The Financial Coach Academy Podcast: Recent Episodes

Kelsa Dickey

A weekly educational podcast from the founder of The Financial Coach Academy™, Kelsa Dickey, that will teach you how to create and grow a profitable financial coaching business that you LOVE and are proud of. At The Financial Coach Academy™, we are passionate about helping you create the business of YOUR dreams – whether that’s a side hustle, part time gig, or 6+ figure company. Get ready to elevate your success!!

If you feel a little pang of guilt almost every time you spend money, that guilt was never really about your choices. It's about a hundred small purchases with no clear place to put them, so every one turns into a question.

This chapter is about SpendFreely, the everyday spending that moves with your life. The groceries, the gas, the coffee, the Target run that somehow covers four “categories” but was really just a Tuesday. Traditional budgeting tries to slice this part of your life into smaller and smaller pieces, and all that does is turn every purchase into a tiny negotiation with yourself. There's a simpler, kinder way, and this chapter is where it starts.

I also share something that surprises people: I genuinely don't know how much my husband and I spend on groceries versus eating out, and as someone who does this for a living, that tends to raise eyebrows. I'll explain why I don't need to know, and why letting go of that made our money, and our marriage, easier.

At the end, I've included a short check-in, a chance to notice how much you can already see with just the first couple of pieces in place. Come feel what it's like when spending feels like living again.

Get the Book: You just listened to a chapter of it. The whole book is out November 11, and SpendFirst.com/book will tell you the day it lands.

Want to set up your own everyday-spending number? The free Quick Start Guide is at https://spendfirst.com/start.

Subscribe so you don't miss next Thursday.

If you’ve ever felt fine at the start of the month and strangely broke by the middle of it, this is for you. There is a clear reason for that mid-month squeeze, and it comes down to timing you’ve never been shown how to see.

Today we're defining SpendFixed, the commitments like rent, utilities, and subscriptions that arrive every month." Most of us carry a loose, stressful map of these in our heads. This chapter is about setting that map down so you can breathe.

When you see your bills by due date, something opens up. You get clarity, relief, and an understanding of which paychecks carry the most weight.

Take the next step with Money Made Human:

Get the Book: You just listened to a chapter of it. The whole book is out November 11, and SpendFirst.com/book will tell you the day it lands.
Get the Guide: Grab the free Quick Start Guide at SpendFirst.com/start.
Subscribe so you don't miss next Thursday.

Some months your money feels calm, and some months it feels like chaos, even when your paycheck stays exactly the same.

This week on the podcast I'm reading Chapter 3 of my book, SpendFirst®. It's the chapter where a lot of people finally set down the self-blame and see that their system was the thing missing all along.

Most budgeting sorts your spending by category: housing, food, fun. And the piece it leaves out is the one that actually gets to you, which is timing. When you start looking at how your money behaves instead of only what it's for, the whole picture settles.

A few things this chapter opens up:

Why knowing what you spend still leaves the stress in place, and what's been missing.
The three waves your money moves in: SpendFixed, SpendFreely, and SpendFuture, and how sorting by them brings order to the mess.
The moment people exhale, when the shape of their money finally comes into view and the calm follows.

Get the Book: You just listened to a chapter of it. The whole book is out November 11, and SpendFirst.com/book will tell you the day it lands.

You can start sorting your own waves before the book is even out. Grab your free Quick Start Guide at https://SpendFirst.com/start

Does your budget feel like it’s fighting your calendar? Most financial advice tells us to plan in 30-day blocks, but your life happens paycheck to paycheck.

In this episode, we dive into Chapter 2 of SpendFirst to explore the Paycheck Rhythm, the simple but transformative shift that turns your budget from a chore into the heartbeat of your financial system.

You’ll learn:

The Monthly Myth: Why traditional calendar budgeting creates unnecessary stress.
Finding Your Rhythm: How to sync your money with your actual payday.
Diane’s Story: How one woman moved from constant anxiety to total control.
The Heartbeat: Why this specific rhythm is the secret to making the SpendFirst system work for you.

Start the SpendFirst Journey: If you’re new here, start at the beginning to see 3 months into your money future: https://spendfirst.com/start

Resources Mentioned:

Why Traditional Budgeting Keeps Failing You (Chapter 1)
See 3 Months Into Your Money Future (Introduction)

Join the Conversation: New episodes drop every Thursday. If this helped you find your rhythm, subscribe to Money Made Human and leave us a review!

Chapter 1. If you’ve tried budgeting apps, spreadsheets, and rules and still ended up unsure, this is the episode that explains why, and why it was never a flaw in you. Kelsa Dickey reads Chapter 1 of SpendFirst, including the story of Jessie and Joe, a capable couple doing everything “right” and still drowning.

The problem was never discipline. It was that traditional budgeting never helped them see how their money actually moves.

Press play, then subscribe so you don’t miss Chapter 2 next Thursday. Start here: https://spendfirst.com/start.

This is where it begins. In the Introduction to SpendFirst, I'm reading the opening of my new book and laying out the premise the whole season is built on: You can manage almost anything in your life, so why does money still feel like a guessing game?

The answer isn’t more discipline. It’s finally being able to see how your money moves, today, next paycheck, and three months from now.

If you’ve tried the apps, the spreadsheets, and the rules and still felt unsure, this episode reframes why. Press play, then subscribe so you don’t miss Chapter 1 next Thursday.

Start here.

The Financial Coach Academy Podcast is now Money Made Human, and Season 2 starts here.

In this short welcome episode, Kelsa Dickey shares what the new show is about and what makes this season different from anything she’s done before: an entire season spent reading her book, SpendFirst, one chapter a week, in her own voice.

If money has ever felt like a guessing game even though you’re capable everywhere else in your life, this is the season to be here. Press play, then subscribe so the book’s Introduction is waiting for you next Thursday.

Learn more at spendfirst.com/start.

This is the final episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast and the final episode of Season 1. Starting June 25, this show becomes Money Made Human.

In this episode, we’re talking about what 157 episodes built, sharing the story of a listener who changed how I see this show, explaining why the name is changing, and laying out what’s coming in Season 2: The full SpendFirst® book, read chapter by chapter, one per week, in my voice, before it launches November 11.

Same feed, same Thursdays, same voice. The conversation just got bigger.

https://spendfirst.com/podcast

Every year the same hesitations come up when I talk to coaches about conferences:

I won't know anyone.
It's too expensive.
I'm not far enough along.
I don't have time.
I can probably learn all of it online anyway.

This week I'm replaying my conversation with Philip Taylor, CPA, entrepreneur, and founder of FinCon, with a fresh intro and outro for FinCon 2026. Philip has watched thousands of financial professionals walk through those exact hesitations, and we work through all five of them together.

What we land on is something I come back to every year: the fears that keep you home are usually pointing straight at the growth you're looking for. Philip walks through how he got past each one, from joining the online community before he arrived, to going in with a clear mission so the cost made sense, to finding the other people in the room who felt just as new as he did.

I also share why I still attend conferences after nearly two decades of building a financial coaching practice, and why FinCon is the one I keep coming back to.

FinCon 2026 is September 16 through 18 in Palm Springs, CA. Registration is open at finconexpo.com. Use code KELSA50 for $50 off. If you caught last week's episode on how to prepare for a conference, this one pairs with it.

Someone on Reddit spent more than $4,000 on a conference and came home with six business cards on their desk and nothing else. No meetings booked, no follow-up calls scheduled, no real conversations. They did all the things people tell you to do: They worked the expo floor, sat through the sessions, showed up to the networking cocktail hour. And they still felt like they had lit that money on fire.

Their question was simple, and it is one I hear from coaches all the time: What do you actually do before a conference to make it worth going?

In this episode, I walk through exactly how I prepare so a conference earns its cost. I talk about who to reach out to before you go and how to do it so people actually respond, what to focus on once you are there, and the part most people skip entirely, which is the follow-up that turns a hallway conversation into a real relationship.

I also share the one number I use to know whether a conference was worth it, why three to five people is the right size for your list, and the permission slip most people need to hear about skipping sessions. Whether you are going to FinCon, AFCPE, or any professional event this year, this one is practical enough to put to work right away.

FinCon 2026 is September 16-18 in Palm Springs. Registration is open at https://finconexpo.com, and code KELSA50 gets you $50 off.

Links & Resources

FinCon 2026 (use code KELSA50 for $50 off)
Episode 154: The One Question That Simplifies Every Business Decision
Episode 122: Interview with Philip Taylor, FinCon founder

A few weeks ago, an email came across my desk from a financial coach who said she'd never struggled this much to make something work. She'd been posting consistently, running webinars, building a community, and getting engagement on every post.

And she had zero coaching clients and six months of runway left. Her friends and family were telling her there wasn't a market for financial coaching and she should go back to her corporate job.

We got on a call. The session went deeper than tactics like "post more on LinkedIn" or "change your niche." She wasn't solving the wrong problem with her business. She was solving the wrong problem in her business.

In this episode, I walk through the five principles that came out of the session. These are lenses, not tactics, for thinking about your business when you feel stuck. I cover why "I've tried everything" usually means you're solving the wrong problem, the difference between being seen and being known for something specific, what it takes to commit to one platform long enough for it to work, why your past clients are the most underused roadmap you have, and the difference between creating content and creating demand.

I close with the three questions to sit with this week if you're in that stuck place yourself. If you've ever felt like you've tried everything and nothing is working, this is the episode for you.

Resources & Links

Episode 154: The Three-Lens Framework
Episode 153: The Four-Stage Client Journey
The Builder

Every business decision you make has three stakeholders, and most coaches only think about one or two of them. That's usually why the decisions feel so hard.

Pricing, marketing, who to hire, what to say yes to, what to say no to. If you've been going back and forth on a decision for weeks (or months), the problem is rarely the decision itself. It's that you don't have a clear way to think about it.

In this episode, I teach you the Three Lens Framework, the thinking tool I use for every business decision I make. I walk through why business decisions feel overwhelming when you're missing one of the lenses, break down what each lens is asking you to consider, and then show you how the whole thing works using a real question I get all the time from coaches: "Should I list my prices on my website?"

There's no universal right answer to that question. But there is a right answer for you, and the framework will help you find it.

The Three-Lens Framework is also the backbone of The Builder, a free course that walks you through eight foundational business decisions every coach has to make.

Links & Resources

The Builder (free course)
Episode 84: Interview with Haley and Justin Price of Avocado Toast
Financial Coaching Essentials

If you've been thinking about starting a financial coaching practice, there’s probably a list running in the back of your mind. The certification you should probably get. The website you need to build. The LLC you think you're supposed to file. The handful of topics you still need to master before you'd feel ready to call yourself an expert.

I had that same list almost two decades ago, when I was still working in corporate America and trying to figure out how to make the leap. I spent so much of that first year bootstrapping and second-guessing, and looking back, a lot of what I thought I needed was actually getting in my way.

In this episode, I'm walking through what's really on that list once you strip out the things you can stop worrying about. Some of it might surprise you. Some of it might be the permission you've been waiting for. And some of it might shift what you focus on this week, this month, or for the rest of the year.

If you've been circling the question of what it takes to get started, this is the conversation I'd want you to hear first.

Links & Resources

The Builder (launching Memorial Day weekend)
Financial Coaching Essentials
Nolo.com

Every client you work with moves through a journey. The situations are always different, but the stages are remarkably consistent. I’ve watched them unfold across hundreds of clients over nearly two decades, and at some point I started giving them language.

In this episode, I walk through the four stages I see every client move through when they start working on their money: See Clearly, Stand Firm, Own It, and Build Forward. I talk about what the client is experiencing at each stage, what they actually need from you (which is often different from what you want to give them), and the coaching mistakes that happen when you’re doing the right work at the wrong time.

This episode connects to the SpendFirst™ methodology, but the pattern applies regardless of what system you use. Once you see it, you’ll coach differently.

Resources mentioned:

Episode 27: The four Stages Framework

Your client just made a choice you wouldn't have made.

You walked them through the options. You built the understanding. They applied it, reflected on it, and came back with their decision. And it's not the one you would have picked.

What you do in the next thirty seconds is the real test of whether you're coaching or telling.

This is the kind of moment the Clarity–Application–Commitment framework is built for. It's the three-phase framework I've used in every coaching conversation for years, and the one I teach other practitioners to use too. In this episode, I walk through what each phase looks like in practice, where coaches skip steps without realizing it, and how to hold the line when a client surprises you.

If you're newer to coaching, this might become one of the most foundational episodes you listen to. If you've been at this for years, it'll give you language for something you're probably already doing instinctively.

Links & Resources:

Episode 150: When Everything Feels Urgent: A Real Coaching Session on Prioritizing Financial Goals

Last week you listened to a real coaching session with Lauren, a financial coach working through competing goals, limited margin, and a jumbled mind full of priorities she couldn't rank.

This week I want to give you something to do with what you heard.

I'm pulling three takeaways from Lauren's session: one for newer coaches, one for coaches who've been at this a while, and one for experienced practitioners who want to sharpen how they see their own work. They look like three different skills. They're actually the same skill at three different stages: paying attention to what the client actually needs versus what you're tempted to give them.

If you haven't listened to Part 1 and Part 2 of Lauren's session yet, I'd recommend starting there. You'll get a lot out of this episode either way, but you'll get more if you've heard the session first.

Haven't heard Lauren's session yet? Start here:

Part 1
Part 2

Learn more about the Money Made Human Peer Advisory Group.

Lauren is a financial coach. She knows exactly what she'd tell a client who was juggling competing financial goals with limited margin. She'd say: pick one. Prioritize. Stop trying to do everything at once.

And yet, when it came to her own money (her IVF goal, her emergency fund, her coaching business, her serving job she was ready to leave) everything felt jumbled.

In this Client Seat episode, I coach Lauren through what happens when you stop trying to figure out all the things and start choosing. You'll hear the exact moment her energy shifts from heavy and overwhelmed to clear and motivated. And I share something about my own coaching in this session that I would have done differently — because knowing a client well can be a gift, and it can also lead you to steer when you should be listening.

This is Part 1 of a two-part session. Part 1 covers the goals and priorities conversation. Part 2 goes into Lauren's income picture and what it would actually take for her to leave her serving job behind.

Get access to Part 2 here.

Want to be a guest on a future Client Seat episode? Apply here.

In this episode:

Why seeing income as separate buckets keeps clients stuck in scarcity
What happens when you stop trying to fund everything at once
How Lauren's gut gave her the answer before her logic caught up
The chicken-or-egg loop that keeps big goals permanently on hold
What I'd do differently in my own coaching — and why naming it matters

Resources Mentioned

Money Made Human Peer Advisory Group
YNAB

Coaches are really good at helping clients build plans, organize their money, set goals, and adjust their behavior. These are excellent things.

But something that comes up in almost every coaching relationship, usually several months in, is this: “I think things are okay. I mean, we're getting by. But I don't really know if we're ahead or behind.”

The client is still doing the work. Still showing up. Still trying. But the enthusiasm isn't what it was, and they can't quite tell whether any of it is actually paying off.

This week, we’re sharing the Progress Number, a single percentage that tells clients exactly how much of their income is actively going toward their financial future. Not their budget. Not their bank balance. A clear, revisable number that answers the question most clients are afraid to ask out loud.

We walk through the formula, how to calculate it, how to handle the gray areas, how to introduce it in a session, and what happens when a client who's been working hard finally gets to see the proof that it's paying off.

The progress number isn't just a coaching tool. It's what gives clients something to stand on when motivation gets harder and a rough month makes the whole year feel like a loss.

Links & Resources:

Financial Coaching Essentials
Episode 143: How Confidence is Actually Built

Key Takeaways:

Without a concrete way to measure progress, clients go by feelings. A rough month makes the whole year feel bad. A good paycheck makes everything feel fine. Neither is the full picture.
Net worth is a snapshot. It shows where someone stands, but not how fast they're moving or how intentionally they're directing resources toward their future.
Two clients with the same net worth can be in completely different places in terms of momentum. Snapshots don't show trajectory. The progress number does.
The formula is simple: total financial progress divided by total income, multiplied by 100. What counts as progress is something the client gets to define.
The number itself matters less than the direction. A client who started at 3% and is now at 8% is winning, even if 8% sounds small.
When a client can point to a number and say, “I was at 4%, now I'm at 6%,” something shifts in how they carry themselves. That's not a pep talk. That's identity.
Your progress number is also your coaching tool. It gives you a concrete way to revisit progress across sessions, something to celebrate when things are going well, and something to investigate when they're not.

If you followed the recent series on calibration and the three rhythms that money flows through, this session is where both of those ideas come to life.

Mary Ann Stenquist is a spending coach who helps ambitious women break free from the shop-regret-shame cycle and align their spending with their values. She knows money. She teaches it. She coaches on it.

And she's stuck.

For four years, Mary Ann has been caught in a cycle: fund the emergency savings, drain it when something happens, rebuild it, drain it again. The AC breaks. Then the furnace. Health expenses pile up. Then the car. Each time she taps into that fund, guilt follows. The balance drops, and with it, her sense of security.

What makes this exhausting isn't the expenses themselves. It's the way her emergency fund has become a scorecard for whether she's doing money right.

When the balance is high, she feels secure. When it dips, she questions everything.

Before you listen, here are three things to pay attention to:

First, notice how long it takes before any strategy is offered. This session is about 70% emotional coaching and 30% logistics.
Second, listen for the distinction between emergencies and what we call Whammies, the irregular expenses that aren't unpredictable, just unplanned. Those fall into the SpendFuture rhythm, and once we name that distinction together, the whole conversation shifts.
Finally, listen for the moment Mary Ann says she can't control her money, because that's a borrowed belief. When you look at the evidence, it's simply not true. She has an emergency fund. She's living on one income by choice. She's been managing well in so many areas. The story doesn't match her reality.

This is what calibration looks like. A real session with a real person, and the choices happening underneath it.

Links & Resources:

Money Made Human Advisory
Financial Coaching Essentials
Join the Facebook group
Join our email list
Apply to be on the Client Seat
Listen Inside the Session of this episode

Most clients walk into a session already convinced they failed.

The bad month is fresh. They went over budget. The spreadsheet is in the red. And every line item feels like evidence that they just aren't good with money.

But here's something to note when you look at months like that: most of the time, nothing actually went wrong. The rent was paid, the groceries were normal, and the everyday spending didn't spike. The month exploded because of something else entirely. And that something else has a name.

In this week’s episode, we’re introducing a lens that changes how clients experience conversations about their money. It's not a new tool or a new system. It's a way of looking at what's already in front of you and giving that picture to clients so they can see it too.

All money moves in three rhythms. Once a coach can see these rhythms clearly and help clients see them, the emotional temperature of even the most discouraging conversations changes. Not because the numbers got better, but because the story around the numbers finally makes sense.

This episode is practical. We’re walking through exactly how to introduce this framework in a session, what to say, what to notice, and why the rhythm that causes the most financial chaos is also the one most clients have never planned for.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Episode 147

Key Takeaways:

A bad month and a planning gap are not the same thing. The ability to tell the difference is what separates a frustrating conversation from a useful one.
All money moves in three rhythms: SpendFixed, SpendFreely, and SpendFuture. The third one is the one that derails most clients, and the one almost no budget accounts for.
When a client can see that the month fell apart because of unplanned irregular expenses, not personal failure, the emotional temperature of the session drops fast.
Irregular expenses aren't surprises. They happen every year, and many happen at roughly the same time every year. The only thing missing is a plan for them.
Your job as a coach isn't to point out what went wrong. It's to show your client what was always true about their money that they simply couldn't see before.
SpendFuture is almost always the thread that unravels the whole thing. Find it, name it, and the path forward becomes clearer for everyone in the room.
Clarity always comes first. Before strategy, before solutions, before next steps, a client needs to be able to see what's actually happening.

There's a question many financial coaches don’t stop long enough to ask: What actually makes us better at this?

Not what we think makes us better. Not what the industry says we should do. What actually moves the needle when it comes to the craft of coaching.

I’ve spent nearly two decades working with coaches at every stage, from training my very first coach to building a team of 50 practitioners in 18 months with cohesive standards and consistent client experiences. I’ve seen what works and what doesn't. And in this episode, I’m naming the gap.

Most of us have invested heavily in content. Courses, certifications, webinars, frameworks. And all of that has its place. But there's a pattern that keeps showing up: we consume, we feel inspired, we go back into our sessions, and not much changes. Not because we weren't paying attention. Because knowing the right answer and knowing how to use it in a live, messy human conversation are two very different skills.

What I’ve observed in my work over the years changed how she understood practitioner development entirely. The thing that accelerated growth faster than anything else I’ve seen wasn't a training manual or a certification. It was watching real sessions together, then talking about what they saw. Not grading. Not correcting. Just reflecting, noticing, and sharpening.
I call this calibration. And in this episode, I’m explaining exactly what it is, why it matters at every stage of your coaching career, and what it means for how you grow from here.

Links & Resources:

Financial Coaching Essentials
Join the Facebook group
Sign up for emails

Key Takeaways:

Knowledge tells you what to do. Judgment tells you when, how, and why. They're not the same skill, and only one of them develops in a live session.
Calibration is not learning new information. It's getting more finely tuned in the instincts you already have.
You can't see your own misreads. The misreads feel like accurate perception. That's the whole problem. Other eyes in the room are the only way to surface them.
The best business development strategy isn't a better content calendar. It's being excellent enough that the people around your clients notice and ask what happened.
A technically fine session and a session the client actually remembers are different things. The gap between them is judgment.
Community gives you proximity. Calibration gives you precision. They are not the same container.
Wherever you are in your coaching journey, the principle is the same: growth doesn't come from more information. It comes from better observation of your clients, yourself, and this craft.

Getting feedback used to make my chest tighten. I'd spend so much energy trying to live a life where I'd never have to hear that I let someone down or disappointed them. The problem? That's impossible. You will inevitably get feedback as a coach and as a business owner.

So you need to get good at it. Not just operationally, but emotionally.

This episode walks through the three mindset shifts that change how you receive feedback, plus the actual systems we use at my companies to automate and analyze feedback without it derailing an entire day or week.

What’s important to remember is that you get to choose what you think of the feedback you receive. Feedback isn't fact or truth necessarily. It's just an opinion, an observation, or a thought.

The choice you make about which feedback gets your energy is entirely up to you. Don’t let one negative comment spiral you out of control while barely registering the positive ones. Instead, appreciate positive reviews and feedback more deeply so you can stay grounded when the negative ones come in.

This week, we’re covering how to automate your feedback process so it doesn't hit your inbox unexpectedly, when and how to review it, what questions to ask yourself when analyzing whether to act on it, and why the customer isn't always right. That last one matters more than you think when you're trying to build a sustainable business.

If feedback makes your stomach ache or your palms sweat, this episode will help you build the operational and emotional shields you need.

Links & Resources:

How to Create Buy-in - Free Workshop
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

You get to choose what you think of the feedback you receive. Feedback isn't fact or truth necessarily; it's just an opinion, observation, or thought. You decide what to make of it.
Negative feedback doesn't have to be louder than positive feedback. Which feedback gets your thoughts and energy is entirely up to you. It's your choice.
You will get feedback, so you might as well get good at it. Once you accept this is inevitable, your mind shifts from trying to prevent it to learning how to be ready for it operationally and emotionally.
Never make changes based on one person's feedback. Note it, but wait to see if others bring up the same thing. Over-tweaking costs you time, money, and business momentum.
Ask: Is something wrong, or is this a personal preference? This prevents over-optimizing. Nice-to-have ideas go on a list and get prioritized. Broken things get fixed.
Is there merit to this feedback? This softer question makes analysis easier than asking if feedback is "right" or "wrong;” you can find merit in pieces even when the full feedback stings.
The customer isn't always right. Sometimes you've already considered what they're asking for and chose not to do it. That's okay. Feedback needs to be weighed against values, resources, and other priorities.

Something trips up a lot of really good financial coaches, and it has nothing to do with the actual work. It's how they describe it. When someone says, "So what do you do?" the response is often off. And it's not because you don't know what you do. It's because nobody's helped you see the difference between describing your services and describing what your client actually experiences.

In this week’s episode, I walk through why most of us default to feature listing (it's factual, it's professional, and it feels safe) and why this doesn't create desire. I share an observation from meeting new neighbors that perfectly illustrates the energy shift that happens when business owners answer, "What do you do?" versus people with regular jobs. And I break down the practical difference between the casual, no-big-deal version you use at a block party and the client experience language you use when someone leans in and wants to know more.

There are side-by-side examples throughout, showing what feature listing sounds like compared to describing the actual moment that changes for your clients. Kelsa also tackles what to say when someone responds with, "Like a financial advisor?" and how to differentiate yourself without getting defensive or listing what you're not.

If you've ever stumbled through explaining your work, or landed on something that sounded more like a brochure than a real conversation, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:

Episode 138: Selling vs. Steadying
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

There's a difference between describing your services and describing what your client actually experiences, and that distinction changes everything about how people respond to you.
Feature listing feels safe because it's factual and professional, but it doesn't create desire. It makes people glaze over or start comparison shopping.
When someone asks what you do, answer like your neighbor who works at Honeywell. No performance. No calculating. No hoping they'll respond a certain way.
The less you need from the interaction, the more interesting your answer becomes to the person hearing it.
When someone says "like a financial advisor?" you don't need to respond with what you're not. Drop into the client experience instead. You'll differentiate yourself without a single negative or a single feature being listed.
Think about the moment something clicked for your last few clients. That moment is your message, because that's what people are buying. They're buying that exhale.
You don't need a better elevator pitch. You need to get closer to the truth of what your clients actually experience before and after working with you, and then simply learn to say that out loud.

There's a sentence you've almost certainly heard from a client. Maybe more than once. Maybe even in the last week. "I just need to be more disciplined."

It sounds like self-awareness. It sounds like accountability. And most coaches nod and move on when they hear it.

In this week’s episode, we’re breaking down why that sentence is rarely what it appears to be and why what you do with it changes the entire direction of your coaching relationship. We’re walking through the cultural messaging that makes people believe their money struggles are a character flaw, and explaining the difference between a borrowed belief and genuine self-reflection.

Because when a client says "I need to be more disciplined," what they're usually saying underneath is something much closer to: "I keep trying to do the right thing and it keeps not working, and the only explanation I have is that something is wrong with me."

This episode gets into what it looks like to pause in that moment, get curious instead of pivoting into problem solving, and help a client discover what's actually going on. And you’ll hear specific questions you can use, what tends to happen when you ask them, and how all of it connects to a bigger idea about coaching precision. This is what separates helpful coaching from the kind that actually shifts how someone sees themselves and their money.

If you've ever had a client who seems to be trying hard and still not gaining traction, this one is worth your time.

Links & Resources:

Free 7 Questions Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

"I just need to be more disciplined" is one of the most common borrowed beliefs in financial coaching, and it almost never reflects genuine self-awareness.
A borrowed belief is a conclusion someone carries that they didn't arrive at through their own reflection. They arrived at it because it was handed to them, and they've repeated it so many times it feels like the truth.
When you nod along with a borrowed belief, you're reinforcing the very thing keeping your client stuck.
The question "When you've tried that before, what happened?" opens the door to the real story, because your client has tried before, probably many times.
Most financial breakdowns aren't about character. They're about a gap in the structure: a car repair, three birthdays in one month, the holidays. Real life that wasn't built into the system.
A helpful coach hears "I need discipline" and builds a better system. A coach focused on precision hears it and helps the client realize the problem was never their discipline in the first place.
Language precision is a skill you develop by learning to listen differently, by paying attention to where a belief came from and whether it's actually serving your client.

