Community Champion: Krystena Yancey
Krystena Yancey’s calling to encourage others to succeed through authenticity is evident in her personal life as well as her professional pursuits. An introvert herself, she dedicates herself to highlighting the positive qualities of shy people – such as healthy boundaries, good listening skills, teachability, and a genuine desire to grow. Krystena discovered her passion for teaching financial concepts when she was studying business and finance at Wayne State University in Detroit. She collaborated with a team of three to complete a project that involved presenting a personal finance section to a class of fourth graders. She found the experience so rewarding that she has gone on to offer substantial hours of volunteer financial education across the Detroit Metro area.
Yancey contributes to the financial wellness movement through her professional, personal, and volunteer efforts. Her long-term goal is to see Michigan communities grow stronger and more resilient through financial education. Krystena’s role as a community champion is sustained by her compassion, graceful resilience, and dynamic personality.
Personal Statement
My education started in accounting, as I was often told I was great at math. It felt like a safe career choice – solid, but static. It was during my first semester at my Metro Detroit university where I grew to love personal finance. My final project was to teach a 45-minute lesson to a local elementary/middle school. The subject was “Wants vs. Needs.” The students were attentive, grasping the concepts and engaging positively with the lesson. I knew I’d found my calling: to teach financial education to children.
During my studies, I was surprised that classes centered less on personal finance and more on corporate finance. Despite this, I continued to volunteer for community development causes in my banking roles. The moment with the most impact for me was a customer I helped virtually during the pandemic. His wife had passed that year, and he opened up to me that he did not have an estate set up for her. I was only able to offer condolences. If I had known estate and financial planning then, I might have helped him.
Experiences like these taught me that I do not have all the answers, but I have the ability to learn and grow so I can help others. I am currently pursuing my Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) profession to expand my financial knowledge in estate planning, taxes, and related topics. I believe that knowledge really is power, and I have the responsibility to share that with others by bringing it to their communities and schools. I may have less life experience compared to others my age, but I truly want to see communities grow stronger and more peaceful inside and out by the time I am older. As an introvert, I want to encourage myself and others to stand out in a genuine way to lead a life that is financially sound, even if it is quiet and simple.
I was inspired by national financial experts like Tiffany Aliche (“The Budgetnista”), Anthony O’Neal (The Table with AO), and Tori Dunlap (Financial Feminist) to start my own blog. Mine is called Financial Butterfly®, which is a play on “social butterfly” but for introverts. I am quite shy myself, so I’m mustering the courage to encourage others to stand out in their careers by embracing who they are. They can do so through book recommendations (an introvert’s favorite pastime), speaking exercises, and simple financial tips.
Community Champion: Krystena Yancey
Krystena Yancey has exhibited her commitment to economic empowerment for Michigan communities through her volunteer efforts, advocacy, and service on the MIFEC Advisory Board. Her empathy and dynamism are an inspiration to all of us who support and advance the financial wellness movement.
Krystena’s leadership brings people of all ages and backgrounds together to work toward a more financially resilient future. Her tirelessness and collaborative spirit have not gone unnoticed – and the Great Lakes State is a better place for her efforts. On behalf of the Michigan Council, we extend our deepest thanks to Krystena Yancey for her contributions.
