Financial Flight Plans & Everyday Change Makers | Mike Reilly

"Money is never really about money; it’s about emotion, security and freedom." ~ Mike Reilly In this episode of The Eloquent Entrepreneur, I sit down with Mike Reilly, financial advisor, founder of Gaining Altitude Financial and a committed community builder.We discuss why so many of us feel like we’re flying through turbulence when it comes to our finances, and how a clear "Financial Flight Plan" can help you reach your destination ahead of schedule . Mike opens up about how his early experiences with money shaped his approach today , why financial literacy matters more than ever, and the powerful lesson that action leads to motivation, not the other way around. We also dive into our shared passion project—bringing an outdoor pool to Victoria’s West Shore—as proof that meaningful change often starts with just one small question .Key Takeaways:The First Step: Everyday change makers can create meaningful impact just by taking it one step at a time.Financial Literacy: Why understanding your money is crucial for both personal freedom and community growth.The Advice Gap: A staggering 80% of Canadians do not receive professional financial advice—and why that needs to change.Life-First Planning: True financial planning should focus on life goals and "destination," not just investment returns . Risk Perception: How women often have a more realistic view of financial risks.The New Generation: Why the financial industry needs more young professionals to help people build wealth early.Wealth Transfer: The importance of careful planning to avoid tax inefficiencies.Community Ripple Effect: How getting involved in local projects like Rotary can enhance personal and professional life.Action Over Motivation: Why waiting to feel "motivated" is a trap—action is what generates the momentum you need.Successful Entrepreneurs: Why achieving the "impossible" requires doing what others are unwilling to do.Chapters:00:00 Empowering Everyday Changemakers 01:20 What Mike Does Today 04:30 Why Financial Conversations Matter 06:58 The Path to Becoming a Financial Advisor 11:20 Estate Planning and Probate Awareness15:06 Rebuilding Life Through Financial Clarity17:14 The Financial Flight Plan 20:18 Long-Term Wins With Clients 23:30 Community Work and Giving Back 30:21 Action Before Motivation 42:17 Starting the Outdoor Pool Project 53:36 The Value of Visual Branding 58:53 Looking Ahead and Personal Legacy Visit Our Websitehttps://www.eloquententrepreneur.ca/Follow Us on Social MediaInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/eloquententrepreneurCreditsGuest: Mike ReillyWebsite: https://www.mikereilly.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-reilly-1b3bb78/Host: Linda Mackie | Photographer, Creative Producer + Intuitive Guide for Modern EntrepreneursWebsite: https://www.lindamackie.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindamackiecreative/Production: KeenliiWebsite: https://www.keenlii.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keenliico/Producer: Barry KeeganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barrykeegan/Subscribe and SupportIf this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube. Your feedback helps bring more thoughtful conversations into the world.About The Eloquent EntrepreneurThe Eloquent Entrepreneur is a podcast where I chat with my clients and change makers alike—from across Canada and beyond—about the work they do, the stories that have shaped them, and the impact they’re making. All to inspire and motivate others to do the same. Because making a difference just starts with showing up, and these conversations remind us just how empowering that can be.BREATHING LIFE INTO YOUR IMAGE, PASSION + PURPOSE