You’re secretly afraid that if you set boundaries around when you work or stop applying pressure, you'll collapse. That the drive you have will disappear. That you won't get anything done without urgency forcing you forward.

Does that resonate?

For a long time, I thought I only had two speeds: all in or completely off. If I slowed down, I was afraid I would stop. Like if I wasn't pushing at 100%, I'd lose momentum, lose motivation, or lose my edge altogether.

That fear made sense at the time because I didn't have healthy boundaries or perspective yet. Pressure was doing the job. Boundaries weren't.

What changed wasn't my work ethic. It was my relationship to urgency. My goals are bigger and more ambitious today than five years ago, but I'm much clearer about the difference between commitment and urgency.

Commitment now means I'm clear about direction, but not that I'm constantly pushing. It means I'm willing to stay with something over time without turning every delay or pause into a personal problem. I'm committed to making it happen.

I'm not naturally committed to when it happens.

You don't need to be less ambitious to live this way. You don't need to care less or want less for yourself. You get to choose how you relate to your goals. You can be driven and content. You can be committed and patient. Both can exist.

Listen in to hear how.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Financial Coaching Essentials

Key Takeaways:

The reason it's possible to get a lot done isn't because of working obsessively. It's because there are clear boundaries around when work stops.
Passion needs guardrails and creativity needs discipline. Without guardrails, everything feels urgent, rest feels irresponsible, and slowing down feels like risk.
Commitment means you're clear about direction, not that you're constantly pushing. It means you're willing to stay with something over time without turning every delay into a personal problem.
You can have a perfectly structured schedule and still live with constant internal urgency. The guardrails need to be both practical and internal.
Grit that carries a lot of pressure isn't sustainable. There's still grit now, but it's softer. There's more trust in it. Seasons are allowed.
Your family, mental health, and emotional wellbeing don't compete with your ambition. They support it.
Where have you been afraid that if you slowed down, you'd stop altogether? What might change if you tested a different structure with more boundaries, more perspective, and less urgency?

Your clients don't need you to make everything feel better. They need you to help them trust themselves while feeling uncertain.

This is the line between emotional over-holding and confidence building. It's subtle. And if you're a coach who cares deeply about your clients, you've probably crossed it without realizing.

Emotional over-holding looks like carrying more of the emotional weight than the client needs. It looks like reassuring excessively, pre-processing their feelings before a session even starts, and softening reality because you're worried about how it will land. It comes from good intentions, but over time, it doesn't build confidence. It can actually erode it.

This week, we’re sharing six specific patterns that show you where this happens most often. Once you can spot them, you can shift how you guide without becoming cold, disconnected, or less compassionate.

Because the goal isn't to care less. It's to help your clients build capacity instead of borrowing yours.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Financial Coaching Essentials

Key Takeaways:

Your job is to present reality clearly, not make it feel better. Emotional over-holding happens when we soften reality or avoid naming the gap because we're worried about how it will land.
Hesitation is not the same thing as refusal. Sometimes the most confidence-building thing you can do is guide the direction while allowing space for uncertainty.
Buy-in doesn't always look like enthusiasm. Sometimes it's reserved, calm, or cautious. That's okay too.
Reassurance should reinforce capability, not certainty. If reassurance helps someone see how far they've come, it builds confidence. If it's used to control what they do next, it starts to feel manipulative.
Confidence isn't avoiding struggle. It's the ability to reflect on it without collapsing or indicting yourself when things are hard.
Ask yourself: Is this mine to carry or is it theirs to work through? You are there as they work through it, but you are not there to carry it for them.
Passion needs guardrails and creativity needs discipline. Without guardrails, everything feels urgent, rest feels irresponsible, and slowing down feels like risk.

Last week, our Client Seat episode featured me coaching Michelle through feeling out of control with her money after moving to Guatemala. The cash system felt chaotic. Multiple accounts, inconsistent tracking, and no clear rhythm for how money moved. She wanted stability back.

This week, I'm showing you what was happening on my side of that conversation. The coaching decisions I was making while listening and what I chose to prioritize and intentionally left alone. When you don't know the client's context, when the situation is completely unfamiliar, you can still lead a session that creates real progress.

This isn't about having all the answers, because we never will. It’s about helping the client find clarity. Four specific observations from that session show how to guide someone toward that clarity when the path isn't obvious to either of you yet.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Financial Coaching Essentials
Episode 133: Coaching session with Mary Ann
Client Seat application

Key Takeaways:

Targeted focus narrows the conversation and reduces overwhelm. When a client's situation feels chaotic, ask: Where does it feel most out of control right now?
Not knowing something doesn't remove your authority as a coach, but pretending does. Name what you don't know and stay present as the guide.
Progress happens in layers. Stabilization comes before optimization. Solving one thing well creates momentum for what comes next.
Your clients can be the expert on context while you remain the expert on process. True collaboration happens when you share the stage.
When clients feel scattered, optimization adds pressure. Stabilization gives them room to breathe, refine, and improve from a solid foundation.
Limited scope isn't a weakness. Framing realistic progress as a win builds trust and creates buy-in during the session.
Predictability before perfection. Give clients something concrete they can work with right now, not everything they could eventually do.

This episode is part of our Client Seat series, where financial coaches get real-time financial coaching from Kelsa. It’s a great opportunity to showcase what goes into a financial coaching session. If you’re a financial professional, you can apply to be a guest on a future Client Seat episode.

Being a financial coach doesn't mean your own money is always perfect. Different seasons of life require different systems, and sometimes what worked beautifully before stops working entirely.

Michelle Kopp is a CPA and financial coach living in Guatemala. Before moving from the U.S., her money was completely under control. Then her family relocated internationally, and everything fell apart. Bills are now paid in cash. Day-to-day spending is cash. She went from total control to tracking every dollar in a Google form, which she hates doing.

This week’s episode is about what happens when your context changes so dramatically that you have to rebuild. Michelle needed someone else to help her see what she couldn't see on her own. That's completely normal, even for financial professionals.

You'll hear how we worked through the comparison trap she'd fallen into, identified what was worth keeping from her previous approach, and created a concrete plan that gives her stability without trying to control every dollar.

This is what it looks like to help someone stabilize first before trying to optimize everything at once. Needing to rebuild doesn't mean you're failing. It means your season changed.

Links & Resources:

How to Create Buy-in - Free Workshop
Be on a future Client Seat episode
Join the Facebook group
Michelle's website

Key Takeaways:

When your context changes, your old system might not fit anymore. Michelle's Plan Ahead Method (now called SpendFirst™) worked perfectly in the U.S. but couldn't translate to Guatemala's cash-based economy. You're not failing if what used to work stops working.
Comparison will keep you stuck. Michelle kept measuring her current spending against what she spent before the move, expecting Guatemala to be cheaper. That comparison made her feel like she was failing instead of recognizing she was rebuilding.
Stabilize first, optimize later. The goal isn't to create the perfect system immediately. It's to create enough stability that you can work with what you have, then refine from there.
Your effort might be scattered, not insufficient. Michelle was putting in tons of effort tracking every dollar, but that effort wasn't getting her anywhere. Sometimes you need to redirect your energy, not add more of it.
Cash needs different routines than digital money. When most of your spending is cash, you can't rely on bank statements to tell you where money went. You need a withdrawal schedule that creates predictability.
Even financial professionals need outside perspective. Michelle is a CPA and financial coach, but she couldn't see her own patterns clearly. Sometimes you need someone else to ask questions you can't ask yourself.
Progress happens in layers. We didn't try to solve every aspect of Michelle's money in one session. We tackled the biggest chaos creators first so she could build from a stable foundation.

I’m just going to come out and say it: there is NO “right way” to get out of debt. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can support your clients (or yourself) to pay down your debts - and today, we’re going to examine five of those strategies.

When I first started coaching clients whose goal was to pay off their debts, I would have ask the client to give me their financial details, which included balances, interest rates, payments, etc. Then I’d use the information they provided to create a “debt snowball” spreadsheet. Next, I’d show their spreadsheet to them and say, “see- this is how you do it,” or “see- this is what you’ll do.”

I found out rather quickly that while some clients had no problem sticking to the plan, others just couldn’t seem to stay on track. When my clients “failed” to “execute” the plan I’d given them, I dug deeper, asking them questions about what wasn’t working for them. Then I’d tweak the plan, taking their feedback into consideration, and give it back to them with the hope that it would work…this time.

I quickly realized that I had been looking at my client’s goal to pay down their debt totally backward - once I had that revelation, I stopped telling every client that they needed to “snowball” their debt.

Instead, I started asking more questions to figure out which debt payoff strategy would be the best fit for the client. And it worked! My clients were more engaged - excited even - which resulted in them getting results and enjoying the process.

Let’s take a look at some of the different tactics you can use with your clients to take care of their debt.

Links & Resources:

How to Create Buy-in - Free Workshop
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

The best debt payoff strategy is the one that creates the most buy-in for your client. Financial calculators don't account for human motivation and follow-through.
Present options before prescribing solutions. Instead of showing clients "the right way," explore what will work best for them through curiosity and conversation.
Pause after showing clients their debt totals so they have space to process the number. Then ask, "What's going through your mind right now?" before moving forward.
One debt might carry emotional weight that makes it worth prioritizing. If a balance triggers shame or keeps someone stuck in the past, eliminating it first can unlock progress.
All five debt payoff methods share the same structure: pay minimums on everything except one debt. They only differ in which debt to prioritize first.
Quick wins matter for some clients and financial optimization matters for others. Match the strategy to what will keep this specific person motivated.
Ask, "Is there one debt that really frustrates you?" early in the conversation. The answer reveals whether emotional factors should drive the strategy.

Getting feedback used to make my chest tighten. I'd spend so much energy trying to live a life where I'd never have to hear that I let someone down or disappointed them. The problem? That's impossible. You will inevitably get feedback as a coach and as a business owner.

So you need to get good at it. Not just operationally, but emotionally.

This episode walks through the three mindset shifts that change how you receive feedback, plus the actual systems we use at my companies to automate and analyze feedback without it derailing an entire day or week.

What’s important to remember is that you get to choose what you think of the feedback you receive. Feedback isn't fact or truth necessarily. It's just an opinion, an observation, or a thought.

The choice you make about which feedback gets your energy is entirely up to you.

Don’t let one negative comment spiral you out of control while barely registering the positive ones. Instead, appreciate positive reviews and feedback more deeply so you can stay grounded when the negative ones come in.

This week, we’re covering how to automate your feedback process so it doesn't hit your inbox unexpectedly, when and how to review it, what questions to ask yourself when analyzing whether to act on it, and why the customer isn't always right. That last one matters more than you think when you're trying to build a sustainable business.

If feedback makes your stomach ache or your palms sweat, this episode will help you build the operational and emotional shields you need.

Links & Resources:

How to Create Buy-in - Free Workshop
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

You get to choose what you think of the feedback you receive. Feedback isn't fact or truth necessarily; it's just an opinion, observation, or thought. You decide what to make of it.
Negative feedback doesn't have to be louder than positive feedback. Which feedback gets your thoughts and energy is entirely up to you. It's your choice.
You will get feedback, so you might as well get good at it. Once you accept this is inevitable, your mind shifts from trying to prevent it to learning how to be ready for it operationally and emotionally.
Never make changes based on one person's feedback. Note it, but wait to see if others bring up the same thing. Over-tweaking costs you time, money, and business momentum.
Ask: Is something wrong, or is this a personal preference? This prevents over-optimizing. Nice-to-have ideas go on a list and get prioritized. Broken things get fixed.
Is there merit to this feedback? This softer question makes analysis easier than asking if feedback is "right" or "wrong;” you can find merit in pieces even when the full feedback stings.
The customer isn't always right. Sometimes you've already considered what they're asking for and chose not to do it. That's okay. Feedback needs to be weighed against values, resources, and other priorities.

The state of things right now isn't exactly predictable. Costs are up, people feel cautious about spending, and there's this underlying tension around money that's hard to ignore. If you're working full time and thinking about becoming a financial coach this year, or if you're already coaching and trying to figure out how to navigate 2026 without burning out, this episode is for you.

The good news? Flexibility is your competitive advantage right now. When your expenses are lean and your approach is strategic, you can be generous with clients, creative with pricing, and responsive to what people actually need. This isn't about playing small or operating from fear. It's about being the kind of financial leader who can adapt without compromising impact.

In this episode, we're talking about practical strategy for this season: why your full-time job might be the best business asset you have right now, how to design your coaching business around your actual life instead of an internet ideal, and what it means to maximize your three key resources (time, energy, and money) when you're already stretched thin.

If you've been feeling pressure to go all in, scale up, or match someone else's version of success, this episode will help you see that steadiness is strategy. And the steadiness you create for yourself is exactly what your clients are craving from you.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
How to Create Buy-In Training(free)
Episode 138: The State of People's Finances

Key Takeaways:

Flexibility is your competitive advantage. When your expenses are lean, you can offer payment plans, adjust pricing, and respond to clients' real needs without financial pressure forcing your hand.
Predictable income is a business strategy, not a compromise. Your full-time job gives you something full-time entrepreneurs don't have: the ability to plan, save, and give your business time to grow without crushing pressure.
Your business doesn't need to be impressive to work. What matters is whether it fits your actual life, serves your clients well, and gives you something nothing else in your life currently gives you.
Scarcity motivates action. Limited availability isn't a weakness. Instead, it cuts down on client indecisiveness and makes scheduling easier for everyone involved.
Focus on activities that fill a gap only your business can fill. If your full-time job is high pressure, make your business fun and relaxed. If parenting feels thankless, let client appreciation fuel you.
You have to claim what you need and ask for it specifically. The hardest help to ask for is often just space, permission to focus on your business for a Saturday morning without guilt.
Steadiness is what your clients are craving right now. By creating it for yourself first, you bring that same grounded energy into every coaching session.

Your clients’ budgets absorbed increases they never saw coming this year. A healthcare premium that jumped several hundred dollars per month. Utility bills up $50 at peak usage. Return-to-office mandates that added childcare costs, gas expenses, and convenience spending they didn't budget for. Buy now, pay later options at grocery checkouts, not just for wants but for food.

When your clients sit down with you, they're financially stressed. And they're also cautiously pessimistic, worried about what's next, and hoping they can just stay stable. This is the reality of financial coaching in 2026, and it's why the gap between need and demand matters more than most coaches want to admit.

This episode looks at being a financial coach in 2026 from three perspectives.

First, the concrete ways rising costs are squeezing your clients' household budgets right now.
Second, the role you play in cutting through their worry with clarity and steadying energy instead of more information.
And third, how all of this shapes your business strategy, your messaging, and the way you position your work when clients aren't buying on "maybe this could help."

If you've wondered why your ideal clients aren't reaching out even when they clearly need help, or if you've felt the tension between knowing coaches are needed and watching people hesitate to hire you, this episode will help you see what's actually happening and how to meet this moment with courage and strategic clarity.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

People need financial coaches more than ever, but need doesn't equal demand. Just because someone is struggling doesn't mean they're actively seeking your solution. And that means that how you talk about your work matters more than ever.
Healthcare premiums increased significantly for many families in 2026. When you combine that with utility rate hikes and return-to-office costs, clients are absorbing hundreds of dollars in monthly budget increases they didn't plan for.
Shift from selling to steadying. Right now, people aren't buying on "maybe this could help." They're saying yes when the outcome is crystal clear and the commitment feels manageable.
One in four Americans now uses buy now, pay later for groceries. This isn't about luxuries anymore. It's a signal of how tight household cashflow has become, and it's creating unnecessary chaos in people's budgets.
Return-to-office mandates don't just increase commute costs. They ripple into childcare, eating out, work clothes, and spending more for convenience because flexibility at home disappears.
75% of our own small business vendors raised their rates in 2025. Business owners are navigating the same financial squeeze as clients, which means your financial coaching mind is your greatest asset in running your business strategically.
Being a financial coach in 2026 takes courage. You need to speak sincerely and clearly about how you help people, make faster business decisions, and lead by example in uncertain times.

After almost two decades of watching clients struggle with traditional budgeting advice, one pattern became impossible to ignore: the advice itself was creating the problem.

Track every dollar. Cut spending wherever possible. Follow this exact plan. The advice was restrictive, rigid, and built on the assumption that everyone should manage money the same way. No wonder people felt like failures when they couldn't stick with it.

For years, coaches and advisors have been teaching a different framework to clients who finally experienced their "this makes sense" moment. The Plan Ahead Method™ worked because it focused on understanding spending instead of judging it. Planning for it instead of reacting to it. Creating clarity without adding more rules to follow.

The system helped thousands of people stabilize the chaos in their financial lives. But the name never captured what made it different. It sounded like every other budgeting method out there.

That changes now. The Plan Ahead Method™ is officially SpendFirst®. And this represents more than new branding.

SpendFirst® means something specific: stabilize the chaos in your financial life first so you can focus on everything else. Most financial advice responds to chaos with restriction.

SpendFirst® flips that. It helps people get their spending under control first, remove the overwhelm first, align their spending with their goals first. Then they watch how that transforms their entire relationship with money.

If you've been teaching the Plan Ahead Method™ with clients, this episode gives you clarity on what's evolving and how it positions your practice. If you're looking for a proven framework that clients actually stick with, this is your introduction to a system that's about to reach a much wider audience and create a category coaches can build their identity around.

This isn't about helping one client at a time anymore. This is about a movement that changes how people see, save, and spend their money.

Links & Resources:

How to Create Buy-in: Designing Financial Experiences that Stick
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

People don't struggle with money because they're bad at saving; they struggle because spending feels chaotic and overwhelming.
The SpendFirst® Method focuses on stabilizing the part of your financial life with the most movement: your spending. When you plan for spending instead of reacting to it, you create the mental space to focus on everything else.
SpendFirst® means putting a system in place for your spending first, not spending recklessly. It's about understanding spending patterns, not judging them, so clients can align their money with who they are and what they want.
The best tools are the ones that get used consistently. A method only works if people actually stick with it, which is why flexibility and humanity matter more than perfection.
When you're building something meaningful, there's an element of stubbornness that serves you well. What looks like stubbornness might actually be your commitment to creating something that aligns with your vision.
SpendFirst® isn't just a budgeting method. It's a mindset shift that helps people see money differently. The goal is to change how people see, save, and spend their money by giving them a clearer, kinder, and more human approach.
High standards take time, and that's okay. The pace at which something happens doesn't matter as much as staying true to your vision and refusing to settle for half-assed solutions.

You've got a client who's ready to work with you—they've paid for their first session and now you're feeling those pre-session nerves. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we talk about what's really going on in your client's mind when they show up for that first paid session (hint: they're probably more nervous than you are). I share the exact structure I use to make sure every client leaves their first session feeling heard, hopeful, and clear on their next steps.

From creating a warm welcome that puts your clients at ease, to helping them see their full financial picture (often for the first time), we cover how to make your first paid sessions truly valuable for your clients. I share my biggest mistakes and what I learned from them, so you can skip the trial and error phase I went through.

Plus, I walk through our follow-up system that keeps clients engaged and taking action even after the session ends. Whether you're new to paid sessions or looking to make your current process even better, this episode will help you create an experience that has your clients saying “they get me” and ready to take the next step in their journey.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 91

Key Takeaways:

Want your clients to open up about money? Start by acknowledging their courage - it takes guts to share your finances with a stranger and pay them for help.
Trying to solve every financial problem in one session isn't generous, it's overwhelming. Pick their most exciting goal and solve it completely.
Your clients can sense when you're in your head worrying about delivering value. Their emotional rollercoaster is 10 times bigger than yours.
Numbers tell a story, but you need to narrate it out loud. Walk clients through your thinking process so they can see how you got to the solution.
The magic isn't in telling clients to spend less, it's in finding their big goal that makes them excited enough to actually change their habits.
When a client shares multiple money goals, celebrate internally. They're showing you they have a genuine need for ongoing coaching, so don’t try to tackle all those goals at once.
Your follow-up system is a safety net that catches clients before they fall off track. Make it systematic but personal, like checking in when reality and procrastination typically hit.

A client is tearing up about their debt in your first session together. You're feeling good about the progress you're making. Then weeks later, when you use the MeaningFirst Method™ to explore what getting out of debt would mean to them, they say something you didn’t expect: "Even if I were debt free, I'd still be worried about my income. I wouldn't feel much different."

How do you respond in that moment?

This is the kind of real coaching scenario that makes or breaks buy-in. What you say next determines whether the client feels deeply understood or quietly misunderstood. And the truth is, most coaches in this moment slip into convincing mode without even realizing it. We want to help so badly that we start selling them on why their debt still matters, why being debt free would change things, why they should care about what we think they should care about.

But that's not coaching. That's correcting.

In this week’s episode, I walk you through a similar moment that happened with one of our coaches and her client. I'll show you exactly why the client's response isn't resistance, it's clarity. They're giving you a window into what's actually driving their stress. And I'll give you a four-step framework called Core Sync that helps you respond in these moments without losing the client's trust or momentum.

You'll learn how to validate without agreeing, explore without interrogating, connect without convincing, and plan without enabling. This is the difference between a client who nods politely but doesn't follow through and a client who starts to believe again because they feel understood.

If you've ever had a client say something that surprised you or didn't match what you expected, this episode will change how you respond.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Episode 135: The Meaning First Method
Free download: Meaning First Method guide
Client Creator Challenge: 90-day program starting January 8th

Key Takeaways:

When a client says something unexpected, pause and ask yourself: Am I about to validate or convince? This small internal check changes everything about how the conversation unfolds.
"Even if I were debt free, I'd still be worried" isn't resistance. It's clarity. They're telling you what actually drives their stress, and that deserves your attention.
The “yeah, but…” reflex kills buy-in. When you jump to "yeah, but if you were debt free you'd have more freedom," you're making a logical point when they just expressed an emotional truth.
Validation creates emotional safety. When someone finally feels understood, their nervous system relaxes. They stop defending and start engaging.
Use “yes, and” energy instead of “yeah, but…” energy. "You're right, consistent income is at the heart of this too. And what's interesting is how it ties to the debt..." bridges the gap without dismissing what they said.
The Core Sync framework builds buy-in at every layer: validate the emotion, explore the experience, connect the dots, then plan for both. Skip ahead to solutions and you'll lose them.
Clients start to believe again not because you convinced them, but because you understood them. That's how buy-in is built.

What if the way you're asking clients about their goals is actually making it harder for them to follow through?

Most coaches ask what their client wants to accomplish, get an answer like "I want to get out of debt" or "I want to save more," and then move straight into strategy. Goal identified, check. Time to build the plan.

But here's what's missing: connection. Not your connection to their goal, THEIR connection to it.

People don't take action because they have a goal. They take action when that goal feels meaningful. When they can picture what shifts on the other side of it. When they understand why it matters right now, in this season of their life.

In this episode, I'm walking you through the MeaningFirst Method™, a conversation framework that helps clients move from pressure-driven goals to goals rooted in personal truth and desire. This is the foundation that makes everything else easier: the follow-through, the consistency, the willingness to come back after a setback, the sense of ownership.

You'll hear exactly how to guide this conversation, what questions to ask, when to pause and let silence do the work, and how to help clients uncover what they actually care about, not just what they think they should want.

This isn't about adding more to your session checklist. It's about creating the clarity that makes every other conversation more effective. Because when meaning comes first, strategy has something real to build on.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Meaning First Method Conversation Guide (one-page downloadable)
Client Creator Challenge (90-day program starting January 8th)

Key Takeaways:

Your job isn't just to ask about goals; it's to help clients connect to them. People follow through when goals feel meaningful, not simply when they've been stated out loud.
Sometimes the stated goal isn't the real thing that matters. It's the doorway to what actually drives them: more freedom, calm, choice, breathing room.
The client's goal is both the North Star and the map. It shows you where you're going and informs every choice you recommend along the way.
MeaningFirst helps clients shift from "I should fix this" to "I want to build a life that feels aligned." That's a fundamentally different, and far more sustainable, experience.
Let silence work for you. After asking what makes a goal important right now, pause. Give them space to think and feel their way to the real answer.
Connection comes before strategy, always. Only after meaning is clear do we start planning timelines, pacing, and tactics.
This framework sustains motivation when things get hard. When clients understand what they actually care about, they can reconnect to that meaning every time they want to quit.

Knowing what to say in a coaching session is one thing. Knowing when to say it, how to pace it, and what to listen for underneath the words… that's where real coaching happens.

In this episode, we’re walking you through a coaching session breakdown, pulling back the curtain on the decisions made in real time during last week’s The Client Seat episode. You'll hear what Kelsa was tracking, which threads she chose to follow, when she stayed quiet, and why certain moments mattered more than others.

This isn't a recap of what was said during the episode. It's about what was happening underneath, the layer most people miss when they're learning to coach.

You'll learn how to spot emotional patterns before diving into strategy, why reflecting back what you hear matters more than you think, and how to build buy-in through pacing and presence, not just through advice. Kelsa breaks down key moments from the session and shows you how small coaching decisions create big shifts in client confidence and follow-through.

If you've ever wondered what experienced coaches are actually doing during a session beyond asking questions and giving recommendations, this episode shows you.

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Episode 132: How to Create Buy-In: The Framework for Lasting Financial Change

Key Takeaways:

Start every session by naming the focus. It reduces overwhelm and creates emotional safety before you dive into solutions.
When a client says they "did it right" but it still didn't work, slow down. That frustration signals a need for validation, not immediate strategy.
Gathering information isn't just for you. It builds buy-in. Clients gain clarity by talking through what's happening, which makes them more ready for change.
Naming a pattern doesn't fix it, but it creates breathing room. Giving language to an overwhelming experience helps clients feel understood and opens the door to possibility.
Reflect back what you're hearing at least once per session. When clients know you get it, their nervous system relaxes and they become more open to trying something new.
Try micro buy-ins before recommending a full plan. Offer one simple shift first, gather feedback, then tailor the next step based on what you learn.
Security isn't created by the emergency fund. It's created by the belief that you can respond. Progress isn't just measured in dollars. It's measured in how secure someone feels.

Welcome to our first Client Seat episode, because even coaches need coaches.

Mary Ann Stenquist teaches people how to break the shop-regret-shame cycle.

She's a spending coach who helps ambitious women align their spending with their values instead of their impulses.

She knows money. She teaches it. She coaches on it.

And she's stuck.

For four years, Mary Ann has been caught in a cycle: fund the emergency savings, drain it when something happens, rebuild it, drain it again. The AC breaks. Then the furnace. Health expenses pile up. Then the car.

The answer isn't more discipline or a bigger paycheck. It's a better system that accounts for life's inevitable "Whammies."

Each time she taps into that fund, guilt follows. The balance drops, and with it, her sense of security.

Mary Ann says it clearly: she wants an emergency fund for her emergency fund. She knows she needs one. She's built one multiple times. She just can't keep it intact long enough to feel the peace it's supposed to provide.

What makes this exhausting isn't the expenses themselves. It's the way her emergency fund has become a scorecard for whether she's doing money right. When the balance is high, she feels secure. When it dips, she questions everything.

In this first episode of The Client Seat, you'll hear what real financial coaching sounds like. Not a workshop. Not theory. A real session with a real coach working through a real challenge.

We talk about the difference between true emergencies and what I call Whammies: expenses that aren't unpredictable, just irregular. We walk through how to stop using one savings account for everything and start building a system where money has a clear purpose before you ever need to spend it. And we work through what it means to "be good with money" when life keeps throwing curveballs.

