Author Ellie Kay visits SJ to inform, encourage Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marissa Tucker
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  Financial expert and renowned author Ellie Kay visited Seymour Johnson to give helpful economic tips and to share her philosophy on military families, Aug 23.

Kay, a military wife for more than 15 years and a mother of seven, brings first-hand knowledge on the dynamic lifestyle of a military family and provides insightful tips to help both financially and spiritually, according to a recent review.

"My goal is to equip military families with everything they need to thrive and be successful," Kay said. "There are so many resources available and sometimes it takes someone to come in from the outside to help open up people's eyes."

The author of more than a dozen books geared toward enhancing and empowering military families to be financially and mentally secure, Kay has traveled around the world, delivering her message through seminars, major media outlets and online. With the help of her husband, Bob, a retired Air Force stealth fighter pilot, she has been able to transform her seminars to relate to both the servicemember and the spouse on many levels.

"I can definitely relate to many families out here," Kay said. "I was an insurance broker when I married my husband, and with him came $40,000 of consumer debt. We also had seven children and operated on only his salary, because we moved 11 times in 13 years. That is when I learned about extreme couponing, before it was a reality show."

Determined to make ends more than meet after she married, Kay wanted her large family to thrive and she began several money saving techniques to put the family on the right track. Through budgets, bargain hunting and smart shopping and spending, the Kays managed to pay off $40,000 in debt, purchase two houses consecutively, pay cash for eleven cars, go on many vacations and most importantly, help five children graduate college debt free. She does not, however, consider these her most important contributions.

"Giving to others is the most fulfilling thing one can do," Kay said. "I still can remember the first time I gave my own dollar in the collection plate at church. That's one of the things I've passed on to my children. The sweetest dollar you'll ever make is the one you give away."

Not limiting herself to only financial help, she also offers mental support to military members having a difficult time with deployments, separations and the everyday struggles of military families. Most of her books focus on family building, dealing with stress and supporting servicemembers. She hopes to continue to tour the world, providing motivational words for families who are having a tough time and giving tips to help families thrive.

"My most important message is that spouses and family members should always end every conversation with 'We love you, we're proud of you, and together we will be alright,'" Kay said.