonymous survey here!
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