If you've ever had a client whose savings account feels more like a stress trigger than a safety net, this conversation will show you what might be missing.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Ally Bank
Visit Mary Ann’s Website

Key Takeaways:

Pulse fatigue is when your client's sense of security is tied to a number in their savings account. When the balance goes up, they feel relieved. When it drops, panic sets in. That's not peace of mind; that's exhausting.
Emergencies and Whammies are different things. True emergencies are unpredictable. Whammies are irregular expenses your clients know will happen: home repairs, health costs, car maintenance. They shouldn't be funded the same way.
SpendFuture™ accounts are savings meant to be spent. These aren't funds to protect. They're funds to prepare so that when life happens, your client is ready without guilt or scrambling.
The words matter. "My Health" or "My Home" feels different than "Emergency Fund #3." The language your clients use shapes how they feel when they use the money.
Progress over perfection matters here. If your client pulls from a SpendFuture™ account before it's fully funded, help them see they didn't drain their emergency fund. They were more prepared than they would have been without the system.
Keep the rhythm going. After tapping into savings, clients want to stop everything and rebuild their emergency fund. That's what creates the cycle. Keep funding the SpendFuture™ accounts or they'll end up back where they started.
Emergency funds need clear rules, not vague intentions. Your clients should sit down and define exactly what qualifies

You've identified the problem. You understand the instinct gap. Now it's time to fix it.

In the first two episodes of this series, we talked about why financial content isn't creating change and introduced the conative mind, the missing piece that explains why people don't take action even when they know what to do. We showed you how your natural way of taking action as a financial professional is likely very different from your clients' instincts, and how that mismatch creates friction.

Today, we're giving you the solution. A three-step framework you can apply right away to your content, your coaching, and your conversations.

This is the Action-Ready Framework, and it's designed to bridge the instinct gap by flipping the starting point. Instead of coaching from your instincts, you match theirs. And when you do, everything shifts.

Clients feel seen and understood. They take action confidently. They ask more questions and engage more deeply. They convert and stick around because they're getting real results.

In this episode, we walk through each step of the framework with practical examples you can use immediately. We show you what happens when your coaching matches your clients' natural way of taking action. And we bring it all back to what this series has been about from the start: buy-in.

Because the best strategy isn't the one that looks best on paper. It's the one your client will stick with because they believe in it. Buy-in is the real metric of success.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Register for How to Create Buy-In: Designing Financial Experiences That Stick

Key Takeaways:

Start with "just enough to start" and layer in complexity. Instead of giving clients everything they need to know upfront, give them the most relevant information only and build in detail slowly as they need it.
Focus on phases or outcomes, not every step. Clients need to see where they're headed, but they don't need every micro-task spelled out in advance.
Leave room for feedback, flexibility, and iteration. Frame your guidance as one possible starting point and openly invite clients to modify it to fit their reality. Something not working isn't a mistake, it's valuable input.
Your new motto is "less, simpler, sooner." Where your instinct might be to give more detail, more structure, more preparation, what actually gets most people moving is less, simpler, sooner.
When clients feel seen and understood, they take action confidently. Honoring their instincts doesn't diminish your expertise—it amplifies it.
Buy-in is the real metric of success. The more bought in someone is, the more creative they are when things get tough, the faster they take action, and the longer they stick with it.
The best strategy is the one that creates the most buy-in for the client. Financial calculators don't account for buy-in, but buy-in is what determines whether clients actually execute the plan.

You've given your clients the tools. You've shared the knowledge. They say they understand. They even seem motivated. But then nothing changes.

This is the knowing-doing disconnect, and in this episode, we're showing you why it happens.

In part one of this series, we talked about how more financial content exists than ever before, yet people are more financially stressed than ever. We walked through why financial literacy alone isn't enough to create lasting change. Today, we're introducing the missing piece that explains why people don't take action even when they know what to do and even when they feel supported.

This isn't theory. This is the psychology of financial decision-making, backed by data from working with real clients over nearly two decades.

In this episode, we're introducing the conative mind, the part of the mind that drives action, follow-through, and problem solving. Most financial professionals have never heard of it, yet it's the piece that determines whether clients actually do something with what you teach them.

Here's why this matters: your natural way of taking action as a financial professional is likely very different from your clients' natural way of taking action. We call this the instinct gap. And when your content or coaching is built around your instincts instead of theirs, you're unintentionally making it harder for them to succeed.

Listen in as we walk through the data, show you what the instinct gap looks like in practice, and help you understand why bridging this gap is the key to getting clients real results.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

The conative mind is the missing piece. If cognitive is thinking and affective is feeling, then conative is doing, and it's what determines whether people actually take action.
Your conative mind doesn't change. A 20-year validity study showed that while you can grow your knowledge and your emotions can shift, your natural approach to taking action stays consistent throughout your life.
75% of financial professionals want detailed information upfront, but only 20% of clients do. This mismatch is making it harder for clients to take action because we're overloading them with information they don't need or want.
87% of financial professionals naturally create step-by-step plans, but only 20% of clients want them. What feels helpful to you can feel like a checklist of ways to fail to your clients.
The instinct gap is why your content and coaching aren't sticking. When you build your approach around your instincts instead of your clients' instincts, you create friction to action.
Clients aren't wrong for wanting to learn by doing. Four out of five clients prefer to dive in and figure things out rather than map everything out first. That's not a weakness; it's their natural strength.
If clients are losing motivation or fizzling out, ask if they're bored. Many retention problems aren't about the content or the client's commitment. They're about a mismatch between how you're teaching and how they need to learn.

Financial content is everywhere. Personal finance is the second most talked about topic on the internet. And yet, people are more stressed about money than ever before. American household debt sits at an all-time high of $18.4 trillion and the personal savings rate hit 1.4% in July 2025, the lowest in history.

Something isn't working.

You've seen it with your own clients: they nod along, say they understand, maybe even seem motivated. But then nothing changes. They show up to the next session disconnected or discouraged.

In this episode, we're kicking off a three-part series that addresses the disconnect between what we teach people about money and what actually helps them change the way they manage it. We call it the knowing-doing disconnect, and it's costing millions of people the financial freedom they're working so hard to achieve.

This isn't about creating more content or giving better advice. The problem runs deeper than that. Telling clients what to do and helping them feel better isn’t enough to create lasting financial change. This week, we’re walking through the sobering reality of where we are as a profession and introducing the foundation for what needs to shift.

This is part one of a three-part series.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

The knowing-doing disconnect is real. People can know what to do with their money and even feel supported, but that doesn't mean they'll take action or see lasting change.
Financial stress doesn't capture the full picture. What people are experiencing is despair, hopelessness, and exhaustion.
More financial content isn't solving the problem. Personal finance is the second most talked about topic on the internet, yet financial stress is at an all-time high and savings are at historic lows.
Financial literacy is knowledge; financial coaching is application. We can learn how to eat better, but if we don't actually change how we eat, we don't get healthier. The same is true for money.
The way we're approaching financial change isn't working. If our mission is to help people experience real change in their financial lives, we have to acknowledge we're not fulfilling that mission.
Coaching is a partnership, not just sitting back and watching. It's about providing guidance and training, not telling people to figure it out on their own.
We're not doing good enough, Coach. If we care about helping people, we must do better, starting with understanding what's missing from our profession.

You didn't start your coaching business to become a marketing expert.

But marketing is how you get visible and attract the right clients. Without it, even talented coaches struggle to fill their practice and create the impact they want.

The good news? Boosting your marketing doesn't require a complete overhaul or endless hours. With focused adjustments to what you're already doing, you can start seeing better results.

In this video, I'm sharing 14 marketing strategies we used in our most recent Client Creator Challenge. These strategies help you fill gaps and strengthen your client attraction system, whether you're just starting out or refining your existing efforts.

I'll walk through leveraging testimonials, capturing client results, nurturing referral relationships, crafting clear calls-to-action, and more. The key is choosing one area to focus on and refining your approach from there. As you implement these strategies consistently, you'll start seeing the growth and traction you're working towards.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join Financial Coaches Unite!
Episode 9: How do I get clients as a financial coach?
Episode 28: Why aren’t you getting more clients?
Client Creator Challenge

Financial coaching isn't about giving better advice. Most of your clients already know they should spend less than they earn. They know they need an emergency fund. They've heard the standard recommendations before.

So why aren't they making progress?

The gap isn't information. It's follow-through. And follow-through doesn't come from another spreadsheet or a clearer explanation of compound interest. It comes from something entirely different: helping clients shift how they see themselves, how they relate to money, and whether they believe they're actually capable of change.

Early in my coaching career, I made this mistake constantly. I thought if I just explained things clearly enough, clients would take action. I learned pretty quickly that knowledge wasn't the sticking point. What they needed was support, trust, and a process that worked even when life got messy.

In this episode, I'm walking you through what it actually takes to help clients move from understanding to doing. We're talking about the deeper work of coaching: listening for what's underneath the words, creating safety so clients can be honest without fear of judgment, and meeting people exactly where they are instead of where you think they should be.

This is about helping clients build confidence through small, meaningful wins. It's about rewriting the story they tell themselves about money. And it's about recognizing that your job isn't to be an advice-giver, but a transformational guide.

If you've ever had clients who say they understand everything but keep showing up having made little progress, this episode will help you see what's actually happening and how to shift your approach.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Free Workshop: How To Create Commitment With Your Clients
Money Made Human™ Certification

Key Takeaways:

When clients say they want a budget, they often mean "I feel out of control." Listen for the emotion underneath the request, not just the surface-level ask.
Information isn't the gap… follow-through is. Most people already know what they should do with money; they need support in actually doing it.
Trust is built through safety, not perfection. Normalize struggle instead of rushing to solutions. Say things like, "Of course you've tried this before and it didn't stick. Let's look at why together."
Test every recommendation against your client's real capacity right now. If it's not doable for their life in this moment, scale it down until it is.
Small wins create identity shifts. Once clients see themselves following through on something, they start to trust themselves. And that's when transformation begins.
Meet clients where they are, not where you think they should be. The client drowning in debt doesn't need retirement strategies yet. Match your recommendations to their actual readiness.
Start every session with a win, even if progress is small. Help clients name it and celebrate it. Self-trust is what enables the next step forward.

People will tell you they want financial literacy. They'll say they need to understand their numbers better, get organized, learn the right steps. And those things matter, of course they do.

But here's what I've learned after almost two decades of doing this work: knowledge isn't the problem anymore.

We're drowning in financial education. Books, podcasts, TikToks, workplace programs. If information were the answer, credit card balances wouldn't be at an all-time high right now. Savings rates wouldn't be at historic lows. And money wouldn't be the number one cause of stress in our country.

So what's missing? Over the past few years, I've had a front-row seat to financial coaching happening across our industry. I've worked with large wellness companies, consulted with universities, listened to well over 100 coaching sessions. And what I saw troubled me deeply.

People weren't walking away transformed. They were walking away with a shrug. "It was fine."

Fine isn't good enough. Not for our clients, and not for this profession.

The gap isn't knowledge. It's not even application. The gap is ownership. True ownership. The kind of steady commitment that becomes part of who someone is. And as an industry, we're not doing a good enough job helping people get there.

In this episode, I'm sharing what I've seen, why it matters, and what we can do about it.

Because financial coaching is at a turning point right now. We get to decide what this profession will be known for. And I believe we're capable of so much better.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Fine is not good enough. When clients walk away from coaching with a shrug instead of transformation, we've failed to create real impact. That shapes how our entire profession is perceived.
The gap isn't knowledge, it's ownership. People aren't failing because they lack information. They're stuck because we haven't helped them build true belief in what they're doing with their money.
Neutral is the death of impact. Surface-level coaching doesn't just waste time. It leaves clients feeling like they've failed again, reinforcing shame instead of creating change.
Scattershot coaching is everywhere. When clients leave sessions with disconnected instructions instead of a clear roadmap tied to their bigger journey, we're making it harder for them to succeed.
Raising standards isn't glamorous, but it works. Precision matters. Every moment in a session shapes whether clients leave feeling confident and committed or unchanged. From how we present options to whether we catch hesitation.
Financial coaching can be healing. Not in a clinical sense, but in a real-world way. When done well, it helps people stop carrying quiet shame and start believing they're capable of change.
We're defining the future of this profession right now. The standard we set today determines whether financial coaching is remembered for tip sheets and cheerleading, or for transformation that actually sticks.

Most coaches struggle to talk about their work in a way that makes people want to invest. They know they're getting clients results, but when it comes to marketing, something feels off. They're not sure if they should talk about financial coaching or focus on what actually happens for their clients.

This struggle is costing coaches clients every single day. For over 10 years, I fully embraced that what I created was transformation for people. Then the coaching industry exploded and "transformation" became the buzzword everyone used…even people offering surface-level advice. And so, I pulled back from using it.

But here's what I realized: by avoiding the word because others were over-using or misusing it, I created a gap in my messaging. I let people creating fluff transformations own that word in the marketplace while I struggled to articulate the real, lasting change my clients were experiencing. My marketing got harder because my message got diluted.

And yet, people don't pay for financial coaching. They pay for financial transformation. Coaching is the vehicle. Transformation is the destination. When you can name the specific transformation you create, your marketing gets easier and your confidence grows.

When you position yourself as “just” a coach, you're competing with free resources. Coaching sounds like a process, and people don't want to pay for a process. They want to pay for an outcome. They want their lives to feel different. When someone hears about transformation, they picture relief, confidence, freedom. That's buy-in. And buy-in is what determines whether someone invests in working with you.

This isn't just about marketing tactics. It's about what's best for your client (clear outcome), what's best for you as the coach (confidence in your value), and what's best for your business (attracting the right people).

This week on the podcast, we'll walk through how to get specific about the transformations you're already creating, how to weave those outcomes into your messaging, and why one subtle moment in a client's journey reveals the deepest transformation of all.

Because if you're a skilled coach, you're already creating transformation. You just might not be naming it.

If you've been struggling to talk about your work in a way that makes people excited to invest, this episode will help you see what you're really delivering and give you the confidence to own it.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Marketing struggles episode
Download 7 questions to capture client transformations here

Key Takeaways:

People don't pay for financial coaching. They pay for financial transformation. Understanding this distinction changes how you talk about your work and how people respond to you.
When you position yourself as just a coach, you're competing with free resources. Coaching sounds like a process, but people want to pay for an outcome that makes their lives feel different.
The shift from "I help people create budgets" to "I help people feel confident and in control of their future" changes everything. One is about tasks, the other is about identity and peace of mind.
Ask this question at the end of sessions: "What feels different for you right now compared to when we started working together?" It helps clients reflect on change in real time and gives you proof of your impact.

“Should I add tax prep to my coaching business? What about investment management or insurance?”

I hear this question from coaches all the time, especially when they're looking to grow their revenue. You see other financial professionals offering multiple services and it makes sense—more services should mean more income, right?

Here's what I've learned after working with hundreds of coaches: adding a new service is like starting a whole new business. You need different marketing, different systems, different expertise, and a completely different client experience for each one.

When coaches ask me about adding services, I start asking questions. How many clients are you working with right now? How many hours a week are you coaching? Could you take on more coaching clients if you wanted to?

Most of the time, coaches aren't maxed out on their coaching capacity yet. They're working with five to ten clients. They're coaching a few hours each week. They're getting their clients great results. But they have room for more.

So when we dig into it, the real question isn't “Should I add more services?” It's “How do I grow my revenue in a way that doesn't spread me too thin or take away from the coaching work I'm already doing well?”

In this week’s episode, we're talking about when it makes sense to add services, what actually grows your revenue without burning you out, and how to make decisions about your business that serve both you and your clients.

Your clients hired you because you're excellent at helping them with their money. That excellence is what creates results, and results are what create referrals and a strong reputation. When you try to be good at everything, you end up being great at nothing.

If you've been thinking about expanding what you offer, this episode will help you figure out what your next move should be.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Roadmap training
Episode 91
FCA

Key Takeaways:

Every new service is like starting a brand new business. Each one needs its own marketing, systems, expertise, and client journey built from scratch.
Most coaches aren't actually maxed out when they want to add services. If you're not at full capacity with your current offer, fill those spots first before adding complexity.
Excellence creates results, referrals, and reputation. When you spread yourself thin, you become known for dabbling instead of being great at one thing.
The restaurant rule applies to coaching too. If your tables are half full on Friday nights, don't launch catering. Fill the seats you already have.
Specialists can charge more than generalists. Become the coach for couples who fight about money or the coach who helps people crush six figures of debt.
Better results equal better marketing. When clients are getting consistent outcomes, you get more referrals, testimonials, and repeat business naturally.
Your clients don't need you to do everything for them. They need you to be excellent at the transformation you're already best at delivering.

First things first, friends: Imposter syndrome is not a thought: “I am an imposter” or a feeling: “I feel like a fake.” It’s a circumstance. And if we want to overcome it, we need to understand it…which means clearly identifying it for what it is, which removes SOME of imposter syndrome’s power.

Think of imposter syndrome as the monster behind your closet door: you sit there, covers pulled up to your chin, staring at it the door. In your mind, the monster (aka, imposter syndrome) keeps getting bigger and bigger and scarier and scarier. Finally, you muster up the courage to walk across the room and open the closet door. And instead of a monster, your cat walks out, looking annoyed that you found their hiding place. Logically, you know that it was never a monster. It was just your cat.

Get ready to shine a light on your own imposter syndrome fears and frustrations, and learn what you can do to shut it down for good (mostly).

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

You're new, not fake. Because being a beginner is normal and temporary.
You know enough to help someone today even if you don't know everything yet.
Do it anyway because confidence comes from taking action, not just learning more.
"Can I trust you?" is what people really want to know when they ask about your credentials.
Learn while you coach instead of waiting until you're "ready" to start helping people.
Name the specific thoughts that make you feel like an imposter, then replace them with better ones.
Feeling like an imposter means you're growing and pushing beyond what's comfortable.

You hang up from that Q&A call thinking you really connected with that person. They'd be so great to work with. You know you can help them. The conversation went great.

And then it's crickets.

They didn't give you an answer on the call. They said they'd think about it and get back to you. But then that person ghosted you or just fell off the face of the planet.

Does this sound familiar? It's so frustrating, and you're really left wondering what went wrong. Why didn't they say yes? Did you miss something?

This keeps coming up in our Facebook group and mastermind: coaches saying the exact same thing. They had this great Q&A call that got booked, but afterwards, nothing. The person just disappeared.

What's actually happening here is that you're making two very common mistakes on these calls, and they're probably happening at the same time without you even realizing it. The first one is that you're accidentally coaching on the Q&A call. The second is that you're overselling or over explaining everything you can possibly do.

It's very easy to fall into coaching mode when you genuinely want to understand what's been happening with someone and their money. Before you know it, you've given them half a dozen little suggestions along the way, and now they either feel like they have a list of things to try on their own, or they think coaching won't help because they've already tried everything you just suggested.

Then there's the overselling part. You get excited about all the ways you can help, so you start talking about your budgeting system and getting clear on their vision and looking at spending and your three-month program and planning for their kids' college and financial independence. Talk about overwhelm.

The thing is, by the time someone reaches out to a financial coach, they've usually already researched everything they can. They've likely been trying to overcome this challenge for years on their own. They're desperate to know if they can find help or not, and what they want is simple: to know that you can solve their problem.

Your job on the Q&A call isn't to sell yourself or prove your value. It's to learn about what they're experiencing and clearly communicate yes or no, this is something you can help them with.

Listen in to this week’s episode and we’ll give you the tools to do just that.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Stop coaching on your Q&A calls. When you give suggestions and strategies, prospects either think they can handle it alone or that you can't help them since they've tried your ideas already.
Your only job on a Q&A call is to answer one question: “Can I help solve this specific problem, yes or no?” Everything else is a distraction that confuses prospects and kills conversions.
“I can absolutely help you with this” said twice beats explaining every service you offer. Validation and confidence convert better than comprehensive overviews.
Keep Q&A calls to 15 minutes maximum. If it's taking longer, you're coaching, overselling, or not confidently leading the conversation.
Schedule Q&A calls separately from coaching sessions and create mental barriers so you don't carry coaching energy into sales conversations.
Financial coaching prospects want solutions, not coaching experiences. Unlike life coaching, they don't care about the process, just whether you can solve their money problem.
“I need to think about it” means you overwhelmed them with information instead of clearly addressing their specific concern.

We've been watching talented, capable financial coaches hold themselves back from doing their best work, and it has nothing to do with skills or caring.

They'll create a freebie but never really put it out there. Someone asks about their coaching, but they don't follow up. They get invited to present at a workshop but decide “now's not the right time.”

It's not that they don't want the results on the other side. It's not that they're not capable, even if it feels a little scary. So why aren't they taking action on the things they say they want to do?

What we’re seeing is a fear of failure epidemic that's showing up in ways that might surprise you. It's creating this cycle where people avoid taking meaningful action because they're terrified of not getting it right.

But we live in a world where everything feels permanent and public. Social media makes it so your mistakes can follow you forever. There's this pressure to have everything figured out before you even start, which creates paralyzing perfectionism where people would rather do nothing than risk doing something imperfectly.

And our environment makes it easier than ever to avoid the challenging work that creates real results. When something feels hard, there's always an easier alternative just a swipe away. You can spend hours watching videos about marketing strategies without ever implementing a marketing strategy, which tricks you into feeling like you're working but leaves you confused about why you're not getting results.

The irony? You’re listening to this podcast right now, learning instead of doing. And that's exactly the trap.

But what if instead of quietly shrinking away and not doing the thing you said you wanted to do, you committed to what we’re calling “loud failure”? What if you decided that if you're going to fail either way, you'd rather fail by actually putting yourself out there?

Because wouldn't it be cool if being okay with loud failure meant you were doing the hard things—talking more, presenting more, offering to help people more—and maybe, just maybe, those things would actually make you successful?

Links & Resources:

Join the Mastermind
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

You'd rather spend three days writing the perfect email sequence than three hours making phone calls, because one feels safe and the other doesn't. But only one actually gets you closer to new clients.
“Good enough to move on” is your new standard, not perfection. Embrace it instead of staying stuck in endless revision cycles.
If you're going to fail either way, fail loudly by putting yourself out there rather than quietly shrinking away and creating the very failure you're trying to avoid.
Productive procrastination keeps you busy with tasks that feel important but don't move your business forward, like researching every certification instead of just starting to help people.
Choose one source of business education and stick with it for a month. Consuming information from multiple sources creates overwhelm and imposter syndrome, not progress.
Discomfort is a sign of growth, not a warning to stop. Learn to dance with your fear instead of running from it.
Break big goals into smaller actions: instead of “make $100,000 this year,” commit to “have 5 Q&A calls this week.” The smaller step is what actually gets you there.

There's a question that keeps coming up from coaches, and honestly, it's one that can make or break your business if you get the timing wrong.

Should you start a group coaching program or membership?

The appeal is obvious—leverage your time, help more people, bring in more revenue for your time. What's not to love, right? But there's a reason why some coaches launch group programs and absolutely crush it, while others spend weeks building something only to have one person sign up.

And the difference isn't what you think it is.

There are three very specific indicators that tell whether you're ready to host a group program or if you should pump the brakes. Miss these signs, and you could end up like I did years ago: spending weeks creating content and marketing only to wind up with one person paying me $397 for what became a five-dollar-per-hour time suck.

But when you have these three things in place? Group programs can be incredible. People feel less alone when they realize they're not the only one struggling with money. There's this hive mind effect where one person's question unlocks something for three other people. The accountability that happens naturally in groups can make people implement faster than they ever would on their own.

The catch is that most coaches think building a group program will attract the masses, but it's actually the opposite. You want to attract people first, then provide the offering once you have people there to fill it.

This week, we’re walking through exactly when group coaching makes sense, when it doesn't, and if you're ready, the practical steps to actually make it happen without the mistakes that leave you wondering why nobody signed up.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

One-on-one coaching must come first. It's where you develop actual coaching skills and learn what works versus what you think should work.
Don't build a group program to attract people; attract people first, then build the program. There's nothing more disheartening than launching a group with only one person in it.
Three signs you're ready for group coaching: you're fully booked with demand, you have a large engaged audience, or you serve a unique niche that services masses.
Without one-on-one experience first, you'll become a financial educator instead of a coach. Managing group dynamics while figuring out how to coach is like conducting an orchestra before learning to play an instrument.
Pattern recognition from individual clients becomes your group program foundation—you need to see the common challenges, resistance points, and breakthrough moments to create effective group content.
Group programs work when demand already exists, not when you're hoping to create demand from scratch.
Start small with workshops or mini-programs before committing to a full group offering. Test the group dynamic and your enjoyment of it before making a major time investment.

There's something missing in your coaching business, and it's probably not what you think.

You've got the big stuff figured out—your coaching skills, your programs, maybe even your marketing. But there are four smaller things that many coaches overlook, and without them, something always feels a little off.

These four missing pieces might seem small on the surface. You might even wonder if you really need them. But when they're not there, your business feels harder than it should be. Progress feels slower. You second-guess yourself more. And honestly, you're way more likely to just give up.

We see this happen all the time to coaches with really big dreams. They start out strong, but eventually get burnt out or stuck because they're trying to do everything alone. And far too often, they quit.

The thing is, there's actually research that shows when you have just one of these missing ingredients in place, your chance of achieving your goals jumps. That's not a typo. We're talking about a massive difference in your probability of success.

That's the power of having all the right ingredients in your business. Without them, every decision feels heavier. Every setback feels more personal. Even your wins don't feel as good because you don't have anyone to celebrate with.

But when you have all the pieces you need? You move faster. You aim higher. You bounce back faster. And you stop wasting so much time and energy second-guessing yourself.

The key ingredients we’re talking about on this week’s episode are the difference between you just thinking about your goals and keeping them to yourself, versus actually following through on the things that matter. They're what separate coaches who keep spinning their wheels from those who build thriving businesses.

Listen in as we share exactly what these four missing ingredients are, why they matter so much, and how you can get them in your business. Because honestly, you'll be so thankful you have them.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Your business might have all the obvious ingredients but still feel “off” because you’re missing some small pieces that you don’t realize yet are missing.
Community isn't just networking, it's belonging. When you're surrounded by people who actually get what you're building, you stop second-guessing yourself so much.
There’s a big difference in success rates when you keep goals to yourself versus have accountability with at least one other person.
How many times has a client said, “The only reason I got this done is because I knew we had our meeting today”? You need that same external motivation for your business goals.
Support comes in three forms: tactical (bounce ideas off someone), emotional (reminder you're not failing), and celebratory (someone to cheer your wins with).
You can't gain the same insights trying to figure everything out alone. Expert guidance helps you avoid spending months wondering why leads aren't converting.
Every decision feels heavier without these four ingredients, but when you have them, you move faster and aim higher.

Philip Taylor started FinCon because he was tired of talking to his spouse about business ideas that didn't quite land. He needed someone to really riff off of, someone who understood the mission.

His first WordPress conference back in 2004 validated him as an entrepreneur in a way he didn't expect. The relationships he formed there? He still relies on some of them today. Philip gets real about walking into rooms where you don't know anyone and why that awkwardness might actually be the point.

Conferences aren't inexpensive when you factor in flights, hotels, and all the extras. But Philip sees them as an investment and shares practical ways to cut costs, but he also talks about something we don't discuss enough: the lifetime value of those connections. He still laughs about memories from conferences years ago. What value can you place on that kind of connection?

In this week’s episode, Philip makes a case for why being busy actually makes conferences more valuable. It's a forcing function that pulls you out of the grind and puts you in CEO mode for a few days. That reset helps you see your business differently.

If you think you're not far enough along yet, Philip has news for you. There are always people at conferences who don't have a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel yet. They're just there to soak it all up. Your job is to find those people.

This conversation covers territory that anyone considering their first conference needs to hear, from someone who's created one of the biggest conferences in our space.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
FinCon Expo (Use code kelsa50 for $50 off!)

