There are some people you meet in life who light a fire in you to become the best version of yourself. For many in our community, that person is Chula Vista resident Darryll Coleman. Darryll works as a Life Insurance Agent for New York Life, but what he offers his clients, community, and family is so much more. TikTok motivator, content creator, advocate for families, and fitness trainer are just some of the roles he plays. We sat down with Darryll to discuss his passion for helping people invest in themselves, their families, and their future. Here’s what he had to say.
To start, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
First and foremost, I am a patriot through and through. To me, that means loving community, loving family, and loving God. I spent 24 years serving my country, have a master’s degree in education, and am an engineer by trade. I married my prom date after running into her at the Denver airport years after high school, and now have two daughters and two grandchildren. I believe in excellence, integrity, honesty, loyalty, and personal courage.
What inspired you to become an expert in life insurance and help people protect their financial future?
I got into the life insurance business because my mom passed away when she was 32, causing my siblings and I to grow up in foster homes. When I was presented with the opportunity to help people understand life insurance, I did it because I didn’t want anyone else to go through what we went through. I work with minorities, single moms, parents who have children with autism, and anybody who needs guidance on how to offset financial barriers to protect their family.
Is life insurance only for people who have dependents?
Life insurance is for EVERYONE. It’s not a question of “Should I have it?” It’s a question of “How fast can I get it?” The type and amount vary by person, but it's really about being able to sleep at night. I always say, there are two reasons why you buy life insurance - you love somebody or you owe somebody. If you have a family, if you have a job, if you own property - get life insurance. Life insurance is for anyone who has an insurable value, which is every life.
How does life insurance help build generational wealth?
Life insurance is a financial instrument that provides peace of mind. When people think about life insurance, most are actually thinking about death benefits, but there are many living benefits of life insurance, too. It’s about using your policy as part of a diversified tax strategy, building cash value over time and leveraging it to strengthen your long-term tax planning. It helps you plan for retirement. It helps you protect your mortgage in case of an emergency, so your family does not become displaced. When coupled with proper instructions and estate planning through wills and trusts, life insurance can help you create profound generational wealth to help your family be successful forever.
Why is fitness important to you? How does it relate to life insurance and preparing yourself for the future?
I am a motivator. I NEED you to win. I need everyone to win! Fitness and finance go hand in hand because I want you to be healthy, but I don’t want you to outlive your money. It’s about longevity. I’m on TikTok, and I create content every day in an effort to motivate people to move, exercise, and give the body what it needs. I help people G.E.T P.A.I.D - Generate Energy Through Physical Activity Infused with Discipline. I want people to know that where they are right now is enough, and that movement makes us better versions of ourselves for our family and for our future.
What advice do you have for people looking to set themselves up for success in the future?
Start by looking in the mirror and saying these three words, “I love you.” Every day, say, “I love me right now.” No matter what's going on in the world, you have control over how you care for yourself. Then, get up and take a 30 minute walk. From there, you can begin taking steps for your future self, little by little. Over time, just like financial investments, it snowballs into real change.
Life insurance is for EVERYONE. It’s not a question of “Should I have it?” It’s a question of “How fast can I get it?"
WORDS I LIVE BY:
“Get P.A.I.D.” Generate Energy Through Physical Activity Infused with Discipline. This is how I begin each day, by tapping into an unlimited supply of positive energy, acquired through consistent physical fitness and uplifting spiritual practices.
FAVORITE RECENTLY READ BOOK:
“What Would the Rockefellers Do by Garret B Gunderson and Michael G Isom. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone I can. I even gave a copy to a solicitor at my door the other day.”
WHAT I’M CURRENTLY LISTENING TO:
- Change your Brain, Change your Life by Daniel Amen
- 101 Answers to the Toughest Financial Questions on Earth by Garret Gunderson
- Money Unmasked by Garret Gunderson
- The Long View - Morningstar (Podcast)
- Investing Insights (Podcast)
- Going the Distance (Song) from the Rocky Movie
WHAT I’M OBSESSED WITH:
- Running Half Marathons
- Push-Ups
- Spending time with my family
- Motivational Speaking
- Helping Families, individuals, and small businesses within my community develop, plan, and implement financial strategies in an effort to sustain generations to come
SOCIAL
TikTok: @ihave2run