Financial educator Kane Hansen's crusade to broaden financial literacy opportunities
In a captivating conversation, we spoke with Kane Hansen, the founder of True North Lifestyle and author of the upcoming book Find Your True North. He discusses his journey, rooted in his humble upbringing and early years marked by financial struggle and limited resources.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Hansen observed his mother’s hardships and the necessity of living frugally. Simultaneously, he recognized the stark contrast between their financial situation and that of more affluent families, prompting him to question what they lacked. Later in life, he discovered books on financial strategies, self-development, and investment. Realizing that knowledge was indeed key to financial success, he was struck by the realization that his family had been missing this vital resource.
Hansen's interactions with individuals from government housing commission communities further fueled his determination. Despite their good values and kind hearts, he saw that many people were trapped in a cycle of financial and social poverty. As someone who had experienced this world, he appreciated the potential for positive change in these circumstances with appropriate guidance and tools.
After establishing his own success and transforming his life, Hansen felt compelled to give back. Spurred by a desire to help others with the skills and knowledge he had acquired through his own struggles and triumphs, he embarked on a mission to make financial education accessible to all.
When asked about the turning point that led him to pursue a career in financial planning, Hansen noted the inspiration of doing good. With the help of mentors and hard-earned life lessons, he moved away from the wrong path that threatened to derail his life, ultimately choosing a career in finance due to his aptitude for maths and strategic thinking.
True North Lifestyle and True North Academy are examples of Hansen's efforts to democratize financial education. He is driven by the belief that the rules of the "money game" and life are not taught in schools or at home, especially for those from lower-income households whose parents may also lack financial understanding. Hansen's initiatives aim to bridge this knowledge gap through online teaching resources, books, online coaching programs, and workshops.
A memorable moment that reaffirmed his commitment to helping at-risk youth came when Hansen met with a troubled teenager in a regional high school. After sharing his own story of adversity and resilience, Hansen was moved by the student’s openness and vulnerability—a rare display, according to teachers. This encounter left a lasting impression on Hansen, underscoring the importance of empathy, understanding, and guidance in transforming lives.
Regarding the future of financial education in schools, Hansen believes that the school system should evolve to focus more on potential development and encouraging students to explore possibilities beyond the classroom. Financial literacy can be a complex and in-depth topic, but he suggests teaching practical concepts such as credit management, taxes, and budgeting to help prepare young people for financial independence.
Writing Find Your True North was a cathartic process for Hansen. The most challenging aspect was confronting and reliving the difficult periods in his life, while also feeling grateful for the progress he has made. He hopes that readers will come away with a better understanding of the importance of perseverance, personal growth, and leveraging financial knowledge to achieve their aspirations.
[1] "The Finance Guy Kane Hansen aims to simplify finance for our generation" - ABC News (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-08-10/kane-hansen-the-finance-guy-simplifying-finance/101375942)
[4] "Kane Hansen: Going Against the Grain" - Performance Property (https://performanceproperty.com.au/podcast/kane-hansen-going-against-the-grain/)
Hansen's journey, rooted in financial struggle and limited resources, led him to establish True North Lifestyle and True North Academy, with a focus on democratizing financial education and bridging the knowledge gap for those from lower-income households. Through his upcoming book Find Your True North, coaching programs, workshops, and online resources, Hansen seeks to empower individuals with the tools needed to attain financial independence and optimize their personal-finance management, thereby improving their lifestyle and overall well-being.
Additionally, Hansen's efforts in education-and-self-development extend beyond finance, as he believes schools should evolve to prioritize potential development and encourage students to explore opportunities in areas such as financial literacy, ensuring young people are well-equipped to navigate the complex world of money and attain financial independence.