Key Takeaways:

Find your inner circle by choosing conferences where attendees share your mission because they're just as tired of talking to their spouse about ideas that don't land as you are.
Volunteer at the event to bake in networking before the conference even starts. You'll meet speakers, organizers, and other volunteers while having a purpose beyond just attending.
The lifetime value of one conference connection can pay for the entire trip. Philip still relies on relationships from his first WordPress conference in 2004.
Too busy? That's exactly why you need the forcing function of a conference to pull you out of worker bee mode and into CEO mode for a few days.
Google can't break down exactly how someone implemented their strategy, but the person sitting next to you at lunch can (and they might even pull up their laptop to show you).
If you think you're not ready, find the other people who aren't ready either and form a mastermind together.
Conference speakers update their slides last minute with cutting-edge information, so you're getting current strategies, not outdated online content.

When Debbie White says coaches don't need to be louder or slicker to stand out, she means something that might feel backwards at first. After spending 20 years launching brands like Starbucks and building multiple seven-figure businesses, she's watched too many coaches try to sound like marketers instead of humans.

The problem? People buy from people, not from polished marketing speak. And right now, there's so much formulaic content out there that it all sounds the same. Your ideal clients are scrolling past it because it feels like white noise.

Debbie walks through her Lighthouse Effect concept—a way to get crystal clear on who you serve, what makes you different, and how to talk about it so your people think “Oh, it's you I've been looking for.” She talks about why being more yourself actually makes you magnetic to the right clients, and how repetition of the right message beats posting constantly with the wrong one.

We get into the messy reality of finding your voice when you've been taught to sound professional. Debbie shares stories from her own clients—like the financial coach whose people said things like “looking at my numbers makes my throat tight” and “I'm terrified to check my credit card balance.” That's not budget management speak. That's real human fear, and when you can speak to that, everything changes.

There's also an honest conversation about the COVID years and how they created this rise of formulaic business coaching that focused on revenue numbers instead of actually helping people build sustainable businesses. Debbie thinks we're seeing a backlash now—people are getting smarter about spotting content that doesn't feel real.

She gives practical advice about creating content for one person instead of trying to talk to everyone. She explains why AI-generated content often falls flat and how to use it without sounding like every other coach out there. And she shares what she wishes every coach knew about their own value and why the world actually needs what they have to offer.

If you've ever felt like you're blending in even though you know you have something unique, this conversation will help you figure out how to show up as yourself in a way that makes it ridiculously easy for the right people to find you.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Take the persona quiz
Visit the Clarity Wins Clients website
Connect with Debbie on LinkedIn
Join the Lighthouse Marketing Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Stop trying to sound like a marketer and start sounding like a human. Because 95% of buying decisions happen in the emotional, subconscious part of our brain where we connect with real people, not polished marketing speak.
The math is simple: Would you rather post generic content 20 times that gets ignored, or post one authentic piece that makes your ideal client think “that's exactly how I feel”?
Your “professional mask” isn't protecting your credibility; it's making you invisible. When every coach sounds the same, being more of yourself becomes your competitive advantage.
Here's what your clients are really saying: “I'm terrified to look at my numbers. It makes my throat tight.” Stop talking about “budget management” and start speaking to the actual fear keeping them up at night.

If you’re trying to do everything for your clients, you’re doing them a disservice. Yep, I said it. As financial coaches, we don’t know everything there is to know about finances, and that’s okay. We’re focused on our niche and expertise and while there’s nothing wrong with learning and growing with our clients, there comes a time when referring them to another professional is the best next step.

I used to think that referring clients to other professionals meant I wasn't good enough at my job. Turns out, it's actually one of the most valuable things I can do for them. When you position yourself as the quarterback of your client's financial journey, you become more essential to them, not less.

Most people have a financial advisor who doesn't talk to their CPA, who doesn't coordinate with their insurance agent. That leaves your clients trying to figure out how all these pieces fit together on their own.

And that's where you come in.

This week, I’m sharing exactly how I've learned to recognize when my clients need specialized help and the clear indicators that tell you when it's time to bring in other professionals. And you know what? Some referral relationships have become some of my best sources of new clients.

Here’s just one example: For 12 years, I handled student loan guidance myself. But when the rules started changing rapidly, I made the decision to partner with a specialist instead. I didn't feel bad about this decision. I felt proud that I cared more about what was best for my clients than my own ego.

Your scope of practice isn't a limitation. It's actually what makes you valuable. Listen in to hear specific language for these referral conversations and explain how to build relationships with other professionals so you have a solid network ready when your clients need help.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 66
Episode 53

Key Takeaways:

You're not your client's only financial resource, you're their quarterback. Coordinate the game plan while bringing in specialists for specific plays.
Refer too early rather than too late. If you're unsure whether a client needs specialized advice, lean toward making the referral.
The strongest referral relationships develop through consistently positive experiences with mutual clients—so be patient and focus on quality over quantity.
Frame referrals as expanding resources, not passing clients off. Say, “To help you reach your goals faster, I'd like to bring in a specialist” instead of simply “This is outside my expertise.”
Your scope of practice isn't a limitation, it's what makes you valuable. When you try to be everything to everyone, you become less effective at what you're truly great at.
Clients need your coaching support most when implementing advice from other professionals. Schedule specific sessions to help them translate technical recommendations into practical action steps.
Build relationships with professionals who care about staying in their lane as much as you do. Look for people who won't tell you how to do your job while you respect theirs.

You want to grow your financial coaching business but you're not quite ready to make a big investment. Maybe you're just getting started, or you're building momentum but hesitant about spending thousands of dollars on training programs.

This week, we’re tackling one of the most common questions we get: how can you grow your financial coaching business using resources that are available right now, without waiting until you feel perfectly prepared or have the budget for a mastermind or program?

We’re firm believers in lifelong learning and know there is an incredible library of free and low-cost resources available online (this podcast included). But first, we need to address the mindset piece that's absolutely foundational to your growth. Many coaches get stuck thinking they need to know everything before they can help anyone, and that's simply not true. You likely know more than you realize about personal finance, and you've already overcome challenges that your future clients are still facing.

The reality is that growth as a coach happens through a combination of learning and doing, not just one or the other.

We explore the shift from consumption to implementation. The most successful coaches are the ones who take one idea, implement it fully, measure the results, and then move on to the next thing. They don't learn endlessly without taking action, and they don't wait until they feel completely ready.

Throughout the episode, we walk through specific free and low-cost resources that can help you grow right where you are. From podcasts and training materials to community groups and industry connections, there are tools available to support your journey at every stage.

We also cover how to combine these various resources into a personalized growth plan that actually works for your life and business. The key isn't which specific resources you choose, but your commitment to applying what you learn consistently over time.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a clear roadmap of next steps, regardless of where you are in your journey, plus practical examples of how other coaches have used these resources to solve specific challenges in their businesses.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 85
Episode 72
Episode 88
Episode 106
Episode 105
Episode 93
Episode 66

Key Takeaways:

Growth happens through learning and doing simultaneously, not waiting until you feel perfectly prepared.
Ask yourself this: What you're really seeking is certainty, and you only get that by helping someone and seeing results.
Move from consumption to implementation by taking one idea and fully implementing it before moving on.
Focus here: Strengthen your weakest link instead of trying to learn everything at once.
The real marketing secret: Your clients’ experience and results drive referrals better than any strategy.
You can make incredible progress in six months through focus and consistency, even if you don't notice it weekly.

There's something happening in the financial coaching world that's got a lot of us feeling uneasy. Maybe you've heard the whispers, or maybe you've been losing sleep over it yourself.

AI is coming for our jobs, they say. Clients can just ask ChatGPT for financial advice now. Why would they need us?

I've been watching this conversation unfold in coaching groups and on Reddit, and I've got to tell you—the fear is real, but it's also missing the point entirely. Because here's what I've learned from working with coaches who are already experimenting with AI, and from my own experience using these tools: the question isn't whether AI will replace us. It's how we're going to use it to become even better at what we already do.

Think about the last time a client came to you. Did they need someone to crunch numbers? Or did they need someone who could see the hesitation in their voice when they talked about starting that business? Someone who noticed their body language shift when debt came up? Someone who understood that their financial decisions weren't really about money at all, but about the stories they've been telling themselves for years?

That's the thing about transformation. It's messy in a way that AI simply can't navigate. And transformation is what we're really in the business of, isn't it?

I've had clients try AI tools for financial guidance, only to come back because they missed something they couldn't quite name. They missed the relationship. They missed being truly seen and understood. And they missed having someone who cared about their success in a way that went beyond just giving them the right answer.

And while AI can't replace what we do, it can absolutely make us better at doing it. I've been experimenting with ways to use AI as my behind-the-scenes assistant, handling some administrative stuff that drains my energy so I can focus on the human work that only I can do. And the results have been pretty remarkable.

This week, I’m sharing more about this timely topic and why AI isn’t going to replace you. Instead, I want you to understand exactly what makes you irreplaceable so you can use technology to lean into those strengths even more.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

AI can analyze numbers, but it can't feel the pit in your stomach from buyer's remorse or recognize the fear behind someone's excitement about starting a business. THIS is what makes you irreplaceable.
Use AI to handle the mechanical tasks so you can spend more time on the meaningful work that transforms lives.
What is rare becomes priceless. As technology advances, human connection becomes increasingly valuable, not less.
Your clients need more than information. They need someone who notices their body language when discussing money topics and hears the hesitation in their voice.
Pick one repetitive task that doesn't require your unique expertise and experiment with AI handling it this week.
Be upfront with clients about how you use AI in your business. This builds trust and shows them where technology ends and your human expertise begins.
Double down on your humanity. The coaches thriving with AI aren't replacing their human touch. Rather, they're using technology to create more space for deeper, more personal client interactions.

You can create the most beautiful, helpful content in the world, but if you're not inviting people to work with you, you're an educator, not a business owner.

Walli Miller learned this the hard way. She was doing everything “right” as a content creator. Her posts were gorgeous, her financial tips were solid, people were commenting and sharing her stuff. But months went by after her first client, and crickets.

The missing piece wasn't better content or a perfect Instagram strategy. It was something way simpler and way scarier: she wasn't actually inviting people to work with her.

Walli started her blog anonymously because she was frustrated that no one in her circle was talking about building wealth beyond just staying out of debt. As a first-generation college graduate from an immigrant family, she knew there weren't enough voices sharing that perspective.

At FinCon, she learned she could make money from her content. But even after getting her first paying client, she kept creating the same educational content for months without getting another one.

The breakthrough came when she realized she was treating content creation like teaching, not coaching. She was giving people tips but never painting a picture of what was possible for them personally. More importantly, she wasn't making it easy for people to take the next step.

Walli had to shift her whole relationship with sales. At first, “salesy” felt like that pushy car dealer vibe. Now she sees sales as service. She's helping people make a down payment on their financial breakthrough.

She realized her clients weren't struggling with the math. They needed someone to help them believe their finances could actually look different. That's when everything changed for her approach to content and conversations with potential clients.

Listen in to this week’s conversation to hear Walli’s whole evolution story.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
FinCon (Use code KELSA50 for $50 off any FC25 pass)
Follow Walli on Instagram
Financially Thriving Money Coaching
The Elite Coaching Program

Key Takeaways:

If you're not inviting people to work with you, you're an educator, not a business owner. Even the most beautiful, helpful content won't translate to clients without clear calls to action.
Coaching starts before the coaching relationship begins. Help people believe change is possible and visualize what working with you looks like—don't assume they know how to take the next step.
Sales isn't pushy. It's helping people make a down payment on their breakthrough. When you shift from seeing sales as manipulation to seeing it as service, everything changes.
Your clients aren't struggling with information—they're struggling with belief. Stop throwing more tips into the world and start showing people what's actually possible for them.
“What price are you willing to pay for someone else's breakthrough?” Sometimes that price is sitting in the discomfort of being visible, making offers, and putting yourself out there.
People need to see themselves in your story to believe your results are possible for them. Sharing your background and journey isn't bragging—it's giving others permission to dream bigger.

Brian Haney has watched it happen more times than he can count. A client comes to him with what looks like a straightforward financial situation, but six months later, they're calling his office feeling completely overwhelmed. Not because the plan was wrong, but because something fundamental was missing.

In Brian's case, one example was a recently retired client who had plenty of money and a solid income plan. She should have been celebrating, but instead she was paralyzed. The issue wasn't her portfolio or her budget—it was that she'd never actually managed her own spending before. Her late husband had handled it, then her kids stepped in to help. Now she was on her own and terrified to spend a dime of her own money.

This conversation digs into what happened next and why it changed how Brian thinks about partnerships in financial services. We talk about the moment he realized he wasn't the right person to help her with this specific challenge, and what it felt like to tell a client she needed to work with someone else.

Brian shares his perspective on why some advisors still operate in silos while others actively build their bench of trusted professionals. He explains what makes a coach outreach actually worth his time versus the messages that get ignored, and why he thinks the future of financial services looks more like a law firm than the current model.

And we explore his four financial concern areas framework and why he believes most people in the financial industry suffer from the same training gap. Plus, you'll hear about the million-dollar-earning surgeon who couldn't get approved for a loan and what that taught Brian about the difference between earning money and handling it.

If you've been thinking about reaching out to build partnerships with others in the financial industry but aren't sure how to start, or if you're curious about what collaboration actually looks like when it's working well, this conversation gives you a behind-the-scenes look at how these relationships really develop.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Brian Haney
Financial Guy Podcast

Key Takeaways:

“I'm not the person to help you with that, or at least I'm not the best person to help you with that.” Learning to say this to clients isn't a weakness, it's the foundation of excellent service.
Stop trying to be the expert in everything. Just like law firms have specialists, financial practices work better when you master your lane and partner for everything else.
The million-dollar surgeon with terrible credit proves this truth: It doesn't matter how much money you make if you don't know how to handle it.
When reaching out to potential partners, lead with curiosity, not your pitch. “I'm really interested in understanding what a day in your life is all about” beats any sales script.
Blue ocean thinking: There are plenty of fish in the sea for all of us. Focus on adding value to the marketplace instead of competing for the same clients.
Your clients should use you as a resource to find other professionals. When they call asking for referrals to specialists you don't know, that's a sign you're doing partnership right.
Four financial domains everyone needs help with: daily money management, major purchases, planning for the future, and planning for the unexpected. No single professional can master all four—and they shouldn't try.

When you're starting your coaching business, your friends and family feel like the obvious first clients. They already trust you, they want to support your new venture, and honestly, it feels way less scary than reaching out to complete strangers.

But what happens when your sister stops sharing her real spending habits because she doesn't want you judging her credit card debt at Thanksgiving dinner? Or when your best friend expects free advice every time you grab coffee together?

The thing is, financial coaching requires complete honesty and vulnerability. With strangers, there's less at stake emotionally. But when it's your college roommate or your cousin, suddenly they're holding back information because they don't want to change how you see them at family gatherings.

And then there's the flip side: you might find yourself going easier on them because you don't want to create tension in your friendship. You avoid the hard conversations about their shopping habits because you're worried about protecting the relationship, which impacts your ability to be an effective coach.

In this episode, I'm sharing the real pros and cons of coaching friends and family, including practical strategies if you do decide to work with your inner circle. But the bigger question is this: Is this actually sustainable for building the business you really want?

If you've been wondering whether you should coach the people closest to you, or if you're already doing it and feeling stuck, this episode will help you make intentional decisions about your business that honor both your relationships and your professional goals.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Your inner circle might trust you, but that doesn't mean they'll tell you the whole truth about their finances.
The problem with coaching friends: You may go easier on them to protect the relationship, which means they don't get the coaching they actually need.
Question to ask yourself: Am I building a business or just helping people I already know?
If you coach friends and family, treat them more professionally than your regular clients, not less.
Your personal network has an expiration date as a client source—eventually you'll need to look beyond people who already know you.
The most successful coaches use friends and family as practice, not as their business model.
Here's how to keep the relationship with friends and family: Let them refer people to you instead of becoming clients themselves.

If you've been coaching for any length of time, you've probably experienced this. A client introduces you as their financial therapist or thanks you for their financial therapy session. It might seem like a compliment, but there's something important we need to address.

Money is deeply emotional. When we help clients work through their financial challenges, we're often helping them process feelings like shame, fear, anxiety, and guilt. This emotional component can make our work feel therapeutic, even though we're not providing therapy.

But there's an important distinction between what we do as financial coaches and what therapists do. Understanding that difference actually makes us better at our job and helps us serve our clients more effectively.

Some coaches feel uncomfortable when clients call them therapists because they worry about overstepping professional boundaries. Others feel flattered and take it as a sign they're providing meaningful support. Both responses make sense, but these moments are actually opportunities.

When someone calls you their financial therapist, it's a chance to help them understand what coaching really is and set clear expectations about how you work together. And it’s important to be crystal clear about your role and be confident in what you do (and don’t do).

This isn't about diminishing the support we offer or making our work seem less meaningful. Financial coaching absolutely changes lives. It's about being intentional with our professional boundaries in a way that actually serves our clients better.

The coaches who thrive understand when their clients might need something they can't provide, and they see making referrals as professional integrity, not failure. They've learned how to acknowledge the emotional aspects of money while staying firmly within their coaching role.

Being clear about the distinction between coaching and counseling doesn't take away from what we do. It actually helps us do it better.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Coaching focuses on the present and future while counseling explores the past. This timeline difference shapes everything about how you work with clients.
You don't tell clients what to do, you help them discover what they want to do. Financial coaches act as sounding boards, not financial advisors making recommendations.
The basic presumption of coaching is that clients are mentally and emotionally ready to receive guidance. They're in a good place to make changes toward their goals.
Money is deeply emotional, which makes coaching feel therapeutic even though it's not therapy. Acknowledge the emotions without stepping into a therapeutic role.
Making a referral isn't a failure, it's professional integrity. Recognizing when clients need mental health support shows genuine care for their wellbeing.
Use it as a teaching moment when clients call you their therapist. Say, “I appreciate that our work feels supportive, though as a coach, my focus is helping you build financial skills.”
Include the coaching vs therapy distinction in your onboarding materials. Set appropriate expectations from the start with clear explanations in your welcome packet.

Have you been spinning your wheels with marketing, doing all the things you're supposed to do…but feeling like you're getting nowhere? You're showing up on social media, going to networking events, having coffee chats, but your client list isn't budging. Most of us think the solution is to do more—add another platform, attend more events, schedule more meetings.

What if that's actually making things worse?

There's this pattern that happens with so many financial coaches. They start with Instagram, post for a couple months without much to show for it, then decide they need LinkedIn too.

Maybe YouTube. Before they know it, they're spread so thin that nothing works well. Their content gets watered down, their message gets muddy, and they're exhausted without the clients they want.

The same thing happens with networking. A few events don't lead to clients, so the response is to book more coffee chats and attend more events. But here's the thing (and you probably already know this): quantity rarely solves a quality problem. If your Instagram posts aren't connecting with the right people, making more of them won't fix that. If your networking conversations aren't turning into business, having more of the same conversations probably won't change much either.

We get caught up in mistaking activity for progress. We feel busy, we're checking boxes, but we're not actually moving anything forward in our business.

There's a different way to think about this. Instead of asking, “what else should I be doing,” what if you asked, “how can I make what I'm already doing more effective?” That shift changes everything.

This episode breaks down how to stop the marketing hamster wheel and start seeing real results without burning yourself out. We'll talk about why doing fewer things better often leads to more growth than trying to be everywhere at once, and how to create what I call a learning loop that actually moves your business forward.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Quantity rarely solves a quality problem. If your Instagram posts aren't resonating, making more won't fix the disconnect with your ideal clients.
Stop asking “what else should I be doing” and start asking “how can I make what I'm already doing more effective.” This one question shift changes your entire marketing approach.
You're mistaking activity for progress when you feel busy checking marketing boxes but your client roster isn't growing.
True scaling often means doing fewer things better. The most successful coaches aren't doing more marketing activities than you, they're being more intentional with what they choose.
Sometimes the best way to help a plant thrive isn't to plant more seeds, but to prune what's already growing. Your marketing needs refinement, not expansion.
A simple shift from “DM me if you have questions” to “DM me with the word ‘budget’ to receive my free guide” can make all the difference in your conversion rates.
Create a learning loop: action, evaluation, refinement, then action again. Real growth happens when you get better at the fundamentals, not when you constantly try new things.

What does it really mean to be a financial coach in integrity with what we do? This week on the podcast, we’re tackling this head-on, talking about the realities behind what's often seen but seldom spoken about. It’s the challenges behind coaches coaching coaches (say that three times fast!) and staying in integrity with how we market ourselves and being open and transparent with clients.

In this episode, you’ll hear some real-life examples of the vulnerable (and the ick) when it comes to coaches coaching coaches and I hope you hear my invitation to really think about your own role as a financial coach. How do you balance ambition with honesty? How do you navigate the complexities of scaling a business while staying true to your mission? These are just a few of the ideas you’ll hear, as well as my own answers to these questions.

So, if you're curious about what it really takes to uphold integrity in financial coaching, if you're looking to find a balance between your financial acumen and your coaching spirit, or if you're simply seeking a heart-centered approach to this profession, this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover insights that could redefine your approach to financial coaching. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, but never step outside your integrity zone - the distinction between growth and compromise matters more than you think.
The coaches coaching coaches industry often becomes a pyramid where the only six-figure business they've built is teaching others to build the business they never actually built themselves.
Ask this critical question before hiring any business coach: Have they succeeded at the actual thing they're teaching, or only at teaching it?
Over-promising is the supplement industry of coaching - claiming your program cures everything while delivering results you can't control.
Two sides make financial coaches powerful: the dreamer who believes in potential and the realist who sees the hard work required.
The life coaching pyramid targets you as the easier sale - coaches buy faster than real clients because hope sells better than results.
Truth in marketing means being honest about what you haven't achieved, not just highlighting what you have - transparency builds more trust than hype ever will.

Ever tried to talk a client out of a risky decision? Found yourself pushing harder when they won't listen to your advice? If you've ever felt your stomach drop when a client chose the path you knew was wrong, this episode is for you.

Here's the uncomfortable truth: when we try to control our clients' choices, it's usually not about them. It's about us. Our insecurity that their mistakes will reflect badly on our coaching. Our arrogance in thinking we can predict the future and know what's best for everyone.

But here's what I learned after years of doing this: trying to shelter clients from consequences actually slows down their growth. The very skills they came to us for - making intentional, informed decisions and learning to pivot when things go sideways - only develop when they experience real world outcomes, both good and bad.

In this episode, I share the mindset shift that changed everything for me. My job isn't to be right or protect clients from ever feeling regret. It's to help them become more resourceful and confident in their ability to respond when life throws them a curve ball.

You'll hear the exact approach I use when clients insist on strategies I think are risky. How to create extreme clarity by mapping out best case, worst case, and most likely scenarios. The questions that illuminate financial, emotional, and logistical impacts without fear mongering. And how to help clients build contingency plans that make risky moves safer.

This isn't about becoming a yes-person who just smiles and nods. It's about the difference between coaching and controlling. Between building resilient clients and making their success about your ego.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Your need to control client decisions isn't about protecting them - it's about protecting your ego from their potential mistakes.
Real progress happens when clients learn to make intentional decisions and pivot when needed, not when they follow your blueprint perfectly.
Stop robbing clients of consequences because that's exactly what they need to build the skills they came to you for.
When a client wants to take a risky path: Map out best case, worst case, and most likely scenarios - then let them choose with eyes wide open.
Ask yourself: Am I making their success about my comfort or their growth?
The goal isn't for clients to make the same decision you would - it's for them to make clear, confident decisions they can handle.
Ethical coaching means walking beside clients with your eyes open and theirs, not telling them which direction to go.

Have you ever met someone in person after following their content and thought, “Wow, they're exactly who I thought they'd be”? That's the power of authenticity, and it's what your clients are looking for too.

Today we're talking about something I see happening a lot in our profession—coaches trying to sound like someone else instead of developing their own voice. I'll share why this matters more than you think, where the line is between inspiration and copying, and how to create content that sounds like you.

I’ll also share something else I’ve been ruminating on for the last year or so: We've somehow lost the art of giving credit where it's due. There used to be blog circles where content creators would openly build on each other's ideas, linking back and adding their own perspectives. But somewhere along the way, we stopped doing this.

Here's what I know for sure: Your clients don't expect you to generate every idea in isolation. They want to work with someone real; someone who speaks their truth, shares their experiences, and isn't afraid to acknowledge where their inspiration comes from.

I'll walk you through practical ways to develop your authentic voice, including how to start with real conversations instead of other people's content, and why your vulnerability creates connection in ways that polished, generic content never will.

Plus, I'll share why I took a three-month content consumption break and how it helped me find my voice again. Sometimes the most distinctive coaches consume less content from their direct competitors and find inspiration elsewhere entirely.

This conversation will help you show up as yourself in your business, which truly is your greatest asset as a coach.
Listen in to discover how authenticity isn't just about integrity; it's about building a sustainable business that attracts the right clients and creates meaningful transformations.

Links & Resources:

Financial Coach Academy
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Your clients hire you for your perspective, not your ability to sound like someone else. They can sense when something feels off even if they can't put their finger on it.
Start with conversations you've actually had with clients or friends instead of starting with other people's content; real questions create real connections.
Giving credit doesn't diminish your authority—it actually shows you're engaged with your field and humble enough to acknowledge others.
The most distinctive coaches often consume less content from their direct competitors and find inspiration from psychology, behavioral economics, or leadership development instead.
If you have to ask yourself “would I be comfortable if someone changed my content this way?” then the simplest solution is to give credit.
Your vulnerability creates connection in ways that polished, generic content never will; share your money mistakes, lessons, and turning points.
Content creation becomes easier and more enjoyable when you're drawing from your own well of experience rather than trying to maintain someone else's voice.

I used to lose sleep before coaching sessions where I knew I had to deliver tough news. If I saw someone's finances and they were way over budget every month, I felt like, oh my gosh, I'm going to have to be the messenger of terrible news. What are they going to think? How are they going to react?

Today we're talking about those conversations that make your stomach tighten—the ones many coaches want to avoid because they think their client will be unhappy or uncomfortable. But when we avoid these conversations, problems compound, resentment builds, and most importantly, we fail to serve our clients with the honesty they deserve.

We'll cover the specific language that transforms these dreaded moments into opportunities for deeper connection. Instead of saying “at this rate, it will take you 13 years to pay off your debt,” you'll learn how a simple reframe can shift everything. Plus, I'll share how asking clients to rate their financial health on a scale of one to ten changed my entire approach to difficult conversations.

Whether it's discussing negative cash flow, addressing spending habits that don't align with goals, or talking about business finances that aren't working, you'll get concrete phrases and questions that create openness instead of defensiveness. We'll also talk about what happens when clients get emotional (because money is emotional) and how to handle those vulnerable moments in ways that deepen trust rather than damage it.

If you've ever felt uncomfortable having to tell a client something they don't want to hear, this episode gives you the tools to approach these conversations with confidence. Because the truth is, delivering tough news with care is one of the most valuable services we provide as financial coaches.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 27: The Stages of Learning for Financial Coaches

Key Takeaways:

Preparation beats panic: Practice what you'll say before tough conversations, because delivering bad news with care is one of the most valuable services you provide as a coach.
Questions starting with “why” create defensiveness, but “what” and “how” create openness. Choose your question words carefully to unlock client insights.
“You should have” focuses on a past that can't be changed, while “Let's explore what's working” builds on strengths that already exist.
Emotional moments aren't interruptions to coaching. They're opportunities to create profound trust by staying present without trying to fix or change the feelings.
Ask clients to rate their financial health 1-10 before delivering tough news; often they already know something's wrong and just don't want to face it alone.
Every problematic financial habit began as an attempt to meet a legitimate need. Acknowledge this and clients feel seen rather than judged.
Your comfort with client emotions directly impacts your effectiveness as a coach; when you can hold space for tears without rushing to solutions, real transformation begins.

