Going For The Dream
 Sara Walker
Vancouver
Vancity
“For the first time, I'm beginning to feel comfortable about money. I'm actually making headway.”
No matter how talented, an actor never knows for sure when and if that next big part will happen. So it’s essential to build a financial foundation that will provide support in between roles.
Sara Walker, a professional actor, set out on her career path early. She was only 12 when she became a founding member of Vancouver Youth Theatre. At 15, she lived the dream of countless teenagers. She landed a lead in the acclaimed film Housekeeping, which was shot in Nelson. “It was surreal,” Sara says of her early experience.
Today, 29 and single—though with a steady boyfriend—she is in many ways typical of her Gen-X peer group. Like most people who are self-employed in the performing arts, her outlook is entrepreneurial. She had the moxie to move to New York City, where she supported herself working in stores and restaurants while studying her craft. She honed her talent in off-Broadway productions. Now that she’s back in Vancouver, Sara juggles various day jobs with auditions and performing. She describes her income as “unstable.”
She’s a realist, and someone who values independence. Uneven paycheques made this a challenge, and Sara knew she had to properly manage her money. Her family has banked at the Kitsilano branch of Vancouver City Savings for as long as Sara can remember. It was a logical choice when Sara decided to arm herself with financial information.
A financial advisor who specializes in financial goal-setting for young women helped Sara learn how to manage her income and expenses. From her first basic chequing account to the several accounts she maintains today, Vancity staff have been there for her. Not only does she continues to benefit from her relationship with the credit union, Sara applauds Vancity's commitment to social responsibility.
“I've started my RSP investments in *Ethical Funds® and I carry Vancity's Enviro-VISA,” she says. “Big banks advertise personal service but it seems secondary to their profits. With my credit union, I know personal service is No. 1. And they share the profits; not just with me, but with causes I believe in.”
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