Kelly Marie Hodgkin, the CEO and business mentor at KMH Events in Dubai, reflects on her 17-year journey in the UAE. The 38-year-old British expatriate describes her move from Glasgow to Dubai in 2008 as a 'leap of faith' that transformed her life. 'I took a leap of faith, sold all my belongings, and followed a job offer,' she recalls. 'Things changed, and I had a month to find something else or go back. I made it work and started my modelling and promotions agency soon after.'
Hodgkin views money as 'freedom.' In a letter to money, she writes, 'Thank you for giving me such wonderful opportunities to live, thrive, and give back by supporting the causes I believe in. Thank you for teaching me the value of what my hard work can produce. You showed me that I am in control of my future.'
Her relationship with money is described as healthy, characterized by appreciation and gratitude. 'I always remember to appreciate it and practice gratitude for what my hard work has given me. I am sensible with money; I don’t waste it and I make it go far, but I also enjoy it by doing what I enjoy with the people I love,' she explains.
Hodgkin attributes her financial awareness to her early start in the workforce at 16. 'I learnt quickly what I needed to do with my money in order to survive, and how important it was to plan and manage it carefully until I got to a point where I wasn’t living month to month but more freely,' she says. Her mother's prudent money management also influenced her, teaching her to budget and be cautious while still enjoying life.
Money matters are openly discussed in her family, and she believes in being honest about financial realities with her children. 'I’ve never found money to be a taboo subject, I like to be open and honest about money, especially when it comes to my children,' she notes.
Hodgkin has largely taught herself financial management, with support from her financial advisor. Her experience as an investor has been the most profound, teaching her about the importance of research and preparedness for financial risks.
Living in the UAE has made her more appreciative of the finer things in life and taught her not to compare her financial status with others. Her advice to her younger self or her child is to 'work hard and reap the rewards early on. You’re never too young to be successful and to be on top of your game, no matter what anyone else says.'
Hodgkin values spending money on family holidays and considers treating herself to new clothes as a splurge. She saves Dh30,000 each month.
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