Many coaches think they need to be everywhere on social media, posting constantly and hoping their ideal clients will find them. But there's a problem with putting all your eggs in the social media basket: social media in 2025 is not the same social media from 10 years ago. And that means that growing a business on social media is leaving too much to chance.

This week, we're talking about why email marketing matters more than ever for financial coaches (and, honestly, any business). You'll hear why your social media following isn't really yours and how one of the contractors in my business lost her entire Facebook account overnight. We'll also cover the six strategies that actually work for growing your email list, including the one approach that we often see coaches completely overlook.

If you've been wondering how to get people to actually sign up for your list, or why your current strategy isn't working, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know. From creating lead magnets that people actually want to understanding the psychology of what makes someone open your emails week after week.

Plus, I'll share the biggest mistake coaches make with their email lists and the simple fix that can change everything. Whether you're just starting to build your list or looking to breathe new life into an existing one, you'll walk away with practical steps you can implement right away.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 93: Client Conversations with Nora Sudduth
Episode 94: Build Trust to Attract Financial Coaching Clients

Key Takeaways:

Your social media following is rented space, but your email list is property you actually own—and no algorithm change can take it away from you.
Nobody wants another newsletter in their overflowing inbox. They want solutions to their problems, so lead with value, not volume.
Email marketing delivers $35 for every $1 spent, while social media posts disappear into the void. That's why email is the foundation of a sustainable coaching business.
The best lead magnet creates an immediate win: don't give them 17 steps to transformation, give them one thing they can implement today and see results.
Stop asking, “Will you join my newsletter?” and start saying, “I have a resource that helps with exactly what you just mentioned. Can I send it to you?”
Financial coaching requires nuance and depth that a social post can't deliver, but an email creates the private space people need to engage with sensitive money topics.
The most important email strategy isn't how often you send or what day you choose; it's consistency and value in every single message that hits their inbox.

Starting a new career can be a challenge. In many instances, we have the opportunity to learn from a mentor or manager who can guide us in the right direction. And while I serve as a mentor for financial coaches, few have actually experienced or witnessed a financial coaching session.

So I was thrilled when a member of our online community agreed to allow me to record a coaching session as I coached her around a financial decision she was trying to make. See, she had asked for input from our online community but received so many different responses she was actually further from a decision than before.

I hope you’ll tune in to this bonus episode and hear how we walk through Lydia’s decision. I share a bit of what pre-work I did before the session and why I approached the session like I did.

Please pardon the audio quality; this is the first of what I hope to be a number of examples of what a coaching session looks like in real time.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

The clarity required to make a confident financial decision comes not from avoiding the worst-case scenario, but from being fully prepared for it.
When facing a major financial choice, ask yourself: Am I making this decision from a place of fear or from a place of purpose-driven growth?
True financial courage isn't eliminating all risk—it's understanding exactly what you're risking and deciding it's worth the potential gain.
Your relationship with money reveals itself most clearly when you articulate what you believe you'll gain from spending it.
Indecision is exhausting; a clear “no” is often more empowering than a perpetual “maybe.”
Financial coaching isn't about telling someone what's mathematically optimal; it's about guiding them to clarity through their own values and circumstances.
The next time you're stuck in financial uncertainty, remember: The decision isn't the point. The process is the point.

Financial coach and bookkeeper Amber Joy Pietrangelo never planned on having her own business after business classes in college completely turned her off from entrepreneurship.

But now, Amber has created a unique coaching approach where bookkeeping and financial guidance blend seamlessly. In her own business.

After struggling through multiple career and business shifts, Amber discovered her “magic sauce,” getting financial data organized and then helping clients truly understand what the numbers mean for their future decisions. What started as a search for purpose after personal struggles has evolved into her own authentic business model.

Working as a CFO for a nonprofit while maintaining her coaching practice, Amber shares in this week’s episode how she finally stopped trying to do business “the right way” and instead trusted her intuition. She says she’s surrendered and allowed things to be what they are, contrasting her current confidence with her early days of trying to copy other successful coaches.

For new financial coaches, Amber offers this wisdom: “Really listen to your own intuition and give yourself permission to follow it.” She believes businesses achieve longevity precisely because they embrace change rather than rigidly sticking to predetermined formulas.

Listen in to hear how finding your own path, even when it's messy, leads to both personal fulfillment and a thriving practice that genuinely serves others.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Amber's Website

Key Takeaways:

Embrace your unique combination of skills rather than forcing yourself into a single professional identity.
Trust your gut when building your business; the sooner you listen to your intuition instead of following others' formulas, the faster you'll find your authentic path.
Connection beats promotion. One-on-one relationships and referrals create more stability than aggressive marketing tactics that don't align with your natural style.
Your business model should make you feel good; if juggling multiple roles drains you, it's unsustainable, regardless of what the numbers say.
Is your approach working? Ask yourself “How does this feel?” instead of just “Is this profitable?” to build a business that energizes rather than exhausts you.
Businesses achieve longevity through embracing change, not by rigidly following initial plans when they no longer serve you.
The magic isn't in getting the numbers right—it's translating those numbers into meaningful insights that help clients make better decisions.

About Amy Joy Pietrangelo

Amber Joy Pietrangelo is a financial coach and bookkeeper who lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. After joining the Financial Coach Academy® in 2019 while searching for more purpose in her life, Amber has built a unique coaching practice that combines her accounting background with intuitive coaching. She currently works as a CFO for a local nonprofit while supporting women with service-based businesses through her coaching and bookkeeping services. In this interview, she shares insights about her business model, her journey of finding her authentic coaching style, and advice for new coaches.

Are you wrapping up clients’ final sessions with an awkward “goodbye and good luck”? You might be missing the biggest opportunity in your coaching business.

We continue our series on delighting clients this week by focusing on what happens after their formal program ends. Financial wellness isn't a destination—it's a lifelong journey with new challenges at every stage. By maintaining meaningful relationships with past clients, you create both ongoing value for them and sustainable growth for your practice.

Think about it: your past clients already know your value. They've experienced the transformation you provide firsthand. When you create intentional ways to stay connected, these relationships become the foundation of a thriving, sustainable business where you're not constantly chasing new leads.

In this episode, we break down the three essential components of a great off-boarding process: the celebration session that highlights client progress, documenting their journey as a touchstone they can return to, and providing a success toolkit that equips them for continued growth on their own.

We also explore two proven models for ongoing support. The periodic coaching program offers flexible check-ins that evolve as clients progress—starting monthly, then quarterly, and eventually semi-annual—focusing on strategic planning rather than budgeting basics. For some practices, a community membership program creates connections between clients on similar journeys.

Beyond these formal touch points, we share practical ways to stay meaningfully connected through your connection calendar and regular communication that feels personal, not promotional.

The most powerful outcome of these strategies? A natural referral culture where clients enthusiastically share their experience with others.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Get your Client Journey Roadmap

Key Takeaways:

The celebration session transforms a final meeting into a powerful launch pad for clients' independent success by highlighting their growth journey and newfound skills.
Document your clients' progress throughout the coaching relationship—it becomes their touchstone during future financial challenges when you're not there.
Periodic coaching evolves with your clients' needs: monthly → quarterly → semi-annual, focusing less on budgeting mechanics and more on being their strategic thinking partner.
Your clients don't stop needing guidance after their program. Rather, they need different guidance as new life stages bring fresh financial challenges they've never navigated before.
To increase your referral rate, stop asking for referrals and start creating client experiences so transformative they naturally want to share you with others.
The most meaningful client communications aren't about your business news. They address the specific financial concerns of people already managing money well.
Financial stability in your coaching business starts with client relationship stability; when past clients become your marketing department, algorithm changes can't touch your growth.

Are you caught checking client emails on family movie night or waking up at 3 a.m. worried you forgot to send that follow-up? Your love for financial coaching might be getting buried under a mountain of admin tasks.

As coaches, we're drawn to this work because we want to help people transform their relationship with money. But the reality is that running a business involves so much more than just coaching sessions. There's follow-ups, reminders, contracts, payments, forms, and dozens of other little tasks that can quickly overwhelm you.

The good news? You don't need to figure this all out on day one. When you're just starting out, keeping things simple is actually better. Don't let tech distract you from what will truly move the needle in your business: talking with people, marketing, and focusing on getting results for your clients.

But as your coaching practice grows, you'll start to notice the warning signs that it's time to level up your systems. Maybe you feel anxious that you're forgetting important client details. Perhaps you've caught yourself missing emails or deadlines because the small tasks are falling through the cracks. Or you might find yourself constantly pulled away from family time because you suddenly remembered something urgent you forgot to do for a client.

In this week’s episode, I walk through the essential tech tools that can transform how your business runs, when exactly to add each one, and how much they really cost. I'll also share why I don't recommend the all-in-one options that initially seem so appealing (and why I'm grateful they weren't available when I started).

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Start with just a scheduling software. Everything else can wait until you actually need it, so you can focus on what moves the needle: talking to people and getting results.
Feeling anxious about forgetting client details? That's not just stress—it's your business telling you it's time for better systems.
Don't put all your tech eggs in one basket; separate tools that communicate with each other provide better service and less risk than all-in-one platforms.
Your business deserves proper tools—$47-67 monthly for professional systems is a small price to pay for hours saved and stress avoided.
Systems are about organization creating the mental space to actually enjoy coaching again instead of drowning in admin tasks.
When family time gets interrupted because you suddenly remembered a client task, it's not a work ethic problem; it's a systems problem.
The right tech tools don't just make your life easier, they will transform your client experience from “she seems disorganized” to “wow, she's incredibly professional.”

I don't think I need to tell you about the chaos social media has experienced lately. Meta goes down from time to time. Instagram suddenly changed square feeds to vertical graphics with no warning. TikTok's future remains uncertain.

It’s too much to keep up with, and even if you understand the “rules,” they’re bound to change in the coming months. While there’s still value in social media, we can’t really rely on it.

In this episode, I'm sharing why email marketing needs to be the absolute foundation of your financial coaching business—not social media. While social media platforms constantly shift and change, email marketing remains rock solid, giving you direct relationships with your audience that you actually own and control.

I've watched coaches pour endless hours into building their social media following, using all the right hashtags and following trends, but struggle to convert followers into paying clients. Email marketing changes that equation completely. When someone checks their email, they're in a completely different mindset than when scrolling social media—more focused and intentional with their time.

Ready to build your email marketing foundation? Listen in for two practical approaches you can start using today, plus a third option to work toward as your business grows.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Building your business on social media? You're renting property on shaky ground where the landlord changes rules without notice.
Your email list is the only marketing asset you truly own—take control of your business future by starting to build it today.
When was the last time someone replied to your social post? One email brought me 78 replies from engaged potential clients.
Financial decisions require privacy—email creates the safe space your audience needs to engage with sensitive money topics.
Want to welcome new subscribers properly? Create a simple 3-email sequence that delivers value, shares your approach, and offers a quick win.
Email marketing creates consistency. Replace feast-or-famine client acquisition with steady relationship building that keeps you top of mind.
Start where you are: begin with regular emails OR a welcome sequence, then work toward the hybrid approach as your confidence grows.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s not enough time to get everything done in your financial coaching business, you’re not alone. Starting a business is tough, especially when you're trying to do it on the side of a 9-to-5.

This week on the podcast, we're sharing some golden nuggets on how to efficiently split your time between the essential tasks: working ON your business, snagging those crucial clients, delivering knockout coaching sessions, and keeping your own learning game strong. Plus, we've got a killer time allocation strategy that’s perfect for anyone in the early stages of their coaching journey.

We're challenging the notion that more hours equals better results. With our practical tips, you can make those precious hours count, focusing on what truly moves the needle in your business.

From the must-do client attraction activities to avoiding the common pitfalls that trap new coaches, we're laying it all out there. And because we know how overwhelming it can be, we’re also sharing a list of key podcast episodes that are game-changers for upping your client game (you can check out the links to those below!).

Links & Resources:

Episode 49: The Power of a Financial Coaching Program
Specialty Toolkit: A 90-Day Financial Coaching Program
Ultimate Growth Guide
Episode 9: How Do I Get Clients as a Financial Coach?
Episode 25: Building Trust in Financial Coaching with the Trust Triad
Episode 28: Why Aren’t You Getting More Clients?
Episode 34: How to Talk About What You Do as a Financial Coach
Episode 43: How to Get More Coaching Clients from Social Media
Episode 44: Identify & Craft Your Why for Financial Coaches
Episode 52: Real Talk on Social Media for Financial Coaches
Episode 53: How to Get More Referrals from Your BNI Membership
Episode 56: How to Use YouTube as a Marketing Strategy

"Not a single person on their deathbed says, 'I really wanted to get to a net worth of $1.5 million and I only got to 1 million, and I'm so upset.'" Dr. Jordan Grumet, author of "The Purpose Code," challenges us to rethink what truly matters when it comes to money and purpose.

Jordan found his path to medicine after losing his father unexpectedly, and this personal experience gave him a unique perspective that now shapes how he helps others think about wealth, purpose, and what truly matters.

This week on the podcast, Jordan, a hospice doctor, shares what people actually regret at the end of their lives (hint: it's never about not having enough money). Instead, they wish they had found the courage to pursue experiences and activities that lit them up.

We explore the difference between "big P purpose" (those anxiety-inducing, goal-oriented dreams) and "little p purpose" (the everyday activities that bring us joy and fulfillment). Jordan explains why focusing on the process rather than the outcome often leads to more satisfaction.

For financial coaches, this conversation offers a great perspective on how to help clients balance their pursuit of financial goals with living purposefully today. Jordan challenges the idea that spending money must always have a direct financial ROI and suggests instead that "happy money comes in, and then it behooves you to put happy money back out there."

Whether you're a financial coach looking to better serve your clients or someone searching for more meaning in your own life, this conversation will help you rethink your approach to purpose and wealth.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
The Purpose Code by Dr. Jordan Grumet
Visit Dr. Jordan Grumet’s website
Listen to Earn and Invest
Happy Money by Ken Honda

Key Takeaways:

Purpose isn't something you find after achieving financial goals—it's what you create through small, everyday activities that light you up.
Check your calendar: Are most entries activities you loathe or activities that energize you? Your answer reveals how purposeful your life truly is.
Money isn't the goal; it's simply a tool to help you spend more time doing things that matter and less time doing things you hate.
No one on their deathbed regrets not reaching a higher net worth—they regret not having the courage to pursue experiences that mattered to them.
When clients say "I want financial freedom," ask "why?" repeatedly until you uncover the real purpose they're seeking beneath the numbers.
The achievement treadmill keeps you chasing bigger goals while never feeling "enough"—step off by finding joy in the process rather than fixating on outcomes.
Little purpose creates big happiness when it connects you with others—the strongest predictor of a fulfilled life isn't wealth but meaningful relationships.

You know that sneaky trap called the “excellence zone”? It’s those tasks you're pretty good at, maybe even enjoy a little? For me, it was organizing client financials into spreadsheets and setting up systems. The trap is that because you're good at it, it's easy to keep doing it yourself. Even when it’s time to let it go.

But every minute you spend there is a minute you're not spending in your true zone of genius. That’s the sweet spot where you’re making the impact you wanted to make when you first went into business.

This week, I'm sharing what happens in these two zones after you hire your first team member. And it might not be what you think. I learned the hard way that trying to train my first hire while maintaining my full client load was like trying to build a house while also running a marathon. Something's got to give.

I'll walk you through our practical seven-step training process that takes more time up front but means you're catching fewer errors on the back end and putting out a lot fewer fires later. You'll learn why blocking off 20% of your client hours during training is actually an investment in an amazing new team member, not a loss of time or revenue.

Some of our biggest leaps forward at Fiscal Fitness, my own coaching practice, happened after I learned to let go and trust my team. Now imagine if all your time was spent just coaching clients. How would that feel? That is possible for you, and I'll show you how to get there step by step.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Hiring your first support person might actually be harder than launching your business because you're learning a completely new skill set while still running everything.
Your “excellence zone” is a sneaky trap. Those tasks you're good at keep you from your true zone of genius where your business actually grows.
Create a “rainy day project” for your new hire. They need productive work when waiting for your input, not just idle time.
Before bringing someone on, set up a growth fund. Small savings now will cushion the temporary revenue dip later.
Scheduled check-ins work better than constant availability. Try 9 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m. meetings instead of answering questions all day.
Let them teach it back to you. When they demonstrate what they've learned, you'll see what they've truly absorbed.
Trust unlocks growth. Some of your biggest business leaps will happen only after you learn to let go and truly trust your team.

You've got a client who's ready to work with you—they've paid for their first session and now you're feeling those pre-session nerves. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we talk about what's really going on in your client's mind when they show up for that first paid session (hint: they're probably more nervous than you are). I share the exact structure I use to make sure every client leaves their first session feeling heard, hopeful, and clear on their next steps.

From creating a warm welcome that puts your clients at ease, to helping them see their full financial picture (often for the first time), we cover how to make your first paid sessions truly valuable for your clients. I share my biggest mistakes and what I learned from them, so you can skip the trial and error phase I went through.

Plus, I walk through our follow-up system that keeps clients engaged and taking action even after the session ends. Whether you're new to paid sessions or looking to make your current process even better, this episode will help you create an experience that has your clients saying “they get me” and ready to take the next step in their journey.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 91

Key Takeaways:

Want your clients to open up about money? Start by acknowledging their courage - it takes guts to share your finances with a stranger and pay them for help.
Trying to solve every financial problem in one session isn't generous, it's overwhelming. Pick their most exciting goal and solve it completely.
Your clients can sense when you're in your head worrying about delivering value. Their emotional rollercoaster is 10 times bigger than yours.
Numbers tell a story, but you need to narrate it out loud. Walk clients through your thinking process so they can see how you got to the solution.
The magic isn't in telling clients to spend less, it's in finding their big goal that makes them excited enough to actually change their habits.
When a client shares multiple money goals, celebrate internally. They're showing you they have a genuine need for ongoing coaching, so don’t try to tackle all those goals at once.
Your follow-up system is a safety net that catches clients before they fall off track. Make it systematic but personal, like checking in when reality and procrastination typically hit.

If you've ever stared at your computer screen wondering how to create a website that actually works for your coaching business (without spending a fortune or getting lost in the technical details), this episode is for you.

Ginnie Rowe from DGR Communications shares her years of digital marketing wisdom to help you tackle your website with confidence. Whether you're just starting out and need a simple way to establish your online presence, or you're ready to take your existing website to the next level, Ginnie breaks down exactly what you need to know – and what you can safely ignore for now.

We explore questions like: Do you really need a blog right away? (Spoiler: probably not.) How much should you spend on your first domain name? And what happens if you start with a basic website builder but want to switch platforms later?

Ginnie also shares her practical insights on choosing colors and creating content that actually connects with your ideal clients. If you've been wondering whether that black and neon green financial website is really the best choice... well, you'll want to hear her thoughts on that.

Want to learn more? Ginnie is offering special resources for podcast listeners, including website tips for coaches just getting started and a website maintenance package for those ready to stop worrying about the technical stuff behind the scenes. Find all the details at DGR communications.com/website-tips or in our show notes.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Tips for your starter website
Get Ginnie’s website maintenance special

About Ginnie Rowe
Born in Virginia and raised in Argentina before moving to the UK at 18, Ginnie brings decades of marketing experience across three continents. After working in marketing agencies for 12 years, including as Client Services Account Director for Carlson Marketing in England, she and her husband David moved to Arizona in 2006 and founded DGR Communications.

Ginnie's strength lies in digital strategy and helping businesses achieve clarity in their brand messaging. Her approach focuses on creating websites and marketing strategies that authentically reflect both the business owner's personality and their client's needs. When not elevating her clients' online presence, she enjoys yoga, hiking with her German Shepherd, traveling the world, and enjoying Arizona evenings with a good book and glass of wine.

Key Takeaways:

Start with the basics and secure your domain name first. This is your digital real estate that costs just $10-20 per year but establishes your professional identity.
Your website gives you credibility. Even a simple one-page site proves you exist when someone checks after getting a referral.
Don't overthink your starter website; begin with just home, about, and contact pages rather than getting stuck in perfectionism.
Skip the blog when starting out—an outdated blog signals neglect, while no blog at all goes unnoticed.
Ensure your website reflects who you actually are; a disconnect between your bubbly personality and a sterile website confuses potential clients.
Your website is a breathing, living tool—neglecting it for months is like abandoning your 24/7 marketing representative.
Drive traffic back to your website from newsletters and other channels—more traffic means higher search engine rankings and greater visibility.

Want to know how you can make money as a financial coach? Get excited – in today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, we’re going to dive deep and discuss all the creative ways you can increase your revenue (from recurring/subscription options to 1:1 work).

I’m so excited to welcome fellow financial coach, Jean Chatzky who is joining us today for this conversation. Jean is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, her latest book is Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve.

When people hear the words “financial coach” often, they think of someone who is right there with you, coaching you through – and that’s absolutely true, but there’s so much more that you can offer as a certified financial coach.

Yes, you can absolutely work individually with your clients, but you can also offer a wide variety of programming that allows your current and future clients to engage with you in many different ways.

From masterminds to digital downloads to courses…the options are endless.

Key Takeaways:

The moment you stop talking and truly listen is when clients have their biggest financial breakthroughs.
Technical expertise gets you hired, but empathy makes you irreplaceable in a client's financial journey.
Your most distinctive background experiences aren't distractions from coaching; they're your unique selling proposition for connecting with specific audiences.
The best coaches know when to set aside their knowledge and simply hold space for a client's financial emotions to surface.
Financial stress costs companies more in lost productivity than paying for financial wellness programs ever could.
Nobody was born knowing how to manage money, and great coaches build trust by acknowledging this truth without judgment.
Lasting behavior change requires a triple threat: individual guidance, group accountability, and self-directed learning opportunities.

When I sat down to plan this 100th episode, I knew I wanted to do something special—something that came straight from you, our community. So we asked what you really wanted to know about building a financial coaching business, and wow, did you deliver!

From questions about leaving a stable job to start coaching (and when that's the right move), to figuring out how to get more discovery calls booked, to managing a successful business solo, we're tackling the real stuff that keeps you up at night.

On this special 100th episode, I'm sharing what I learned from my own journey, including some “I wish someone had told me this” moments about growing a coaching practice. You'll hear practical advice about things like how much runway you might want before leaving your day job, what marketing actually works (hint: it's probably not what you think), and even which paid software made the biggest difference in my business.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing practice, this episode gets into the thick of what it really takes to build a coaching business that fits your life. No fluff, no fancy strategies—just real talk about what works, what doesn't, and how to figure out which path is right for you.

Thank you so much for being a part of this adventure with me!

Links & Resources:

Join the Facebook group
Why to start with one-to-one coaching
Understanding advanced goal setting with long-term clients
The Ultimate Growth Guide Series
Learning different business models through trial and error
Client acquisition and marketing discussion with Nora
Strategic partnerships and leveraging existing audiences
Time management and wearing different business "hats"
Acuity scheduling

Key Takeaways:

Starting your coaching business while you have a day job gives you the freedom to be selective with clients. Your steady income is an asset, not a barrier.
Real relationships beat passive marketing. Walk straight into the rooms where your ideal clients already gather.
Great coaches tell the same stories repeatedly because different people need to hear them at different times.
The secret to solopreneur success? Pick two marketing channels and master them instead of spreading yourself thin.
Long-term clients stay because you're their thinking partner, not their information source.
Turn cold leads into warm conversations by partnering with professionals who already have your ideal clients’ trust.
Before you scale, ask yourself: What matters more…maximum revenue or maximum impact? Let that guide your growth.

When a potential client reaches out to you about financial coaching, they're often feeling worried and doubtful. They might even be telling themselves they're “too far gone” for help. That's exactly why those first interactions matter so much.

In this episode, we're talking about how to handle those early conversations with confidence (even if you're feeling nervous on the inside). You'll hear about practical, affordable tools that help you look professional from day one, and why making actual phone calls—yes, real phone calls!—can be a game-changer for connecting with potential clients.

For newer coaches who worry about being too pushy, we're sharing a simple three-touch system that takes the guesswork out of following up. You'll learn why timing these follow-ups every two weeks (hint: it has everything to do with when people get paid) can make a huge difference in converting interested people into clients.

I'm also sharing the exact welcome sequence we use at Fiscal Fitness, my own financial coaching practice, to help new clients feel supported and excited about their decision to work with us. These are the same strategies I used when I was just starting out, before I had a team to help me.

Remember what I always say—consistency beats complexity every time. You don't need to implement everything at once. Start with one thing, master it, then add another. That's how you build a coaching practice that truly serves your clients while feeling manageable for you.

This is the first part of our special series on delighting your clients, and you won't want to miss what's coming next.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Client Journey Roadmap
Episode 97: Working On Your Business vs Working In it

Key Takeaways:

A confused buyer doesn't buy, so keep your initial communications clear and simple, without overwhelming them with details.
Looking professional doesn't have to be expensive—$16 a month covers both a business email and phone line to start looking established.
When clients ghost you, remember this: they're most likely to respond two weeks after your last contact, right when their paycheck is running low.
Your quick audit call isn't for coaching. It's a 15-20 minute conversation to see if you're the right fit for each other.
Those early “I messed that up” moments on client calls? They're not failures—they're your path to becoming a better coach.
The best time to ease buyer's remorse is right after they say yes—a simple welcome call can transform doubt into excitement.
Your client's belief in what's possible with money starts by borrowing yours. Share your excitement about their future progress every chance you get.

Have you ever gotten up one morning, opened your door, and found someone ready to tow your car away? That's exactly what happened to Billy Hofacker, and it led him to discover he was $130,000 in debt. Now, years later, he's a financial coach helping fitness professionals avoid the same money struggles he faced himself.

As both a gym owner and financial coach, Billy brings a unique perspective to this conversation. You'll hear how he built two successful gyms while getting out of debt, and why he now helps other fitness professionals handle their money better.

Billy shares his approach of “building the plane while flying it”—taking action before everything is perfectly planned, just like he used to tell his fitness clients to “just put the darn sneakers on and get outside.”

From starting his podcast in his basement during COVID (which he insists sounds better than saying “first floor”) to now running successful coaching programs, Billy opens up about the messy but rewarding journey of growing a coaching business. He talks honestly about both the wins and the setbacks, including a recent situation where someone signed up for his mastermind and then changed their mind - and why that doesn't slow him down.

Listen in to hear how Billy’s own financial turnaround led him to discover what he was meant to do, and why being a “money nerd” who understands the fitness industry helps him serve his clients in a unique way.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Your Fitness Money Coach
The E-Myth Revisited
Fitness Profits
Total Body Bootcamp

Key Takeaways:

A car repossession became the credibility cornerstone: Your biggest setbacks can transform into your greatest teaching tools.
Small actions create business momentum, so treat building your practice like starting a workout routine: just put on the sneakers and begin.
Your previous career isn't baggage. It's your superpower when you find the right audience to serve.
Perfect planning keeps you stuck. Moving forward with thoughtful action teaches you what you could never learn from preparation alone.
Scale your investments as you grow: Begin by doing everything yourself, then let proof of concept guide your decisions to outsource.
Marketing magic lives in genuine connections. A thoughtful holiday card can outperform the most polished sales pitch.
Authenticity attracts ideal clients. Let them see your real life because they're living in their real lives too.

