Kim Salazar works directly with clients handling the administrative paperwork, documentation and filing required to keep everything running smoothly in the office. She came to Ideas By Mike because of her background, plus the fact that she has been one of Mike’s clients for years. “My husband and I have been invested with Mike for the last four years and he’s just the most genuine and great guy. I have been waiting and wanting to work with him for a long time; I was so excited when I found out he was hiring for this position. I know how he wants all clients to be treated, because I am one!” Kim says.
With 34 years of experience in the financial services industry, including years spent at Redstone Federal Credit Union in Huntsville and Navy Federal Credit Union in Norfolk, Kim brings a well-rounded skillset to the firm. She has worked in many sectors using her financial administration and bookkeeping skills, including banking, finance, lending, alternative investments (like REITs) and construction.
Kim was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama, called “Rocket City” because of NASA missile command and the dozens of other aerospace companies based there. Many members of her family worked in the aerospace industry. She and her husband moved to Virginia Beach (Norfolk) more than 15 years ago. Much like Mike Milligan, Kim’s grandmother had a profound effect on her during childhood. “My mom’s mom lived next door to us so I saw her every day,” Kim says.
It was observing what happened to both of her parents through the years and its impact on family members which made her laser-focused and passionate about the need for retirement planning.
“My parents didn’t have a lot and didn’t know much about financial matters. Neither one had a retirement plan. They were divorced later in life, and when my dad passed away, my stepmom and stepsisters really helped out. It was a different story with my mom, because she wasn’t married and I was an only child. She didn’t have much except Social Security to live on and so she was still working as an accountant when she was 76 years old because she needed the income. When she got sick, it was all on me to support her.”
“It’s just not feasible to live on Social Security, you have to build wealth so that your family doesn’t have to worry about you and that you have something to leave them after you pass,” Kim says. “I am really happy I have the chance to build up my own nest egg so that my kids won’t have to worry, and I love the fact that at Ideas By Mike, my story can help other people understand how they need to focus and plan for their future.”
Kim has been happily married for almost 20 years. The couple has five kids; her husband brought his three children and she brought two to create their blended family when they married. Their children are all grown living in various parts of the U.S. including Seattle, Denver, Brooklyn and Huntsville, Alabama. Their youngest is 23; he is extremely bright but is on the spectrum for autism and lives at home. In her spare time, Kim loves to garden and sing in the church choir. She is upbeat, loves to smile and her faith means everything to her.
Get to know Kim with a quick Q&A:
Favorite Movie: It’s a tie between Sudden Impact and Pale Rider, because Clint Eastwood, of course
Favorite Color: Red
What’s the nerdiest thing you do in your spare time? I continually critique our monthly budget and reorganize the kitchen—maybe that’s more OCD than nerdy?
What’s one thing you are currently trying to make a habit? Eating better and walking—more than just to the office from my car in the parking garage
Favorite season: Fall
What’s one word your friends would use to describe you? Sunshine, because I’m always smiling
What’s your go to karaoke song? Something to Talk About by Bonnie Raitt
What would we most likely find you doing on the weekend? You’ll find me in the garden growing vegetables, herbs and flowers—or singing in the choir at church
What makes you feel powerful? My faith—and coffee
