Meet Nicholas Josey of The Vincita Institute in Grove Hall

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Josey.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.

Many years ago I lost my first Super Hero and oldest brother “Junior”. It was sudden and unfortunately due to violence. My father being the strong, hardworking, and proud man he had to ask for help to bury his first born son and that was a humbling experience for him.

My brother was a healthy 23-year old with his whole life ahead of him, but did not have a life insurance policy. My Dad was able to cover the cost of funeral service, but not the burial; subsequently, my brother was laid to rest at a city owned cemetery section known as Potter’s Field where headstones were not allowed. Although grateful we could bury my brother, it was then that I realized no one should have to bury a loved one in this manner.

Many years later, I began my career in the financial services industry selling stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and various personal insurance products.

After ten years in the industry I realized that there were a large number of people that were not aware of the products and services I had sold over the years; and this was a pause moment for me because my reason for entering the industry was purely personal, not driven by purely by financial gain; I had a sincere desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others as it related to their personal finances and financial decisions.

I wanted to work in an industry that allowed me to educate others with no sales pitch and easy to understand so they could make better decisions regarding life insurance product for them and loved ones.

And in 2004, I founded the Vincita Institute, a Boston, MA based non-profit created to educate and encourage individuals to make better informed financial decisions and to understand the importance of being prepared for unexpected “life happening” events. With a specific focus of savings for emergencies, insurance, investments, retirement, and estate planning. What’s most gratifying is when workshop /seminar participants derive great benefit after having attended. I Ideally they are well on their way towards increased financial security.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?

The journey in the beginning wasn’t particularly smooth, but it has always been gratifying. Often when people heard the term financial literacy, they would immediately think about someone trying to sell them something.

I would have to explain on the contrary that financial literacy is designed to educate and empower people so that they may make better informed financial decision, without being sold any financial products.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about The Vincita Institute – what should we know?

The Vincita Institute’s motto is to engage, educate and empower people via financial education presentations.

I guess one of the things that makes us different is the way we present the information. Our presentations are delivered in laymen’s terms while using real life experiences. I believe it is why our 2 ½ hour sessions are a breeze for participants.

We provide jargon free information as a means of simplifying financial topics. Together we explore the different types of products, and their various features and benefits,

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?

Shortly after losing my brother Junior. My parents divorced and I went to live with my retired, elderly paternal aunt Katie and her husband uncle Hal, who lived in the Mission Hill housing project located in Roxbury, MA at the time it was one of the toughest neighborhood to live in.

My aunt Katie and uncle Hal asked only two things of me;

1) “Do your chores”; make sure to you get your hard work completed first.

2) “Get your lesson”; as they had to work at a very early ages and didn’t have the opportunity to pursue higher education. They wanted to make sure that I was able to attend college.

They said if I did my part, they would handle the rest of my needs. Even by today’s standards a very good deal.

They both encouraged me to not only graduate from high school, but to also seize the opportunity to attend, run track for and graduate from Northeastern University with a degree in economics.

Aunt Katie also said that “we all know where we’ve been, but don’t know where we are going, so try to be kind and helpful people every step of the way”.

My aunt and uncle taught me the benefits of hard work and the importance of giving back to others. As I continue to bring about positive changes in many people’s lives while increasing their financial literacy. I hope my efforts also honor my aunt Katie and uncle Hal as well.