About Billy Hofacker

Billy Hofacker is a Financial Coach who specializes in helping fitness professionals and business owners improve cash flow, reduce financial stress, and achieve long-term success. With over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and the owner of Total Body Boot Camp in Long Island, NY, Billy uniquely understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.

After navigating his own financial turnaround, Billy has become passionate about empowering others to take control of their finances. He is the author of Fitness Profits and the host of Your Fitness Money Coach Podcast, a leading resource for financial education tailored to fitness professionals.

Billy is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and a sought-after speaker who has presented for respected organizations like Perform Better and the Functional Aging Institute.

The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It

Fitness Profits: A Simple Plan for Achieving Financial Freedom

If you've been feeling overwhelmed in your financial coaching business lately, you're probably spending all your time serving clients, creating content, and answering emails. While these tasks matter, they're only part of the story. This week, we talk about why setting aside time to work ON your business (not just IN it) makes everything else feel easier. Despite the perception that you “don’t have time” to do anything other than take client calls.

Think of your business like a garden: you can spend all day watering plants and pulling weeds, but without a good design and irrigation system, you'll always be playing catch-up. On this week’s episode, we share practical ways to create space for strategic work, even if you only have five hours a week for your business right now. Plus, we talk about why having the right support network changes everything, both for building your business and helping your clients succeed.

You'll hear about specific times when doing less actually leads to better results, and why trying to be “kind of okay” at a dozen different things might be holding you back. Whether you're just starting out or feeling stuck in your current business, this episode will help you see where small changes in how you spend your time can make a real difference.

Want to start working on your business instead of just in it? Listen to learn how shifting just 20% of your work time to strategic planning could change everything about how your business feels and grows.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Block off 20% of your work time for strategic planning because one hour of intentional business work creates more impact than five hours of reactive tasks.
Schedule your most challenging business decisions when your energy peaks. A clear mind at 7 a.m. beats a tired brain at 8 p.m. every time.
Your business systems should feel automatic but not robotic. Build processes that make your work smoother while keeping the human connection clients crave.
Get really good at 2-3 things instead of being okay at a dozen things. Excellence in a few areas brings better results than mediocrity in many.
Treat your business metrics like you treat a budget. The numbers tell you whether your time and energy investments are paying off.
Use a dedicated notebook for your strategic work. When you look back, you'll see how yesterday's planning became today's foundation.
Your client journey needs the right balance. Create systems flexible enough to personalize but structured enough to scale.

Social media can feel overwhelming, frustrating, inspiring, and like a time-suck…all at the same time. As business owners, we need to come to terms with it and find out how it fits into our own lives and businesses. Instead of letting it rule us.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing more about the often-misunderstood world of social media from my own perspective. You’ll hear some real-life hits (and misses!) about how social media has impacted the way I do business.

This episode is not just stories; it’s a journey to uncovering the true impact of social media in our field. I explore how easy it is to make snap judgments based on someone's online profile and question how this influences our perception of success, both of others and ourselves.

Discover how setting boundaries with social media can lead to more meaningful interactions and why it's okay to chart your own path, even if it strays from conventional social media strategies.

Tune in for an episode filled with honest reflections, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on leveraging social media for your financial coaching business. Whether you're a social media enthusiast or skeptic, there’s something in this episode for everyone looking to navigate these digital waters with confidence and authenticity.

Links & Resources:

Join the mailing list!
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

Having a huge following doesn't guarantee clients - focus on real conversations that convert instead of chasing vanity metrics
Your energy is the fuel to your business - choose marketing methods that energize you rather than drain you
Social media is just one conversation tool - you can grow a thriving business through networking, speaking, referrals and other channels that feel natural to you
Curb appeal isn't everything - someone's polished social presence might mask an empty house, so validate their substance through real conversations and client testimonials
Create content in your natural style - forcing yourself to write in a way that doesn't match your voice will burn you out, while embracing your authentic format energizes your work
Social media works for you, not the other way around - set boundaries by treating it like email with designated check-in times rather than letting notifications control your day
Judge yourself by client results, not follower count - your expertise and impact aren't measured by social metrics but by the transformations you create for real clients

Does this sound like you? You're working every weekend, answering emails at midnight, and “catch-up” is your new normal. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. More importantly, this can actually be a good sign. It means your business is growing.

But if you feel like starting your business was tough, I’m here to tell you that hiring your first support person is actually more difficult. You'll probably feel like you're letting go of something you've built and nurtured for so long (because you have). And you might wonder if anyone else could possibly love your business as much as you do.

When most coaches reach the 8-12 month mark in their business, they hit a ceiling. You're doing $10/hour tasks instead of $200/hour coaching work. Your inbox is overflowing. Those Post-it notes with tasks are multiplying. But staying in this place will absolutely lead to burnout and eventually cap your income.

This week, we dig into exactly how to make the transition from solopreneur to growing a team, including some lessons I learned first-hand.

Want to know the exact steps to document your tasks, create training materials, and set up your systems before bringing someone on? Listen in to learn the framework we've used to help dozens of coaches make this transition successfully.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Loom
Otter
ChatGPT

Key Takeaways:

"The trap of excellence" sneaks up on you. Being good at something doesn't mean you should be the one doing it.
Your zone of genius is where energy, value, and unique expertise intersect—anything outside of that is costing your business growth.
That $10/hour task is actually costing you $200/hour. Every minute spent on admin is time not spent on high-value coaching.
Don't ask "Can I afford help?" but "How can I make help possible?" Shifting from limitation to possibility changes everything.
Document before you delegate—two weeks of tracking your tasks saves two months of messy training later.
Your SOP creation formula: Record yourself doing it → Transcribe it → Let AI structure it → Review for accuracy.
A "Never Would I" list is just as important as a "How To" list. Set boundaries before you need them, not after you learn them the hard way.

After a client says "yes" to working with you, those first few days are huge. They might be excited about finally taking action with their money, but they're probably also nervous, wondering if they made the right choice. In this episode, we're talking about how to make your new clients feel completely confident in their decision to work with you.

We've noticed that there's actually more uncertainty right after someone pays you than at any other time in the coaching relationship. Even though they've already committed, they might be thinking "Will this actually work for me?" or "Did I just waste my money?" Your onboarding process needs to address these worries before they even come up.

Here's the thing about financial coaching: we're dealing with really personal stuff. Money touches every part of our clients' lives, which is why those first interactions matter so much. So this week, we’ll talk about specific ways to welcome your new clients, from sending a personal video message to giving them a quick win right away. We also share real examples of systems you can use to make sure nothing falls through the cracks while still keeping things personal and genuine.

Want to know exactly what needs to happen between "yes" and that first session? Listen in to learn our tried-and-true timeline that keeps your clients feeling supported and builds their confidence from day one.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Bonjoro

Key Takeaways:

The moment after payment is when clients are most uncertain. Reassure them immediately with a welcome message or personal video that shows you're excited to work with them.
Your systems make personal touches possible. Set up templates and reminders so you can consistently show up for each client without keeping everything in your head.
Quick wins build confidence. Give clients something valuable they can do right away, like a simple money tracking template, so they feel momentum before the first session.
Clear communication prevents doubt. Tell clients exactly when and how they'll hear from you next, with specific ways they can reach out if needed.
Time gaps kill momentum. Schedule the first session within a week of payment to keep their motivation high and self-doubt at bay.
Success stories set expectations. Share examples of what other clients have achieved so new clients can envision their own path forward.
Trust needs nurturing, even after payment. Each interaction between signup and first session should reinforce their decision to work with you.

Trust matters more than ever in financial coaching. People have become more and more skeptical about coaching in general and they’re incredibly discerning when it comes to how they find solutions to their challenges. And they’re looking to people they trust for the answers.

So how do you build trust with potential clients if you can’t even get them on a call? Partnerships.

Whether you're just starting out or growing your coaching practice, one of the best ways to grow your audience and potential client base is by leaning on your relationships with others who already know, like, and trust you. And this week on the podcast, you'll learn three proven ways to build meaningful relationships that bring in clients who are ready to do the work.

You'll hear practical examples of how to create partnerships with other professionals (like real estate agents and CPAs), build a referral network that works both ways, and use speaking opportunities to show people what it's like to work with you—without the pressure of a hard sell.

We also talk about why these particular strategies keep working even as marketing trends come and go, and how you can start using them in ways that feel natural for you. Best of all, these approaches help you meet people exactly when they need you most, through someone they already trust.

Plus, I share a free client journey roadmap to help you put these trust-building ideas into action. If you're ready to grow your coaching business by focusing on real relationships instead of fancy marketing tactics, this episode is for you.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Client Creator Challenge
Client Journey

Key Takeaways:

Trust isn't built through fancy marketing. It comes from showing up consistently where your ideal clients already are.
Your first speaking opportunity doesn't need to be perfect. Start with one simple talk that solves one specific problem well.
Stop trying to serve everyone. The clearer you are about who you help, the easier it is for partners to send you the right clients.
The strongest referral relationships go both ways. Look for opportunities to send referrals just as often as you receive them.
People need to see how you teach before they trust you with their money. Create simple resources they can try on their own first.
Your expertise might feel basic to you. If your teaching points feel too simple, you're probably right on track for your audience.
Strong client relationships start before the sale. Make it easy for people to get a small win before asking them to commit.

Most coaches have been taught that when marketing isn't working, they need a new tactic, funnel, or strategy. Marketing expert Nora Sudduth sees it differently. After 25 years of helping businesses generate over $500 million in sales, Nora has noticed a significant shift in how consumers respond to marketing messages.

This week on the podcast, Nora shares why adding more content or trying new tactics often makes things worse in today's noisy marketplace. Instead of feeding into the noise, she reveals how coaches can instead create authentic conversations that truly resonate with the people they’re trying to connect with. She shares practical ways to shift from templated marketing that feels pushy to natural conversations that build trust.

The conversation takes an honest look at fear-based marketing, with Nora explaining why exploiting pain points often backfires. She offers a refreshing perspective on leading with empathy while still acknowledging clients' real challenges.

Drawing from her experience crafting thousands of marketing campaigns, Nora also walks through her three-part framework for having genuine customer conversations that convert. She explains why many coaches struggle with sales conversations and shows how to make invitations feel natural rather than forced.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to scale your coaching practice, this episode offers a practical roadmap for connecting with clients in a way that feels authentic to you and resonates deeply with them.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Client Creator Challenge
Financial Coach Academy®
Unlocking Your Unique Value Proposition
Visit Nora’s website
Join Nora’s 5-Minute Mentor
Join Nora’s Finisprint
Follow Nora on Instagram
Connect with Nora on Facebook

Key Takeaways:

How to spot value fatigue: Lower engagement, fewer email opens, prospects needing more reassurance to buy
What clients need before they buy: Their perceived needs (in their words), necessary beliefs to invest, underlying fears holding them back
Natural sales conversations: When marketing addresses beliefs and fears early, sales become a natural invitation, not a hard pivot
Why most marketing fails: Telling people what to feel pushes them away. Let them experience your value instead
The trust sequence: Meet clients at their starting point, show (don't tell) your expertise, then invite
Empathy without fear: Acknowledge challenges while focusing on possibilities, not shame

About Nora Sudduth

Marketing advisor and Hello Audio co-founder Nora Sudduth has spent 25 years helping businesses generate over $500M in sales. She specializes in crafting brand messaging and customer conversations that connect and convert, having consulted on thousands of marketing campaigns. Through her courses, coaching, and certification programs, she helps businesses create authentic client interactions that drive sustainable growth.

When Jessica Medina took her husband on a 3-month RV trip to follow the Atlanta Falcons for his 50th birthday, she didn't put her financial coaching business on pause—she designed it to thrive during their adventure. As a former big law attorney who now helps other attorneys create financial freedom, Jessica opens up about how she's structured her entire business year around the life she wants to live.

In this episode, Jessica shares her journey from graduating law school as a single mom of twins with $200,000 in student loan debt to building a successful coaching practice. She explains how she structures her business into focused seasons—dedicated times for bringing on new clients and periods reserved for serving her existing clients.

You'll hear how Jessica moved from practicing law for 15 years to building a thriving financial coaching business, why she chooses to work exclusively with attorneys, and how she's expanded her impact through speaking at law firms and bar associations. She also shares honest insights about what it really takes to grow a coaching business, including why some of her best ideas took two years to fully develop.

For coaches wondering how to balance impact with lifestyle, this conversation shows how being intentional with your business design can create space for both client success and personal priorities. Jessica's story is a perfect example of building a business that truly works for your life.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Learn more about Jessica Medina

Key Takeaways:

Design your business schedule around your life—Jessica fills her client roster in specific seasons so she can take off other times of the year.
Going deep in a niche works—her focus on attorneys led to a 10x revenue increase in one year.
Past financial struggles can become strengths—her $200,000 student loan experience helps her better serve clients with similar challenges.
Six months is the minimum time needed for meaningful financial coaching—rushing transformation doesn't serve clients well.
Speaking can be an effective way to scale impact without creating courses or group programs.
Good ideas take time to execute—her speaking business took two years from concept to successful implementation.
Additional offers should solve specific problems—her student loan program meets a distinct need separate from her core coaching.

Have you been thinking about raising your prices but feel a little queasy about having that conversation with your clients? You're not alone. In today's episode, we’re talking about real-life conversations about raising rates without cringing or worrying that every client is going to pack their bags. Or at least not worrying as much as you may have before this episode.

You’ll learn how to have these conversations with confidence (without that awkward shoulder shrug or apologetic tone we sometimes default to). Whether you're wondering if you should grandfather in your long-time clients (like my wonderful client who stayed at $75 per session for over a decade), or you're trying to figure out the right timing for your increase, we cover it all.

You'll also learn a simple formula to calculate your new rates that takes into account the hours you actually want to work (because burnout isn't part of your business plan). Plus, you’ll hear specific examples of how to communicate your price increase in a way that focuses on the benefits to your clients.

And if you're worried about what might happen - like losing all your clients overnight - we talk about that too. There's a simple exercise that helps put those fears in perspective and builds your confidence for these important conversations.
Join us for an honest discussion about growing your coaching business in a way that serves both you and your clients better. Because at the end of the day, that's what raising your prices should be about.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 12: How to Niche Down
Toolkits
Client Creator Challenge

Key Takeaways:

You don't have to cringe when talking about money with your clients. A simple formula helps you know exactly what to charge for your expertise.
Long-time clients might deserve special consideration. I kept one client at $75 per session for over a decade, and I'll tell you why that was the right choice for my business.
Price increases can actually make your clients happy. One coach doubled her rates, and her clients celebrated because they saw the value she was providing.
Your confidence comes from being prepared. Creating a "wins document" helps you remember all the ways you've helped your clients succeed.
Client conversations don't have to be awkward. I'll share the exact words to use whether your client says yes right away or needs time to think.
Timing matters more than you might think. Learn why 90 days' notice helps your clients plan and keeps the relationship strong.
The details matter when raising your rates. From updating your systems to tracking grandfathered rates, I'll show you how to handle the nuts and bolts without any hiccups.

Remember when making $2,000 a month as a financial coach felt almost impossible? I sat at my kitchen table dreaming about it, having no idea how I'd make it happen. That was my first BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal), and it made my palms sweat just thinking about it.

Today, my BHAGs are much bigger—and yes, they still make my palms sweat. Because here's the thing about setting goals for your coaching business: if they don't make you a little nervous, they're probably not big enough.

This week, I'm sharing the exact process I use to set goals that actually mean something—not just arbitrary revenue goals that other people talk about or goals that I think I “should” care about. We'll talk about those sneaky stories holding you back (like my old belief that making too much money would make me less relatable to clients), and I'll show you how I plan my entire year around what matters most.

Plus, I'm giving you real homework at the end of this episode. Yep, homework. Because we're not just here to talk about goals, we're here to make them happen.
Ready to set goals that excite you and scare you at the same time? Let's make those palms sweat a little.

Note: If you're in the Financial Coach Academy®, this pairs perfectly with exercises 1.21 and 1.22 in Module 1. And if goal-setting for a whole year feels overwhelming? We'll talk about how to start with just 90 days instead.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Financial Coach Academy®
Client Creator Challenge

Key Takeaways:

Your big goals should make your palms sweat. If they don't make you nervous, dream bigger.
Planning is a skill you build. Start with 90-day goals if annual planning feels overwhelming.
There's a story behind every limitation you accept in your business. Find it, flip it, and watch things change.
Use "Good, Better, Best" goals instead of single targets. It keeps you moving forward even in tough weeks.
Give your business priorities the same respect you give client appointments—show up prepared and on time.
Personal commitments go on the calendar first, then business plans. Your business should add to your life, not drain it.
Pick just 2-3 numbers to track, mixing things you can control with actual results.

Remember sitting at your kitchen table, imagining what it would be like to help people with their money while earning $2,000 a month? That's exactly where I started. I had no idea what was possible back then—no roadmap, no other coaches to look up to, and plenty of people telling me it couldn't be done.

In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on my 16-year journey of building a financial coaching business. I share the milestones that meant the most to me (like hitting our first million-dollar year—on my birthday no less!), and the surprising turns my financial coaching business has taken along the way.

We'll explore what success as a financial coach can actually look like, from working at home in your PJs to traveling the world hosting client retreats (I recently went to Ireland for a week with nine other financial coaches!). I'll walk you through the practical decisions you'll face when building your business, like whether to:

Work virtually or in-person
Focus on private coaching or group programs
Build a boutique practice or reach the masses
Create a seasonal schedule or work year-round
Hire employees or stay solo

Most importantly, I'm addressing those doubt-planting myths that might be holding you back, like "people won't pay for help with budgeting" (spoiler alert: they absolutely will).

If you're dreaming of building a coaching business that doesn't just pay the bills but actually enhances your life—creatively, emotionally, and financially—this episode is your permission slip to think bigger. Because I've learned that this work isn't just about exchanging time for money - it's about creating something that works for your life while helping others achieve their dreams.

Ready to expand your vision of what's possible?

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Financial Coach Academy

Key Takeaways:

Your coaching business doesn't have to look like anyone else's. You get to choose how and where you work.
Starting small is normal and good. That clarity and focus can help build the foundation for bigger things.
Your business model can (and will!) shift as you grow. I tried everything from one-on-one coaching to group programs to corporate wellness—and used those experiences to figure out what worked best.
Support can come in many forms, from a 4-hour-per-week assistant to employees and contractors who help run different parts of the business.
Ignore the naysayers who say "people won't pay for budgeting help." People who are stressed about money will absolutely pay for someone to show them the way and hold their hand through the process.
Your business can fit your life, not the other way around. Whether that means taking summers off, working part-time, or building a year-round practice—you get to decide what works for you.
Success isn't just about money—it's about building something that adds to your life in meaningful ways while helping others do the same.

We've introduced the idea of “niching” your audience - your clients - so that you can better communicate with them and serve them. But for some, just the thought of niching down to a “singular” ideal client is terrifying. Maybe you’re worried about limiting your prospects or potential. Or maybe you are afraid of saying “no” to someone who doesn’t match with the niche that you’ve chosen.

Or maybe you just want to help everyone. There are a whole host of reasons that may decide to make an appearance when you choose a niche - but not a single one is worth stopping your progress. And the best part? When you niche, if you find that it’s not working (or you’re not loving it), you can always pivot or shift to a different focus.
Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Niching Down 101

Ever sat on your couch on a Saturday night, watching a movie with your family, when suddenly you get a notification that someone just booked a session with you? But instead of scrambling to send emails and set up reminders, you can keep watching that movie, knowing everything is happening automatically—from payment processing to welcome emails to calendar updates.

That's the power of having the right systems in place. In this week’s episode, I share some hard-learned lessons about choosing and setting up business tools—including a "ticking time bomb" mistake that nearly derailed one coach's entire business.

Whether you're just starting out or feeling overwhelmed by managing multiple clients, this episode shows why keeping things simple might be your smartest move.

You'll hear real stories about coaches in the trenches, including one who was literally afraid to take on new clients because she didn't trust her systems to deliver consistently. Plus, I'll explain why that "all-in-one" platform you're considering might be the riskiest choice you could make.

Want a list of my favorite tools that keep Fiscal Fitness, my own financial coaching practice, running smoothly? Head to financialcoachacademy.com/resources.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Find the resources mentioned in this episode

Key Takeaways:

Start small, usually with just a scheduling tool. Add other systems only when you need them.
Keep your tools separate instead of using all-in-one platforms. It's safer and more flexible for your growing business.
Build your systems around your client journey, not the other way around. Think of support first, then make it automatic.
Own your tools and data. Never use someone else's account or agency model. Your business deserves its own foundation.
Manual processes teach you what works. Learn from doing things by hand before automating.
The less organized you are naturally, the more you need solid systems. Let technology be your strength.
Time for better systems? When you're afraid to take on new clients or spending too much time on tasks that could be automated.

Five guitar solos blasting at once. That's how business owners with ADHD might describe their daily mental experience. While everyone faces challenges in running their own business, ADHD adds an extra layer of complexity. Instead of “only” staying organized or managing their time, they have the added layer of wrestling with a brain that sees every shiny object, generates endless ideas, and sometimes makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.

The real struggle? Many business owners don't even realize ADHD is behind their daily battles with focus, follow-through, and feeling perpetually scattered.

In this conversation with my husband Michael Dickey, we share how our family's understanding of ADHD began with our son's diagnosis and led to Michael's own revelation. He opens up about the moment everything changed when he started medication: the mental chaos quieted to calm classical music, allowing him to focus in ways he never could before.

And after 17 years of marriage, I witnessed a transformation in how Michael could plan his day, communicate his thoughts, and engage in deeper conversations.

As both a business coach and someone with ADHD, Michael talks about the real challenges of trying to do it all yourself, especially those tedious tasks that feel like kryptonite. He talks about building a business when your brain works differently and shares practical tips for creating systems that actually work. You'll learn what feels like a weakness might actually be your superpower…if you learn to work with it the right way.

Links & Resources:

Get Michael’s free goal-setting course
Join Michael’s upcoming planning retreat
ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey
Succeeding with Adult ADHD by Abigail Levrini
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Getting Things Done by David Allen
The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity

You know that feeling when you want to help people with their money, but you're stuck thinking you need another certification first? Or wondering if you really know enough? I spent years believing I needed more credentials before I could make a real difference in people's financial lives.

Here's what I learned: The most powerful thing you have isn't a fancy degree or certification—it's your desire to help people see what's possible with their money. I started at my kitchen table, talking with family and friends about their finances. Today, I help people dream again and believe in their potential, while running a business I love.

In this week’s episode, I share the whole truth about building a financial coaching business—from those first kitchen table conversations to creating a sustainable practice that works for you. We'll talk about what you actually need to know (hint: it's probably less than you think), and what to focus on first so you don't get overwhelmed.

I also walk through my simple framework that helps both new and experienced coaches create consistent results with their clients. Plus, I share why trying to figure this out alone makes everything harder than it needs to be, and how to find the right support as you grow.

Whether you're just starting to consider financial coaching or you're ready to take your practice to the next level, this conversation will help you see exactly what's possible—and your next best step to get there.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

You don't need special certifications. Start with basic financial knowledge and a desire to help others.
Success requires two skills: coaching clients and running a business. Learn both as you go.
Don't get stuck learning forever. Instead, start helping one person at a time and grow from there.
Use the EAC Method (Education, Application, Commitment) to create consistent results with clients.
Find support. Having a community of other coaches makes everything easier.
Start simple at first, then expand your services as you gain confidence.
This work goes beyond money. We help people dream again and see their potential.

Even people making $250,000 a year can live paycheck to paycheck. As a financial coach, I've learned that money struggles don't discriminate—and that's exactly what we're talking about in this week’s podcast episode.

I'm pulling back the curtain on my 16-year journey from helping coworkers at my kitchen table to building a full-time coaching business. If you've ever wondered what financial coaches actually do (and don't do), this episode is for you.

Here's something that might surprise you: financial coaching isn't just about crunching numbers. It's about being part analyst, part cheerleader, and yes, sometimes even part therapist. We talk about what this actually looks like in practice, and why having your own money struggles in the past might be exactly what makes you great at helping others as a financial coach.

The best part? You don't need to know everything about money to do this work. I share exactly what skills matter most (they're probably not what you think), and how to use what you already know to make a real difference in people's lives.

For anyone who's thought about becoming a financial coach—whether you're just curious or ready to take action—this episode lays out a clear path forward. Bring a notebook, because we're getting practical about how to turn your desire to help others into real coaching skills.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 4
Episode 72
Episode 73

Key Takeaways:

What a financial coach actually does day-to-day (and no, we don't lecture people about their spending)
Why even people making $250,000 a year sometimes need financial coaching
How your own money struggles and mistakes can make you a better coach
The real skills you need as a coach (hint: it's not a finance degree)
The key differences between financial coaching and financial advising
How to start helping people before you have a business name or website
Why most Americans spend less than 5 hours yearly on their money (and how coaches help change this)

Remember when I said that I was naive when I started my financial coaching career? My naivety was far more than just thinking that things would just simply “work” because I wanted them to - I dug in and learned how to run a business, how to package (and SELL!) financial coaching, how to deliver incredible, eye-popping results for my clients (while still having fun with them). I’ve created more than 100 concepts around money – concepts that were brand new - they didn’t exist before me.

If you’d told me when I started that I’d have mentored over 500 financial coaches through our programs and events, or that I’d have helped 1,000 clients (and counting) completely change their financial future (without crazy, restrictive tactics), I’m not sure I’d have believed you.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Imagine turning your biggest financial mistake into a thriving business that helps others. That's exactly what Haley and Justin Brown-Woods did. After blowing through a $600,000 lawsuit payout and racking up over $220,000 in debt, this millennial couple decided to rewrite their financial story. Now, they're changing lives as financial coaches, helping clients tackle millions in debt.

In this episode, Haley and Justin open up about their journey from drowning in debt to building a successful coaching practice. They share how they've balanced raising three young kids while growing their business, and the unexpected turns their path has taken. You'll hear about Justin's leap from teaching to coaching, and how they've learned to work together as a husband-wife team.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Haley shares her early struggles with imposter syndrome, while Justin talks about the challenge of finding his own coaching voice. Their story is a reminder that success often comes from embracing our vulnerabilities and learning from our mistakes.

One of the most interesting parts of their approach to financial coaching is their unique 14-month coaching program. It's a strategy that's paid off in ways they never expected, providing stability for their business and long-term support for their clients. They also discuss how they've made their coaching accessible to those still in debt, while ensuring they're fairly compensated for their work.

If you've ever thought about turning your own financial journey into a career helping others, or if you're simply looking for a fresh perspective on tackling debt and building wealth, this episode from our Success Stories series is a must-listen.

Haley and Justin's story proves that with determination, the right support, and a willingness to be transparent, it's possible to transform your biggest financial setbacks into your greatest strengths.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Price of Avocado Toast Podcast

Find Haley and Justin Online:

Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Key Takeaways:

The importance of overcoming imposter syndrome when starting a financial coaching career, especially when your own financial past isn't perfect.
Strategies for structuring long-term coaching programs, like the Brown-Woods' unique 14-month plan, to provide sustained support for clients and consistent income for the business.
How to balance family life with a growing coaching business
The value of diversifying marketing strategies, with a focus on social media platforms like Instagram alongside podcasting to attract and engage potential clients.

About Haley and Justin:
In the fall of 2019, Haley and Justin got serious about changing the narrative they had created for their lives and began their debt-free journey. Within 18 months, they had paid off over $132,000 of debt and restarted their wealth journey.

During this time, they began their podcast, Price of Avocado Toast. Their hope is that these conversations enlighten the younger versions of themselves and save them from the pitfalls Haley and Justin fell into.

