Kelly Short-McCullough, an Irish expatriate and the director of home healthcare at NeoHealth in Dubai, has cultivated a unique bond with money at the age of 42. She believes that true wealth transcends financial assets, encompassing relationships, health, and personal fulfillment. Here, she shares her aspirations for the future. How does she describe her connection with money? She feels thankful for the opportunities and security that money offers and acknowledges the advantages of financial stability. What shaped this relationship? Growing up with limited resources, she observed her mother's relentless efforts to provide for the family, which formed her perspective on money. If she were to pen a letter to money, what would it say? Money is a tool that facilitates the fulfillment of needs, the pursuit of dreams, and the assurance of a future. It brings security, comfort, and growth opportunities, yet can also induce stress, anxiety, and conflict. Despite these complexities, she values its significance, as it supports her loved ones, enables investments in experiences, and allows contributions to causes she cares about. It symbolizes hard work, perseverance, and achievement. Who has been her greatest financial mentor? Her professional experiences have been her primary teachers in money management, especially through budgeting and managing profit and loss in her roles. What has been her most impactful money-related experience? After her divorce 10 years ago, she had to support her two children independently, leading to the creation of a cashflow plan. How has living in the UAE influenced her relationship with money? The UAE's tax-free income and dynamic economy have enhanced her financial situation, offering higher salaries, attractive employment packages, and diverse investment opportunities. What is her financial ambition? To retire comfortably and buy a property in her homeland. What is her biggest financial regret? The purchase of an off-plan property that did not appreciate as expected, resulting in a return of the initial investment.
Text: Lara Palmer
11.07.2024
Kelly Short-McCullough Discusses Financial Stability, Lessons, and Aspirations in the UAE