Book Highlight - Financial First Aid by Alyssa Davies

Alyssa Davies is a content manager for Zolo and a published author living in Calgary, Alberta. She is the founder of the two-time award-winning Canadian Personal Finance Blog of the Year, Mixed Up Money.

As of 2022, she has over 100,000 followers across social media. Through her work, she has been featured in many notable publications, including The Globe and Mail, CNBC, CBC, and more. Her books, The 100 Day Financial Goal Journal and Financial First Aid are currently available for purchase.

What inspired you to write this book?

Living through many unexpected and historical economic events has taught me that financial stability is crucial. But, aside from the realities of needing to pay bills and wanting to help others feel more secure in that need is my own anxiety. Daily, my brain tells me that I need to worry about something that hasn’t happened or an event that doesn’t yet exist. So, to help curtail those fears and anxieties, I wanted to write about how I’ve given myself back control regarding my money. It’s the one area of my life I feel confident and stable with — which isn’t typical for others.

What is your book about?

Financial First Aid is all about how to prepare for emergencies — financial or otherwise. The best ways to prepare yourself and your money for the worst. Whether it’s a medical bill, negotiating a higher salary, living through a natural disaster, or unexpectedly being pregnant — there is a first aid kit and solution for each event. I share interviews with experts, personal anecdotes, my illustrations (for fun), and some humor.

What one key takeaway do you hope someone gets from reading your book?

When it comes to financial anxiety and the unknown, you have more power and control than you think.

Who should read this book?

I’d say this book is for anyone who feels a lot of anxiety and fear surrounding money, anyone who is starting over in life or with their finances, people who feel stuck and are looking for a solution, and people who love to plan!

What is your writing Kryptonite?

Art takes a lot of patience, and I’d consider writing my art form. I’m extremely impatient. I want to finish a project, but instead, I need to slowly ensure I’m getting everything across that I want and need to accomplish for the reader. So, essentially, my kryptonite is that I cannot rush, haha.

How do you deal with writer’s block?

One of my favorite ways to deal with writer’s block is by reading other authors I love. Sometimes seeing other styles and types of stories can spark my creativity again.

What does your writing space look like?

Blinds wide open, light pouring in, a steaming hot coffee next to me, noise-canceling headphones on, and jazz music (with no lyrics) playing in the background.

What are your top three favorite books of all time?

Know My Name by Chanel Miller

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4000 Weeks by Oliver Burkeman

What are you working on now?

I’m working on learning to celebrate and sit in accomplishment. Typically, after finishing a big project like writing a book, I’d be eager to start on my next adventure. Instead, I want to rest. I want to enjoy my time.