In 2021, Haley began the financial coaching branch of Price of Avocado Toast. Together they have helped clients tackle over $2.7M of non-mortgage debt. Now their family is working towards generational wealth building and a future of outrageous generosity.

Emily Maclin's journey as a financial coach is a story of growth, courage, and finding her unique path. After 22 years in corporate finance, Emily shifted gears to help women master their money and create a financial legacy.

Emily’s story is part of our Success Stories series and it’s one that stands out to illustrate that it’s okay to shift careers, no matter how much success you’ve had where you are.

You’ll love hearing about Emily's evolution from relying on fancy spreadsheets to focusing on meaningful conversations that shift perspectives. She's learned that sometimes the most powerful coaching sessions don't even involve opening a spreadsheet.

Emily's definition of success has changed too. It's not about social media followers or hitting specific financial metrics. Instead, she finds joy in those small "aha" moments when clients realize they're better with money than they thought.

Now, Emily's excited about her next chapter—offering fractional CFO services to entrepreneurs as part of her journey as a financial coach. She's embracing the idea of trying new things in business and not being afraid to pivot.

For new coaches, Emily's advice is simple but powerful: keep going, work on your confidence and courage, and stay engaged with people you're learning from. She emphasizes that building your own belief in yourself is more important than perfecting your spreadsheets or programs.

Emily's story shows that financial coaching is about helping people feel better about money and supporting them through their journey. Her experience proves that with persistence and a willingness to adapt, you can create a coaching business that's both fulfilling and uniquely yours.

Listen in for more!

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Financial Coach Academy®

Key Takeaways:

Success in coaching isn't always about financial metrics. Emily finds fulfillment in clients' "aha moments" and seeing them feel better about money.
The coaching approach evolved from relying on spreadsheets to focusing on meaningful conversations that shift perspectives.
Emily is transitioning her business to offer fractional CFO services to entrepreneurs, showing the importance of adapting and trying new things.
Building confidence and courage is more important for new coaches than perfecting spreadsheets or programs.
The Financial Coach Academy® has been a valuable resource for Emily, especially as she's revisited the content at different stages of her business growth.

About Emily Maclin

Emily V. Maclin, founder of Think Legacy Financial Coaching, empowers women to master their finances and build a proud financial legacy. With 22 years of Corporate Finance experience at Fortune 100 companies, Emily brings valuable insights to her role as a Personal Finance Coach.

Her unique approach blends faith and finance, focusing on building financial confidence, competence, and consistency. Emily's coaching addresses Mindset, Skills/Knowledge, Behavior, and Stewardship to help clients thrive financially.

As a wife and mother of three, Emily aims to teach clients to become the CFO of their financial lives, managing money wisely and educating future generations.

Holding a Bachelor's in Accounting and an MBA, Emily has run her online coaching firm for six years, serving professional women and solopreneurs nationwide. Originally from Tennessee, she's been based in St. Louis since 2002.

"I remember looking at my fiancé and saying, if we can't pay for this wedding where our friends are baking the cake and bartending, how the heck are we going to afford a life together?"

For Nicole Stanley, a panic attack over wedding finances became the spark that ignited her journey to financial freedom - and eventually, to becoming a successful financial coach.

In this episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on her transformation from a financially anxious newlywed to the owner of Arise Financial Coaching, a business that's helped hundreds of women change their lives through financial literacy and wealth building.

But it wasn't smooth sailing from the start. Nicole opens up about the crippling imposter syndrome she faced and the real fears of getting sued that almost stopped her from pursuing her passion.

You'll hear how Nicole navigated the early days of her business, including the surprising truth about group coaching programs that nobody talks about, and why she ultimately chose a different path to scale her company.

Whether you're considering a career in financial coaching or you're knee-deep in building your own business, Nicole's candid insights and infectious enthusiasm will leave you inspired and eager to take your next step.

Tune in to discover how this self-proclaimed "nosy girl" turned her love for budgeting into a thriving coaching business that's changing lives - and why she believes you can do it too.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
What is a program?

Find Nicole Online:

Instagram
Facebook
TikTok

Key Takeaways:

Personal struggle can lead to professional passion: Nicole's own financial anxiety became the catalyst for her successful coaching career.
Start before you're ready: Nicole began by helping friends and family for free, which laid the groundwork for her business.
Community is crucial: Surrounding yourself with other financial coaches can provide support, inspiration, and legitimacy to your new career.
One-on-one coaching can be more fulfilling than group programs: Despite the popular push for scalable group offerings, Nicole found more satisfaction and success in individual coaching.
Success evolves: Initially defining success as earning $2,000 a month, Nicole's perspective shifted to focus on the number of lives she could impact.
Imposter syndrome is normal but surmountable: Even with her success, Nicole still experiences moments of self-doubt, but she's learned to push through them as she grows her business.

About Nicole Stanley

Nicole Stanley is owner and head money coach at Arise Financial Coaching. After paying off debt and increasing her family’s net worth through investing, she discovered her passion for helping women change their life through financial literacy and wealth.

Arise Financial Coaching has helped hundreds of women get out of debt, save, and become confident investors. Nicole and Arise have been featured on GMA, Yahoo Finance, Time, ABC News, Go Banking Rates, and more.

Wondering what it's like to build a thriving financial coaching business as a couple? In this episode, we sit down with James and Amberlee Rich, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who have turned their passion for helping others into a successful coaching practice.
From their early days as a teacher (Amberlee) and campus pastor (James) to launching their own business, the Riches share their journey of transformation—for themselves and their coaching clients. They share how they've crafted a unique approach to financial coaching that allows them to homeschool their kids, travel, and make a real impact in people's lives.
You'll hear about their innovative "Steward Lab" program, designed to fill a gap they noticed in faith-based financial education. James and Amberlee also share how they've embraced authenticity in their marketing, overcoming the fear of standing out in a crowded field.
But it's not all business talk. The couple opens up about their personal strategies for maintaining work-life balance, including their sacred weekly rhythms and how they use AI to manage their busy schedules.
This conversation is just one of many in our success stories series, and it’s packed with practical tips and inspiring insights. Tune in to learn how James and Amberlee are redefining success on their own terms and helping others do the same.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Rich Living Coaching

Find the Riches Online:

Facebook
Instagram
Tiktok

Key Takeaways:

Authenticity is key: Being true to yourself and your unique style can help attract the right clients and make your business stand out. And standing out is exactly what you need to do.
Adapt and innovate: The Riches created "Steward Lab" to fill a gap they noticed in faith-based financial education, showing the importance of identifying and addressing market needs.
Balance is crucial: Implementing structured weekly rhythms and prioritizing family time alongside work can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling coaching career.
Leverage technology: Using AI tools for task management can significantly boost productivity and help manage a growing coaching business more effectively.

About James & Amberlee Rich:

James and Amberlee Rich are financial coaches who have been helping people with their personal finances for over 18 years.
In 2018, James and Amberlee launched the Debt Dump Challenge, inspiring over 60 families to join them in taking control of their finances. Through coaching and monthly challenges, the Debt Dumpers successfully paid off over half a million dollars in debt. James and Amberlee also achieved their goal of becoming 100% debt free by paying off their home during the process.
The Debt Dump Challenge inspired James and Amberlee to fully dedicate themselves to helping people with their finances. As a result, they have established their own financial coaching business and launched an online group coaching program for Christians called Steward Lab.
James and Amberlee are driven by their passion to assist Christians in fully embracing the life God has destined for them, free from financial constraints. Understanding the pervasive impact of money in our lives, they believe that by purposefully addressing financial matters, every aspect of life can be significantly better.

In today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, we’re going to answer another burning question: is financial coaching different from financial advising?

The short answer is YES. While both financial coaches and financial advisors are needed in the world, financial advisors are future-focused. A financial advisor will run a variety of scenarios and your likelihood of financial success based on your investment strategies, rate of return, risk tolerance, asset allocation, and portfolio.

Then they help you execute a strategy based on that future vision by helping you buy and sell stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and other investment vehicles. They also will monitor your portfolio and keep a focus on asset protection, but all of this is from a 50,000 foot view.

In contrast, financial coaches help people with their money NOW. This can get complex depending on what the client’s unique financial situation looks like. We strive to focus on the whole person – not just the financial side of their life, diving into the reasons behind their financial habits so that we can create lasting change.

At the end of the day, we both help people do better and feel more confident about their money.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

You've got great money tips to share, but are you forgetting one crucial detail in your marketing? We’re talking about the fact that you're actually a financial coach.

This might sound obvious, but we see it all the time—coaches sharing awesome money advice without ever mentioning they work with clients. If that's you, you're not alone. And it could be costing you business.

In this episode, we're talking about how to make it crystal clear that you're a coach who helps real people with their money. Not just another finance influencer or content creator.

We'll cover some simple ways to weave in the fact that you work with clients, without sounding sales-y or awkward. Things like "This is one of the things I help my clients with" or "When people first come to me, they often struggle with..."

You don't need to give a full sales pitch to let people know they can hire you to help with their money. Just little mentions here and there to remind people that you actually work with clients and how you help them.

By the end, you'll have some practical ideas for how to make it obvious you're a coach and you’re for hire. Because if you never tell people you're a coach, how will they know they can hire you?

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Investing conversations can be a minefield for financial coaches. Where's the line between education and advice? How much is too much to share? What responsibility do you have for offering advice (or leaving it alone altogether)?

This week, we’re tackling the hot topic of how financial coaches can talk about investing with clients—without crossing into advisor territory. We look at why these conversations matter and how you, as the financial coach, can actually complement the work of financial advisors.

You'll learn a framework for exploring retirement and investing with clients in a way that builds their confidence and clarity. We cover key areas like helping clients envision their ideal retirement, assessing their current investing knowledge, clarifying future goals, and understanding their options for getting started.

For coaches who've been hesitant to discuss investing, this episode offers a roadmap for having these important conversations without feeling like you’re stepping into unknown territory. You'll walk away with practical questions to ask and crucial points to cover with clients.

We also address the debate around whether coaches should discuss investing at all. Our take? Coaches play a valuable role in helping clients engage with this critical aspect of their financial lives.

Remember, as coaches we're not here to tell clients what to do about investing. Our job is to help them determine what they think and identify their next best step. This episode will show you how to do just that.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Social media is a great way to connect with new prospective clients, but it can feel impersonal and salesy too. We’ve all been the target of unsolicited DMs from people who want to sell us something.

Let’s not be those people in our own businesses.

This week, we're talking about how to initiate conversations with new people in a way that feels authentic and real, and then move those social media chats into real-world connections.

Because if we stay in the DMs or try to convert new clients there, we miss out on the nuances of face-to-face talks. It’s hard to build trust through text alone and we want our clients to feel good about saying yes to us.

Listen in as we cover what not to do in your DMs (like jumping straight to selling or offering coaching advice) and share six practical tips to make your conversations more effective. You'll learn how to validate people's feelings, be yourself, and naturally move chats offline.

Whether you're struggling with awkward DM exchanges or want to improve your online communication, this episode has real-world advice to help you connect better with potential clients. We'll show you how to read between the lines, acknowledge emotions, and invite people to chat in a way that feels natural and helpful.

So if you want to stop feeling stuck in never-ending message threads and start having meaningful conversations that lead somewhere, tune in to this episode. You'll walk away with simple strategies to make your DMs work for your coaching business, not against it.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Ever feel like you're hitting a wall when it comes to pricing conversations with potential clients?

We've all been there: you have a great call with a potential client, but then they hit you with the "I just don't have it in my budget right now" reasoning for not moving forward. It's easy to start doubting yourself or your pricing, but here's the thing: it's usually not about the price at all.

This week on the podcast, we're breaking down six practical steps to navigate these tricky conversations. You'll learn how to validate your client's concerns, get into their mindset, and figure out what's really holding them back. We'll talk about avoiding that pushy "convincing" energy and even discuss when it might be okay for a client to put coaching on a credit card.

(Are you shocked that we just went there? You need to listen in.)

The key takeaway? When a client says they can't afford it, they're often just nervous and unsure if coaching will truly solve their problem. Your job is to help them see the value and feel confident in their decision.

So grab a pen and get ready to shift those awkward pricing conversations into opportunities to connect with your clients and show them how you can help. Trust me, after this episode, you'll feel way more prepared to handle these situations with ease.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Client Creator Challenge
Episode 33

When you decided to become a financial coach, you were probably just like me - thinking you’d sit down with a client, explain the ins and outs of money - and they’d immediately “get it.” In one session, they’d see the vision, change their habits, and I’d be there to support them as they had an incredible transformation.

But, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, actually coaching someone through a real financial transformation is nothing like what I’d imagined - instead of teaching (which is essentially what I thought I’d be doing), I had to learn how to be a coach. Not an instructor, not a lecturer, not…like the “well-known” financial gurus (who aren’t coaches, BTW).

Because here’s the truth: Coaching is helping a person as they become the person who creates a certain outcome for themselves. YOU, as the coach, are likely already that person - you’ve developed the skill set, the knowledge, the understanding, and the awareness to make that decision, but coaching isn’t about YOU, it’s about the client.

Get ready to dive in, because this refresher is one we all need from time-to-time.

Links and Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

This week’s episode is part of a series on your unique value proposition. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to go back and listen to episode 75 first to get the full context of this topic.

In this week’s episode, we're talking about the beliefs your clients need to have to invest in you. It's not just about what they believe about themselves and their own finances or ability to make a quality decision. You also need to know what they think about your coaching and any misconceptions we need to clear up.

We’re also looking at the feelings your clients need to have. Are they feeling hopeful? Valued? Ready for change? Understanding these emotions can help you create marketing that really connects.

I share how I wrote stories about my actual clients to bring all of this to life. These aren’t perfect, polished stories, but I do capture the human side of what we do as coaches.

We also talk about finding common ground with your clients: What experiences do you share? What hopes for the future do you have in common? These conversation starters can really help you connect.

I also encourage you to think about freebies or challenges you can offer that meet your clients where they're at. And here's something that might sound a bit out there: I suggest writing a love letter to your client persona. Trust me, it can be a powerful exercise!

And we wrap up by putting all of this together into your unique value proposition.

This whole process takes time and effort, but it's so worth it. When you're done, you'll have a clear picture of who you are, who your clients are, and how you can help them. Bringing your authentic self to your work will help you feel more aligned with your audience and business which can foster more success.

Links & Resources:

Episode 75
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
About section of website

Are you struggling to stand out in the crowded world of financial coaching? I've been there. In this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on how I completely transformed my business by rediscovering my unique voice.

For months, I felt disconnected from my own brand. My website didn't feel like me, and my messaging was all over the place. Sound familiar? I bet it does. That's why I'm sharing the exact process I used to cut through the noise and reconnect with what makes me, well, me.

I'll walk you through creating a vivid client persona that goes way beyond basic demographics. We're talking about getting inside your ideal client's head—understanding their deepest fears, their secret dreams, and what really makes them tick.

I'll challenge some common assumptions about what clients actually care about when hiring a coach. Spoiler alert: it's probably not what you think. I'll even break down a real-world example that blew my mind and completely changed how I approach my marketing.

Like always, I'm giving you the practical steps I use inside my own business. Whether you're just starting out or you've been at this for years, this episode will help you find your unique edge and speak directly to the heart of what your clients really want.

Fair warning: this work isn't easy. It took me eight solid months of work to do this work. But the payoff? It's been huge. I now have a website I love, messaging that feels authentic, and a clear vision of the value I bring to my clients.

Ready to unlock what makes you truly unique as a financial coach? Tune in, and let's dig in together.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

As coaches, we often struggle with where to start when helping a new client. Should we focus on budgeting, debt reduction, or long-term planning? The answer isn't always clear, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely (if ever!) works.

This week, I'm sharing a simple tool that's been a game-changer in my coaching practice. It's called the Financial Wheel of Life, and it's about to make your job a whole lot easier.

Imagine being able to see exactly where your clients are struggling and where they're thriving in just a few minutes. No more wondering if you're focusing on the right things or missing something important.

This tool breaks money down into 18 different areas—things like family, friends, taxes, and long-term planning. When your clients rate how they feel about each area, you'll quickly see where they need the most help.

They might be doing great with saving for retirement but feel stressed about everyday expenses. Or maybe they feel good about their personal money but lost when it comes to business finances. This wheel helps you spot these differences.

Listen in to the episode, then start using this tool right away in your coaching. It works well for first meetings or when you're just starting with a new client.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Financial Wheel of Life
Coaching Couples episode
Oola Life

Oola Find Balance: Find Balance in an Unbalanced World--The Seven Areas You Need to Balance and Grow to Live the Life of Your Dreams

Ever feel like you need to know everything about money to help your clients? Well, this episode might just change your mind. We're diving into the fundamentals of gaining financial knowledge and how to use it effectively for yourself and your clients.

You know those moments when you're not sure what to tackle first with a client? Or when you worry about missing something important? We've all been there. But there's no magic formula that works for everyone. Real people have real, messy lives, and that's exactly what makes financial coaching so exciting.

In this episode, we're chatting about how to shift your focus from trying to know it all to making real progress with your clients. We'll explore why being curious and trusting your gut can be game-changers in your coaching. Plus, you’ll hear a real-life example of what to do when you encounter a situation you've never faced before.

Because it WILL happen, and it’s an opportunity to grow…not panic.

We'll also talk about the power of demonstrating learning for your clients. Instead of pretending to have all the answers, we'll look at how to navigate new financial situations together with your clients.

You'll hear about a recent coaching session of mine where a client faced an unexpected challenge, and how we approached it step-by-step. This real-world example shows how you can add value as a coach, even when you're not the expert on every topic.

So, if you're ready to ditch the one-size-fits-all approach and learn how to truly help your clients navigate their unique financial journeys, tune in. You might just discover that not having all the answers can actually make you a better coach.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Raise your hand if you’ve ever ended a conversation with a potential client knowing that you’d probably never hear from them again. It’s happened to most of us in the world of coaching — and today, I’m going to help you understand the psychology behind sales so that you can help your future clients make an informed decision (even if they need to think about it!) without feeling like you’re pushy, forward, slimy, or sleazy (or a used car salesperson).

You likely decided to become a financial coach because you genuinely want to help people. And you’re in very good company. This is why it’s important to understand how you can help and sell at the same time.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

If you've been feeling like you need to learn more before you can help others, this episode is for you. We're going to challenge that idea and explore why you might already know more than you think.

Remember when you first started caring about your own money? What did you learn then so you could do better? Now fast forward to when you decided to become a coach. Did your idea of what you needed to know suddenly expand?

Here's a secret: You probably know way more about personal finance than I did when I started. And some of you might even know more than I do now! That's not a joke or false modesty - it's just the truth.

This week on the podcast, I’ll share why you might be creating your own imposter syndrome and give you examples of how to shift your perspective. Instead of focusing on what you don't know, we'll explore how to start with what you already do know.

And I’ll share some real examples from coaches in our community who are helping clients - despite not knowing everything. (Because it’s impossible to know everything about money!) We'll also discuss why surrounding yourself with other financial people can sometimes warp your perspective of what clients actually need.

By the end of this episode, you'll have a new mantra: "I know enough today. I have more to learn. Both of these things can be true at the same time."

So if you're ready to stop letting knowledge gaps hold you back and start helping people with what you already know, tune in. It's time to meet yourself where you're at and get busy coaching!

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 69: Financial Coaching Models Cheat Sheet: Pt 1
Episode 70: Financial Coaching Models Cheat Sheet: Pt 2
Episode 71: Financial Coaching Models Cheat Sheet: Pt 3
Episode 27: Understanding the Stages of Learning for Financial Coaching

It's time to learn the tools that will help you get to know your clients better so you can support them in new ways. In this final episode of the Coaching Models Series, we're looking into the world of self-assessment tools and how they can help you gain valuable insights about yourself and your clients.

Join me as I dive into popular tools like Human Design, Myers Briggs, DISC, Strengths Finder, Kolbe, the Four Tendencies, and Enneagram. We'll discuss how these tools can shed light on personalities, strengths, weaknesses, and more, but also how to use them wisely - as a guide, not a crutch.

I'll share personal stories and examples of how I've used tools like Kolbe in my own coaching practice and with clients, particularly in scenarios like struggling to connect with a client, helping a client in a bit of a funk, or better understanding clients during career transitions.

But here's the thing - these tools are meant to provide insights, not definitive answers. It's crucial to encourage your clients (and yourself!) to see them as a fun way to learn and grow, not a limitation or a box to fit into.

So, whether you're a seasoned coach or just starting out, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical tips to help you navigate the world of self-assessment tools and take your coaching to the next level.

Plus, stick around until the end where I share a personal story about how a limiting belief held me back in my business and how my family creed helps guide my life and work.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Coaching Cheat Sheet

Being a good financial coach means you’re constantly learning and growing with your clients. You have the tools in your toolbox to offer clients what they need, when they need it.

This week is part two of our series on proven coaching techniques that can help you guide meaningful client conversations and grow your business.

We cover a range of coaching models, including OSKAR and OSCAR, which are solution-focused approaches; ACHIEVE, a 7-step process for creative problem-solving; and FUEL, designed for clients who want more control in the coaching process.

Plus, we discuss the Conscious Competence Model, Zone of Exploration Coaching Tool, Obstacle Analysis Grid, and SBI Feedback Model – all essential tools for understanding your clients' journeys and helping them navigate obstacles.

We even touch on the controversial topic of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and share some important cautionary notes.

Whether you're a seasoned financial coach or just starting out, this video will provide you with a wealth of knowledge and practical tips to enhance your coaching skills.

Remember, mastering these techniques takes time and practice. Use our cheat sheet to guide your learning journey and have fun exploring how these models can transform your client conversations!

And be sure to download our FREE Coaching Cheat Sheet to follow along and explore these methods in-depth.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 27
Coaching models cheat sheet
Episode 22
Episode 23
The Tao of Coaching
Episode 69

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Are you ready to take your financial coaching skills to the next level? In this video, I'm diving deep into what it truly means to be a student of your craft and sharing my secret sauce for continuously growing as a coach.

I'll reveal my powerful framework for developing your abilities in three key areas: financial strategies, coaching methods, and business acumen. Plus, I'm giving you a special gift - a comprehensive cheat sheet packed with proven coaching techniques and concepts that you can start exploring and applying right away!

From positive psychology to neuroscience, emotional intelligence to cognitive behavioral coaching, this video covers a wide range of topics designed to help you become the best financial coach you can be. I'll also share specific coaching models like GROW, CLEAR, transactional analysis, and the Gestalt cycle of awareness, giving you a diverse toolkit to draw from when working with clients.

But that's not all! I'll let you in on the magic formula for creating tailored financial coaching concepts that truly resonate with your clients. Trust me, this is a game-changer.

Whether you're a seasoned financial coach or just starting out, this video is packed with invaluable insights and actionable tips to help you level up your skills and better serve your clients. So, grab a pen and paper, download the cheat sheet, and get ready to embark on a journey of continuous growth and improvement!

Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more content designed to help you become the best financial coach you can be. Together, let's master the art of financial coaching and empower our clients to achieve their goals!

Download the coaching techniques cheat sheet here: financialcoachacademy.com/coachingcheatsheet

financialcoaching #coachingtechniques #financialliteracy #financialeducation #moneycoach #businessgrowth #personaldevelopment #financialfreedom

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group
Episode 18
Cheat Sheet
Episode 40 - spending triggers
Toolkits

Coaching is a $2.85 BILLION dollar industry, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, between 2015 and 2019, the number of professional coaches increased by 33% - and the industry is continuing to grow, which means that understanding how to “be a coach” isn’t enough - you need to be a great coach, so today, I’m going to help you understand the differences between “good” and “great” coaching.

And, not surprisingly, that starts with owning what you do not know. Having a healthy level of curiosity is incredibly important as a coach, especially for financial coaches. Admitting that you have a knowledge gap - or that a question is beyond the scope of your agreement - will not only help you to maintain your client’s trust, it also shows them that you’re willing to learn alongside them.

Additionally, it’s important to focus on your client’s thoughts and feelings, not your own - which will help the client to make decisions that are important to them as you support their growth and development of better money management.

One of the biggest mistakes financial coaches make when they’re first starting out isn’t what you might think.

We all spend a lot of time in trial and error, and for good reason. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t. But it’s important to be strategic about how you look at your results and how you decide on what to try next…and when.

This week on the podcast, we're looking at the difference between erratic trial and error and strategic trial and error. Erratic trial and error is when you make too many changes at once, hopping from one thing to the next without really analyzing the results. Strategic trial and error, on the other hand, is about making small, calculated changes and carefully studying the impact.

I'm sharing some real-life examples of how this plays out, both for financial coaches and for our clients. You’ll hear why analysis is so crucial in the trial and error process, and how it can actually boost your creativity and innovation as a business owner.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, unsure of where to start, or like you're just guessing all the time - this episode is for you.

After listening you’ll be able to approach your business decisions in a more strategic way, so you can stop spinning your wheels and start seeing real, consistent results.

Plus, I'm sharing my #1 recommendation for new financial coaches who are just starting out. Hint: it's all about starting with a proven framework and then making strategic tweaks as you go.

So if you're ready to stop spinning your wheels and start building a successful financial coaching business, tune in now!

Links & Resources:
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join Financial Coaches Unite!

If you've ever struggled with the "ick" factor when it comes to selling your services, this episode is for you. I know firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate sales conversations, especially when you're just starting out. That's why I'm excited to share some insights that have completely transformed the way I approach sales in my own coaching business.

In this episode, we'll dive into the 5 key ingredients you need to infuse into your sales conversations to make them feel good AND effective. These are the same strategies I teach in my "Selling with Integrity" module inside the Financial Coach Academy®, and they've helped countless coaches boost their confidence and conversion rates.

But here's the thing: this isn't your typical sales advice. We're not talking about high-pressure tactics or awkward scripts. Instead, we're focusing on building genuine relationships, educating our clients, and inviting them to take the next step in their journey with us. It's all about creating a win-win scenario where both you and your client feel great about the decision.

So if you're ready to ditch the ick and start selling with ease, grab a notebook and tune in!

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join Financial Coaches Unite!
Financial Coach Academy®

You didn’t go into business to be a marketing pro, right?

But here’s the thing: Marketing is the lifeblood of any successful financial coaching business. Without effective marketing strategies, even the most talented coaches struggle to attract clients and make a meaningful impact.

The good news is that boosting your marketing efforts doesn't have to be a daunting, time-consuming task. With the right hacks and a willingness to start, you can optimize your approach and see real results.

In this video, I'm sharing 14 powerful marketing hacks that we shared with the coaches from our most recent cohort of the Client Creator Challenge. These hacks are designed to fill in the gaps and create a more effective client attraction strategy, whether you're just starting out or looking to fine-tune your existing efforts.

From leveraging testimonials and capturing client results to nurturing referral relationships and crafting compelling calls-to-action, I'll walk you through each hack step-by-step. The key is to choose one area to focus on and continuously refine your approach. As you implement these hacks consistently, you'll start seeing the growth and traction you've been working towards

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join Financial Coaches Unite!
Episode 9: How do I get clients as a financial coach?
Episode 28: Why aren’t you getting more clients?
Client Creator Challenge

Financial coaching for married couples is a different skill set from working with individuals. For one thing, there are two people with two different mindsets and values around money at play.

This week, I sat down with David Peterson, the founder of Married Money Financial Counseling, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of working with married couples on their finances. If you've ever felt stuck trying to help couples get on the same page about money, this episode is for you!

