BookLife Talks with George Kroustalis
A sponsored Q&A with the author of 'Secrets to Becoming a Financial Badass'

Financial adviser George "G$" Kroustalis combats financial illiteracy among the millennial set and younger people

What is the story behind Secrets to Becoming a Financial Badass—why and how did you write it?

Initially, I wanted to teach young people and noninvestors how and why they should invest and to educate them about saving. During my research, I began to realize how widespread financial illiteracy is among our youth. I decided to include the other part of the balance sheet: the debt side. To keep it simple and easy to follow, we incorporated a story in which you can see the key things that one character gets right and how it makes all the difference in the end.
 
Who is your ideal reader and why?

My ideal reader would be any and every millennial and Gen Zer. This is when you're entering the adult world and when most people begin dealing with money. You are making it, spending it, balancing your personal budget, and so on. Getting into the right saving habits early in life is essential. Investing early in life can be life changing.

Why or how do you think this book is particularly relevant now, or how do you imagine readers at this moment will connect to it?

Financial illiteracy is a problem in this country, and it has not improved over the last decade. However, with the recent advancements in financial technology, it's now easier than ever to automatically save and invest.
 
Tell us about your professional background. What expertise do you bring to the subject of personal finance?

I have been managing money and helping clients secure their futures since 1997. I am a senior vice president and financial advisor at CAPTRUST, where I provide comprehensive, wealth-investment advisory services to high-net-worth families, private foundations, corporate executives, and business owners. I am also the founder of Project 10.10, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides young people with access to a basic financial education. You can learn more about me and Project 10.10 at financialbadass.net.
 
What is the one thing you most want to tell readers, other writers, booksellers, publishers, or agents about you or your book?

Financial Badass began as a passion project of mine. Seeing it develop has been amazing. In addition, the book inspired me to create Project 10.10. Part of the proceeds from Financial Badass will directly benefit this new nonprofit. Project 10.10's mission is to provide young people with access to a basic financial education and to improve financial literacy at the community level. I envision developing a four-to-six-week after-school course and teaching kids all they need to know about money. When the kids take the final exam and pass the course, they may qualify for scholarship money from Project 10.10.