Know Your Money with Bronwyn Waner and Craig Finch
Know Your Money with Bronwyn Waner and Craig Finch
120. What Surviving Teaches Us About Living
What happens when life changes in an instant? Kalvin van Baalen knows this reality all too well. After flying into power lines during a paragliding excursion, Kalvin fell into the resulting fire, suffering burns over 70% of his body. That catastrophic moment transformed him from an active, healthy 21-year-old to someone who would spend over 400 days fighting for his life in ICU.
Kalvin's story isn't just about survival—it's about extraordinary resilience and perspective. "Nothing is actually an obstacle compared to what a real obstacle was—surviving and trying to walk again," he shares with remarkable candor. Now pursuing a finance degree with plans to become a CFA, Kalvin has channeled his experience into a methodical approach toward building a sustainable future. His paragliding accident didn't just change his body; it fundamentally altered his relationship with risk, both physical and financial.
As an ambassador for disabled golf, Kalvin visits schools and works with children with disabilities, showing them what's possible through authentic engagement and competitive spirit. His willingness to be visible—playing golf in shorts that don't hide his scars—creates powerful connections with children who can truly relate to his experience. Through our conversation, we explore crucial financial planning considerations for individuals with disabilities, particularly regarding insurance options available through group coverage at larger companies. Kalvin's journey reminds us why proper financial planning isn't optional—it's essential protection against life's unpredictable turns. When everything can change in thirty minutes, as it did for Kalvin, having appropriate safeguards in place becomes not just prudent but potentially life-saving.
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