Joel Bromley, co-founder of Bromley Financial Coaching.

Joel Bromley coaches people to enjoy better financial lives

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Editor’s Note: Occasionally, we feature individuals under 50 whose insights are just as relevant to those in or nearing retirement.

For Joel Bromley, life wasn’t always as balanced as it looks today. At one point, he and his wife, Kaitlin, were drowning in $2 million of mortgage debt while managing four rental properties, working full-time jobs, and raising four children under five.

As a full-time firefighter in Kitchener, Ontario, Joel felt trapped in a relentless cycle.

“We were just spinning our wheels,” he recalled. “We had 17 tenants, consumer debt on top of that, and very little breathing room.”

A shift in perspective

As they searched for solutions, Joel and Kaitlin had an unexpected moment of clarity.

“We felt God say, ‘This real estate plan was your plan. It wasn’t my plan,’” Joel said.

While real estate wasn’t inherently bad, they realized it wasn’t the right path for their family. They began selling their properties — keeping only their primary home, which included a basement rental unit for extra income.

The journey to contentment

Their focus shifted from financial success to something deeper: contentment. As new Christians, they felt called to manage money differently.

“We realized we were always chasing more, yet contentment remained elusive,” Joel said. “Even with a good income, we weren’t achieving peace.”

This mindset shift led them into financial coaching, helping others navigate money challenges and focus on what truly matters.

“We wanted to create choices for ourselves and our family. They include choices to breathe, live with less stress and give more freely,” Joel explained.

Inspired by their transformation, the couple founded Bromley Financial Coaching in 2019, just before the pandemic. Their mission was to help others build financial stability and uncover what truly matters.

“We don’t teach people to accumulate wealth just for the sake of it,” Joel said. “Money is a tool. It’s about how you use it to align with your values and goals.”

People who are ready to start their own transformation can check out the Bromley’s “2025 Financial Reset Bundle.”

“February 2026 could look completely different from February 2025, if you want it to,” Joel explained

Teaching financial freedom

A cornerstone of Joel’s approach is preparing people, especially those who are nearing retirement, for life’s uncertainties.

“For some, poor decisions or unexpected events make their financial situation feel insurmountable,” he said. “We help them reset and build habits that align with the life they want.”

He challenges people to rethink expectations that often lead to disappointment.

“Maybe you dreamed of traveling the world in retirement but didn’t save enough to make it a reality. Does that mean you’re stuck?” he asked. “No. It’s about reimagining that dream within your means. Maybe RVing across the country gives you the same adventure at a fraction of the cost.”

He also pushes back against the idea that retirement is an endpoint.

“Retirement isn’t about hitting a certain age,” Joel explained. “It’s about financial independence and the ability to choose what you want to do. Whether you’re 40, 65 or 80, the real question is: What’s your purpose?”

Building a legacy beyond money

Joel believes a true legacy extends beyond financial wealth.

“We all want to be remembered,” he said. “But it’s not just about leaving an inheritance. It’s about passing on values and lessons that last for generations.”

He encourages families to teach financial principles early. His 9-year-old daughter, Paityn, already understands compound interest and runs a small “Snack Shoppe” outside their home after school.

“Kids don’t learn these lessons in school, and many adults never did either,” Joel said. “That’s why it’s up to parents and grandparents to pass them on.”

He recalls his son being taught in school that using a credit card to buy a couch was the ‘right’ financial choice.

“He answered the way we taught him and got the test question wrong,” Joel said. “But it became a great teaching moment. We showed him why patience and savings can be a better approach.”

Prioritizing experiences over things

Looking back on his own childhood, Joel doesn’t remember the material gifts his grandparents gave him, but he treasures the experiences.

“I remember my grandmother’s lemon meringue pies and the love she put into them,” he said. “Those moments shaped me far more than any toy.

“It’s not about the place or the gift,” he added. “It’s about being intentional.”

A practical approach to downsizing

Joel also encourages downsizing, especially as people enter retirement.

“The house we needed when our kids were little may not make sense once they’ve moved out,” he explained. “Downsizing not only reduces costs but frees up resources for other priorities.”

“I like to think of it as creating options,” he added. “By letting go of excess, you open yourself to new possibilities, whether that’s travel, investing or simply living with more ease.”

Faith and financial freedom

At the heart of Bromley Financial Coaching is Joel and Kaitlin’s belief in faith-driven financial management.

“We see money as a resource entrusted to us by God,” Joel explained. “Our job is to manage it wisely not just for our benefit, but to bless others.”

The Bromleys created a biblically based program, “Financially Thriving,” which they’ve offered through their church and as a web-hosted, video-based small group curriculum across North America.

Joel says participants have seen remarkable results, with average debt reductions and savings totaling $58,000 per person. He hopes to expand its reach worldwide.

The power of a strong ‘why’

For those people feeling financially overwhelmed, Joel suggests starting with the “Why Discovery Guide,” a free resource that helps people clarify their priorities and align financial decisions with their deeper goals.

“Once you know your why,” Joel said, “it’s easier to make intentional choices and avoid distractions.”

Ultimately, Joel and Kaitlin’s journey is about more than money. It’s about living with purpose and helping others do the same.

“We’ve all been given one life,” Joel said. “It’s up to us to make it count — for ourselves, our families and future generations.”

For more information

People can connect with Joel on a variety of platforms, including:

Joel’s 2025 Financial Reset Bundle is available on the Bromley Financial Coaching website.

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