CPA Volunteer Spotlight: Susan Salomonsson, CPA, CA

Susan Salomonsson, CPA, CA, is a long‑time self-employed tax professional and volunteer dedicated to empowering others through financial literacy. Since 2020, she has delivered sessions ranging from money management and healthy habits to tax basics and fraud awareness. With more than 45 years of diverse volunteer service, including community boards, mentorship roles, and international development support, Susan brings a deep commitment to helping people build confidence and practical skills. An avid reader and author of contemporary and historical fiction, she believes stories of resilience and adaptation can guide individual growth and strengthen communities.

Why did you choose to volunteer to teach the audience that you do?

“I teach audiences of all ages. The financial literacy program is a benefit to everyone, but it is particularly rewarding to share my knowledge with school-age participants, supporting them to establish healthy financial habits early in life.”

What is your most memorable experience as a financial literacy presenter?

“Every webinar experience has been good, but there is one session that stands out in my memory. The audience was a small group of unemployed young adults, and the topic was “stretching into savings.” The group was interactive and collectively they began, over the course of the hour, to brainstorm the ways in which they could stretch their limited money resources and plan to use future earnings wisely. It was inspiring to see how enthusiastic they became as they realized their own capacity for resourceful thinking. I believe it was particularly significant for this group to take ownership of the learning outcome and build confidence that would support their job searches.”

Is there a tip or resource you can share to help British Columbians reach their financial goals?

 “I begin each presentation with a reminder to stay open and curious, and end with the assurance that even the smallest step is progress. At the end of each presentation, I encourage participants to take a moment to write down something they have learned, something they commit to remember, and one action they will take towards a financial literacy goal in the next 30 days.”