David brings a wealth of experience to the table, having spent years combining his background in ministry-based marriage counseling with his passion for financial coaching. He shares his hard-won insights on how to break through communication barriers, foster deep connection, and help couples create a shared vision for their financial future.

This episode is packed with practical tips and strategies you can start using today. From the power of active listening to the transformative potential of weekly money meetings, David breaks down his proven approach step by step. He even shares his top questions for getting to the heart of a couple's financial challenges and reveals when it's time to refer out to a therapist or other professional.

Whether you're a seasoned financial coach or just starting out, this episode will give you the tools and confidence you need to make a real difference in the lives of the married couples you serve. So grab a notebook, settle in, and get ready to take your coaching to the next level!

Links & Resources:

Download the active listening guide for this episode
Married Money Financial Counseling
Ultimate Growth Guide
Join Financial Coaches Unite!

As you grow your business, you’ll likely have a goal that is tied (loosely or directly) to that illusive “6-figure year.” While this is a great goal to have, there are a lot of coaches out there who make achieving that “6-figure” dream far harder than necessary. They focus their attention on things that feel productive (like trying to be everywhere on social media, taking yet another course (you know, just in case!), or jumping from task to task, but never really finishing anything.

This is a recipe for disappointment and will slow down your business growth (I promise). Instead, if you want to achieve that 6-figure revenue, you need to focus your attention toward the activities that actually showcase your knowledge and help your future clients identify that you are the solution they’ve been looking for.

Links and Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Join the Facebook group

Are you a financial coach looking to help your business owner clients navigate the complexities of paying themselves?

Many business owners struggle with separating their personal and business finances, leading to cash flow issues and difficulty in determining a proper paycheck. As a financial coach, your role is crucial in helping them untangle this web and establish a solid foundation for growth.

This episode is the third in a three-part series about financial coaching for your business clients. We’ve talked about separating business and personal finances and determining a tax estimate.

This week, we’re digging into the most important next step: how to pay yourself as a business owner.

Implementing a solid financial management system with clients is essential to long-term success and we’ll walk through what that looks like, step by step. This includes looking at how to determine what a client needs to pay themselves and how to leverage the business’s revenue to do just that.

From refining payment methods and tax strategies to analyzing pricing models and developing growth plans, you'll have a toolbox full of techniques to help your clients thrive.

So, if you're ready to take your financial coaching to the next level and empower your business owner clients to pay themselves with confidence, this episode is for you. Tune in now and discover the secrets to unlocking financial success for your clients!

Links & Resources:

Join our free Facebook group!
Ultimate Growth Guide
Get your financial worksheets here

Be sure to catch the whole series on financial coaching with business owners.

As a financial coach, I've witnessed firsthand the chaos and stress that can arise when business owners intertwine their business and personal finances. By guiding clients through the essential step of separating the two, we lay the foundation for financial clarity and strategic decision-making.

This week on the podcast, I walk you through the line-by-line analysis of personal and business financial worksheets (link below!), highlighting common expenses that often blur the lines between the two. From cell phone bills and vehicle expenses to health insurance premiums and tax filing fees, we explore the nuances of categorizing these costs effectively.

One of the key takeaways is the importance of determining the business owner's necessary paycheck amount to cover personal expenses. This figure serves as a starting point for creating a structured financial plan that alleviates the overwhelming pressure many entrepreneurs face.

We also touch on the delicate balance between the cash flow of a business and the tax deductibility of expenses, emphasizing the significance of seeking guidance from a trusted accountant. By collaborating with tax professionals, we can ensure that our clients are making informed decisions and optimizing their financial strategies.

Throughout the episode, I share insights and tips to help financial coaches navigate this process with their own clients. By meeting business owners where they are and providing clear, actionable advice, we can empower them to take control of their finances and build a solid foundation for long-term success.

Whether you're a seasoned financial coach or just starting your journey, this episode is a must-listen. Join me as we explore the transformative power of separating business and personal finances and discover how you can guide your clients towards financial clarity and peace of mind.

Links & Resources:

Ultimate Growth Guide
Get the financial worksheets here!

Are you tired of seeing small business owners struggle to pay themselves consistently? As a financial coach, it's crucial to provide practical, real-world advice that goes beyond manifestation fluff and the hyper-focus on making money.

Instead, the key is to help your clients understand their business finances and create a clear separation between their business and personal expenses.

Introducing this concept early in the coaching process with business owner clients is essential. By separating business and personal finances, you can provide clarity on the business's financial situation and offer more specific strategies and coaching. Something I walk through, step by step, in this week’s video.

Getting into the mind of your client is crucial. Business owners often express challenges like not having enough clients or needing to control spending, but the actual problem may be unclear due to the commingling of business and personal finances.

By following a three-step process, which you’ll learn here, you can help your clients gain a foundational understanding of their business and strategize solutions.

Links & Resources:

Episode 47 - Navigating the Client Journey
Cashflow Planning and Control for Small Business Owners - scroll to the bottom
Episode 39 - Your Financial Crystal Ball: The Plan Ahead Method
90-day Financial Coaching Program Toolkit

Sometimes it’s people outside our industry who have the biggest impact on how we grow and develop our values and our businesses. This is true for me, and this week I’m sharing more about the person who has helped shape how I conduct business and work with clients every day.

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing how Bryan Stevenson -- the renowned lawyer, activist and author behind Just Mercy and the Equal Justice Initiative -- ended up becoming one of the most influential figures on my financial coaching philosophy and methods.

While Stevenson's work confronting injustice in the criminal justice system may seem unrelated to money, his ideas around the power of proximity, leading with empathy, instilling hope in suffering, and fighting for human dignity have transformed how I view my role and approach clients.

In the episode, I’m exploring the key lessons from this modern-day hero that became foundational pillars, such as intimately understanding people's struggles for true impact, seeing the full nuanced humanity in each person, and making justice and restoration my driving mission.

You'll hear how Stevenson's philosophy allowed me to shed limiting beliefs to find the courage to offer transformative high-level and high-touch support.

By the end, you'll understand why this visionary activist, despite having no direct finance ties, became one of my most influential mentors for creating meaningful, lasting impact.

Links & Resources:

Cash Flow Planning and Control for Small Business Owners (scroll to the bottom)
Ten Percent Happier: How to Keep Going When Things Get Hard
We Need to Talk About Injustice TED Talk
True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Inequality documentary
The Power of Proximity CEO Initiative
Financial Coaches Unite Facebook group

I don’t usually play favorites, but this topic is one of them. Probably because I’m someone who wasn’t celebrating my own wins… I was just moving on to the next goal. And, if your clients are like me, this can be a long-time habit that they’re not even totally aware of.

This is often the case when you’re coaching someone who holds themselves to a very, very high standard. They’re not not celebrating… but they did it, and they still have farther to go, so they need to get going. No time to waste.

As a great financial coach, you already know how important acknowledging the wins that your client achieves — not just saying “okay, that’s done,” but actually celebrating.

Join me as we discuss how to help your clients who may feel like “celebrating” is the same as “yup, checked that off the list” see the difference and start FEELING their success

This week we’re looking at the transformative concept of the Financial Progress Number, a journey at the heart of helping clients create true transformation in their finances. This touches on something deeply personal and empowering for each client, tracking their financial health and making it relatable to them.

The idea for this topic comes from the idea of a savings rate, which isn’t very intuitive for most clients. So in this episode, I’m redefining the savings rate in a way that makes sense for even your most resistant or frustrated client. We'll walk through calculating the Financial Progress Number, making the process accessible and empowering, even for business owner clients facing unique financial challenges.

The core of our discussion focuses on the potential for improvement and the actionable steps toward making meaningful changes. Understanding and enhancing savings rate can significantly impact your clients’ financial well-being.

Whether you’re a financial coach looking to deepen client relationships, a business owner aiming for financial growth, or someone curious about financial planning's potential, this episode offers valuable insights. Listen in to explore the Financial Progress Number and see how it can change your approach to financial health and progress.

Links & Resources:

Episode 17: Financial Coaching 101
Get your Savings Rate Calculator & Handout
Federal Savings Rate

If you’ve ever felt like there’s not enough time to get everything done in your financial coaching business, you’re not alone. Starting a business is tough, especially when you're trying to do it on the side of a 9-to-5.

This week on the podcast, we're sharing some golden nuggets on how to efficiently split your time between the essential tasks: working ON your business, snagging those crucial clients, delivering knockout coaching sessions, and keeping your own learning game strong. Plus, we've got a killer time allocation strategy that’s perfect for anyone in the early stages of their coaching journey.

We're challenging the notion that more hours equals better results. With our practical tips, you can make those precious hours count, focusing on what truly moves the needle in your business.

From the must-do client attraction activities to avoiding the common pitfalls that trap new coaches, we're laying it all out there. And because we know how overwhelming it can be, we’re also sharing a list of key podcast episodes that are game-changers for upping your client game (you can check out the links to those below!).

Links & Resources:

Episode 49: The Power of a Financial Coaching Program
Specialty Toolkit: A 90-Day Financial Coaching Program
Ultimate Growth Guide
Episode 9: How Do I Get Clients as a Financial Coach?
Episode 25: Building Trust in Financial Coaching with the Trust Triad
Episode 28: Why Aren’t You Getting More Clients?
Episode 34: How to Talk About What You Do as a Financial Coach
Episode 43: How to Get More Coaching Clients from Social Media
Episode 44: Identify & Craft Your Why for Financial Coaches
Episode 52: Real Talk on Social Media for Financial Coaches
Episode 53: How to Get More Referrals from Your BNI Membership
Episode 56: How to Use YouTube as a Marketing Strategy

Recurring revenue is a boon to your financial coaching business, and one way to achieve that is through a periodic coaching program…after your clients go through your initial program. But since the sessions are periodic, how do you go about pricing a program like this?

Listen in to the podcast this week as I share with you the formula I use in my own coaching practice, Fiscal Fitness Phoenix.

Pricing not only affects the sustainability of your coaching business but also reflects the value you offer to your clients. This look into pricing is about more than just numbers; it's about strategy, perception, and value. I dissect additional time considerations, including the often-overlooked aspects of client support between sessions, and how these elements contribute to your overall service package.

This episode doesn't just tell you what to do; it equips you with the mindset and tools to navigate the complexities of pricing with ease and confidence.

Listen in now!

Links & Resources:

Episode 49
Episode 50
Episode 51
Ultimate Growth Guide

I’ve seen clients struggle with student loans since I first started financial coaching 15 years ago. And with all the recent changes in student loan forgiveness rules, I knew I wanted to share more on the podcast so coaches were better informed when working with clients.

But I also knew my own limits. I’m not an expert in student loan forgiveness, David Gourley, a Financial Coach Academy® alum, is.

This week on the podcast, David is sharing his knowledge on loan forgiveness, how to translate some of your student loan data, why some loans are being forgiven and others aren’t, why it’s important to take action, what to watch out for with your Parent PLUS loan, and more.

Even if you don’t coach clients on student loan forgiveness, knowledge is power. Knowing where to turn for help or where to refer your clients to is incredibly important.

Links & Resources:

Teach Plan Retire
Connect with David on LinkedIn
Follow David on X

You’ve been working HARD to grow your business: you’re consistently generating 6-figures in revenue. You’ve got a full (or nearly full) client roster. Financial Coaching is most likely your primary (or only) source of income. You’ve been putting systems and processes into place to make sure that pricing, naming, and marketing are consistent. You’re doing good…but you want to keep growing.

And, if you want to level up, you’ve likely realized that the strategies and practices that got you to where you are, are not the same strategies that you need to reach your new, upleveled goals.

You need to create leverage and figure out how to scale - but how? A group program? A course? Hire associate coaches? Find a business partner? Get paid to speak? Host in-person or destination events?

The choices can be overwhelming, and often, we’re simply too close to see what needs to happen for our next steps.

There’s a lot of talk around YouTube and using it as a marketing tool for financial coaches. I use it as another place to distribute this podcast, but I’m far from an expert. So this week on the podcast, I invited Psy, a fellow financial coach and YouTube user to help me talk about who it’s for, how to get started, and what tools someone needs to use it effectively.

Psy has been posting regular videos to YouTube for over two years now and has almost 30k subscribers as of this posting, so he knows a thing or two about using the platform to promote his financial coaching business…and has helped thousands of others along the way.

If you’ve ever thought about starting to publish videos for your business, Psy just might give you the push you need!

Links & Resources:

FIRE Psy Chat

What does it really mean to be a financial coach in integrity with what we do? This week on the podcast, we’re tackling this head-on, talking about the realities behind what's often seen but seldom spoken about. It’s the challenges behind coaches coaching coaches (say that three times fast!) and staying in integrity with how we market ourselves and being open and transparent with clients.

In this episode, you’ll hear some real-life examples of the vulnerable (and the ick) when it comes to coaches coaching coaches and I hope you hear my invitation to really think about your own role as a financial coach. How do you balance ambition with honesty? How do you navigate the complexities of scaling a business while staying true to your mission? These are just a few of the ideas you’ll hear, as well as my own answers to these questions.

So, if you're curious about what it really takes to uphold integrity in financial coaching, if you're looking to find a balance between your financial acumen and your coaching spirit, or if you're simply seeking a heart-centered approach to this profession, this episode is for you.

Tune in to discover insights that could redefine your approach to financial coaching. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one!

Links & Resources:

Episode 49: The Power of a Financial Coaching Program
Financial Coaches Unite

Ever wondered what's really moving in the financial coaching industry these days? If you’re in the thick of your business, working hard to grow, you may not feel like you have time to stay on top of how the industry is growing and changing.

That’s what I’m here for! This week on the podcast, I’m sharing some of my own experiences--what I’m seeing and hearing in financial coaching. These are completely my opinion, not based on any industry stats. Just some real talk.

I'm chatting about how financial coaches and advisors are working together now, and it's pretty exciting. There's also a big shift happening where people are starting to see money as more than just numbers – it's about our feelings and life choices too. Sounds about right!

And, I've got some honest thoughts about different types of financial coaching companies. Some are great, some... not so much. Plus, you wouldn't believe how financial coaches are starting to pop up in places like banks.

This episode is all about sharing what I've seen and learned, and maybe it'll get you thinking differently about our work. So grab a coffee, settle in, and give it a listen. It's just a casual chat about the stuff we deal with every day.

Links & Resources:

Episode 5: Can I Make a Living as a Financial Coach?
Financial Coaching Toolkit
The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly

The Dream Manager

Starting out as a financial coach, I quickly realized the power of networking. I joined BNI, a global networking group, and what I found (and learned) was invaluable. It wasn't just about the referrals, which were great, but also about mastering the art of networking and building enduring connections within the financial industry and the local community. This journey of mine has been filled with learning and growth, and I'm thrilled to share it with you.

In this week's podcast, I’m sharing how to select the perfect networking group for your financial coaching business. I'll cover everything from identifying the right group and the key questions you should be asking, to strategies for effectively utilizing both your time and financial resources in these groups.

Don't miss out on this episode – it's packed with insights and practical advice for making networking a cornerstone of your business success. Tune in today for an enlightening discussion!

Links & Resources:

Business Networking International

When you start your business, you often go in with rose-colored glasses. You have an unshakeable positive outlook…oftentimes because you just don’t know any better. And then things get real. Usually really fast. And what you thought your journey would look like feels like a long time ago. If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone - when I first started my business, I was incredibly naive - I imagined having consistent, predictable, steady growth year after year.

I thought I’d simply create a product, offer it to my (obviously) thousands of raving fans, sell out immediately, lather, rinse, repeat. If only I’d realized how truly messy this whole business building journey can be (and still is). Looking back, the things I thought I wanted rapidly fell away, and I realized that what I actually wanted from my business was something entirely different.

Social media can feel overwhelming, frustrating, inspiring, and like a time-suck…all at the same time. As business owners, we need to come to terms with it and find out how it fits into our own lives and businesses. Instead of letting it rule us.

This week on the podcast, I’m sharing more about the often-misunderstood world of social media from my own perspective. You’ll hear some real-life hits (and misses!) about how social media has impacted the way I do business.

This episode is not just stories; it’s a journey to uncovering the true impact of social media in our field. I explore how easy it is to make snap judgments based on someone's online profile and question how this influences our perception of success, both of others and ourselves.

Discover how setting boundaries with social media can lead to more meaningful interactions and why it's okay to chart your own path, even if it strays from conventional social media strategies.

Tune in for an episode filled with honest reflections, practical insights, and a fresh perspective on leveraging social media for your financial coaching business. Whether you're a social media enthusiast or skeptic, there’s something in this episode for everyone looking to navigate these digital waters with confidence and authenticity.

Links & Resources:

Join the mailing list!

Are you coaching clients so they no longer need you? I think that’s a perspective that’s not good for the health and growth of your business. Client acquisition is one of the most time-consuming and expensive parts of working with clients. So if you’re constantly sending clients on their way after a few months of coaching, you’re doing a disservice to your clients, yourself, and your business.

This week on the podcast, we’re wrapping up our Ultimate Growth Guide series by talking about what comes next in your client journey. Because there is, in fact, a next step.

Money will always be there for your clients and as they work through their initial challenges and goals, new ones are bound to come up. And your clients will need help navigating those, too.

Listen in as we explore what this might look like for you so you can wrap your mindset around this next step and create a business and life you love.

Links & Resources:

Financial Coach Academy®
Client Creator Challenge

Imagine transforming your financial coaching practice from a part-time side hustle to a thriving, 7-figure business. This week on the podcast, I share my personal experiences and insights, taking you through the highs and lows of my journey and the lessons learned along the way. It's a story that's not just about success but about the real, gritty process of getting there.

This episode is part of the Ultimate Growth Guide series, where I take you through the client journey step by step. Here we’re talking about what goes beyond the surface, offering strategies and wisdom that can reshape your approach to coaching.

It’s important to go beyond the coaching sessions themselves. The art of effective offboarding is a crucial but often overlooked aspect of the coaching process. It's about leaving your clients with a sense of achievement and clarity about their financial future, a skill that every coach should master. And, of course, building an offer that comes next. Because your clients shouldn’t always need you to make their financial dreams come true.

Tune into our latest podcast episode for a blend of personal stories, professional insights, and practical advice that will leave you motivated and equipped to transform your financial coaching journey.

Links & Resources:

Client Journey Roadmap
Client Creator Challenge
Ultimate Growth Guide Series

Creating next steps for your clients is essential to making the sale and growing your financial coaching business. This week, we’re taking the next step in our Ultimate Growth Guide series, focusing on the benefits of a structured coaching program for both coaches and clients.

In this episode, you’ll learn more about what a coaching program is and how it's different from casual check-ins or basic courses. It's a comprehensive approach that helps clients achieve specific financial goals while providing continuous, personalized support.

For coaches, a well-structured program means better planning of time and income, stronger client relationships, and increased confidence in coaching abilities. We’ll also spotlight the importance of truly believing in your program’s effectiveness and confidently presenting it to clients.

Listen in for practical advice on tailoring your program to different client types and keeping the focus on key outcomes. This the next step in your guide to creating a coaching experience that's impactful for clients and profitable for your business.

Starting a new career can be a challenge. In many instances, we have the opportunity to learn from a mentor or manager who can guide us in the right direction. And while I serve as a mentor for financial coaches, few have actually experienced or witnessed a financial coaching session.

So I was thrilled when a member of our online community agreed to allow me to record a coaching session as I coached her around a financial decision she was trying to make. See, she had asked for input from our online community but received so many different responses she was actually further from a decision than before.

I hope you’ll tune in to this bonus episode and hear how we walk through Lydia’s decision. I share a bit of what pre-work I did before the session and why I approached the session like I did.

Please pardon the audio quality; this is the first of what I hope to be a number of examples of what a coaching session looks like in real time.

Clarity is probably the most important step in supporting your clients. Without clarity on their vision and goals, and without clarity on where they are right now in their financial journey, you’ll both be stuck on the next best step.

This week, we’re continuing our Ultimate Growth Guide series by sharing what happens during the Discovery Session with your clients. I’ll show you the path from clarity to effective coaching to taking action and teeing up future coaching with you.

Not only will you take away some theoretical advice, I’ll give you a hands-on approach to establishing rapport, setting goals, and navigating through a session with ease and confidence. I share real-life scenarios and practical examples, including some sample scripts, making the advice relatable and easy to apply in your own coaching practice.

Listen in, and have a notebook handy for all the great takeaways!

Links & Resources:

Download your own Client Journey Roadmap
Watch the entire Ultimate Growth Guide series
Find out more about the Financial Coach Academy®

In our last two episodes of the podcast, I started sharing what the client journey looks like for financial coaches. This week, we’re continuing the journey as I walk through prepping for the discovery session.

It’s so important to be prepared when you go into a discovery session, and that means both you and the client need to do some pre-work. The client fills out a questionnaire, and you are knowledgeable about the information before you get on that call.

On this week’s episode, I’m walking through each part of the discovery call intake form. I’ll share with you what kinds of questions to ask, what the purpose of those questions are, and even give you some of the questions we ask in my own coaching business, Fiscal Fitness Phoenix. And I’ll also give you the six key objectives our coaches hit on each discovery call.

Preparation is so important for the discovery call, especially if you’re feeling nervous about them. But the more prep work you do ahead of time, and the more clients you work with, the easier it will become.

Links & Resources:

Get access to the client journey visual guide!

In financial coaching, the initial interactions with clients set the tone for the entire relationship. It's not just about making a great first impression; it's about laying the groundwork for trust, understanding, and effective guidance. How you handle these initial stages can make or break your success as a coach.

This week’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy® podcast is all about mastering the client journey and initial calls in financial coaching. We're diving deep into why understanding and effectively managing these early stages of client interaction is critical for growing your business and creating lasting client relationships.

Listen in and learn how to make your initial consultations compelling invitations for clients to start their financial journey with you. You’ll also learn how to focus on the benefits, rather than features, of your coaching to help motivate prospective clients to the “yes.”

Whether you're new to financial coaching or looking to refine your client engagement techniques, these tips will help you create more meaningful and productive relationships with your clients.

Listen in and become a more effective financial coach!

Links & Resources:

Get your Client Journey Roadmap and follow along.

When you first start out as a coach – regardless of the type of coaching you do – often, your first clients come from people you already know: family, friends, that one kid from high school who likes all of your posts…you get the idea.

But the magic doesn’t happen overnight – and it doesn’t happen if you don’t take the time to cultivate new relationships and expand your network. In fact, if you want to grow your business, you need to become confident in your talent – and your marketing. And you need to get outside your comfort zone to network and share what you have to offer.

On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how incredibly awkward things will feel as you start to expand outside of friends and family, and add in things like social media, workshops and presentations, emails, and more. And I’ll give you some tips for growing your coaching business, no matter where you are in the process.

No matter the stage in your financial coaching career, growth is likely your goal. Growth in helping more clients, increasing your income, and enhancing your coaching skills. In this series, we'll delve deep into navigating the client journey, focusing on crucial growth levers.

The client journey is the core of your coaching business. It's the path your clients follow to achieve progress and results, and it's your role to guide them effectively. To do this, we must understand key elements at each stage of the journey. These elements represent your levers of growth.

This week on the Financial Coach Academy® podcast, we’ll examine the client journey from various angles: the client’s perspective, the coach’s perspective, and the operational perspective.

Understanding this journey is vital for your growth as a coach. It's about recognizing how both you and the client contribute to a successful journey. Through this and the next few videos in this series, you'll learn how your business, your clients, and you grow from effectively managing the client journey. Along the way, I'll present growth checkpoints for self-evaluation and improvement in your coaching delivery. Be ready to take notes, and I encourage you to share your insights and takeaways with me via email.

Let's embark on this journey together to grow your financial coaching business!

Links & Resources:

Get your Client Journey Roadmap and follow along.

In today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, I’m going to share a life and business-boosting strategy I adopted early in my financial coaching business. Here’s the scoop: Clients don't buy what you do, they buy why you do it. This is why identifying your why is such a powerful and necessary step to take as a financial coach.

Your "Why" is the core reason that drives you to do the work you do, and it is a powerful tool that can help you connect with your clients on a deeper level. When you know and can concisely share your why at networking meetings, as a guest on podcasts, when you’re speaking on a stage, etc., you give people a reason to listen in because they’re more likely to resonate with you.

Listen in as I share some of the many benefits of knowing your why and walk you through, step by step how to craft your own “Why” story.

If you struggle with how to share what you do with others, listen in!

And don’t forget – new episodes drop on Thursdays!

Links & Resources:
Watch Simon Sinek’s TedxTalk here

Join the Client Creator Challenge waitlist today!

Want more financial coaching goodness? Of course you do!!

Follow us on Instagram

Follow Kelsa on Instagram

Join our FREE Facebook Coaching Community

Join our mailing list to get up-to-date tips, tricks, tools, and information specific to financial coaching

Design your dream financial coaching business with the best-selling Financial Coaching Playbook

Turn your dream of being a successful financial coach into reality

It’s time to strengthen your social media game!

I know firsthand how easy it is to get distracted by all the things you could be doing with your business’s social media. And there’s no shortage of social media experts and gurus telling you exactly what you should do to get the clients you’d love to help as a financial coach. Only when you do them, they don’t seem to work the way you expected.

That’s because your social media strategy is just as much an art as it is a science (sort of like financial coaching!). In this episode, we’re going to talk about the purpose of using social media in your coaching business and I’ll break down some of the most impactful and valuable forms of social media content so you can make it all feel more like YOU!

Of course, the most important goal of social media is to convert followers into clients! I’ll give you two big tips (and loads of real world examples) to help you do that. I’ll share some secrets behind crafting posts that not only capture your audience’s attention but that also will expedite the buying process.

Links & Resources:
Join the Client Creator Challenge waitlist today!

Want more financial coaching goodness? Of course you do!!

Follow FCA and Kelsey on Instagram

Join our FREE Facebook Coaching Community

Join our mailing list to get up-to-date tips, tricks, tools, and information specific to financial coaching

Design your dream financial coaching business with the best-selling Financial Coaching Playbook

Turn your dream of being a successful financial coach into reality

And don’t forget – new episodes drop on Thursdays!

**You’ve been working at finding new leads and signing new clients to grow your coaching business, but haven’t been successful. What gives?

Maybe the challenge is that you’re not finding enough leads, or maybe not the RIGHT leads. Or maybe it’s your sales process that needs some work.

It’s hard to know where the breakdown is until you’ve done some tracking of your process. There’s no quick fix until you’ve actually done the work. And this week on the podcast, I’m sharing how to find the gap through strategic tracking so you can fill it.

Listen in as I share how to gain valuable insight about your leads (or lack thereof) and help you figure out where your weakest link is so you can refine it. Once you know what the problem is, we can work on it - and that’s exactly what I’m going to walk you through in this episode.

This is a process we help clients with every January in the Client Creator Challenge*. You can* get on the waiting list for an invitation!**

Links & Resources:Episode 25: The Trust Triad: How to Earn the Trust of the People You Want to Serve

If you listened in to episode 41 of the podcast (link below!), you know that I recently made a big mistake in my business. Last week I talked about what that mistake was and this week I want to share what happened as a result of that mistake.

It’s difficult to be vulnerable in public, especially since what I discovered as I reflected on my mistake was that I had lost sight of my core principles. I was so absorbed in scaling my business that I unwittingly moved away from focusing on my clients. My mantra of 'quality over quantity' got overshadowed by an increasing obsession with numbers and rapid expansion. This shift was gradual, almost imperceptible, but its ramifications were monumental.

I’m not proud of this, but I think it’s important to share as you build your own coaching practice. I want you to learn from me.

Thankfully, I had a moment of clarity and I can now look back and realize that my most valuable lesson in all of this was understanding the difference between striving for excellence and seeking external recognition. (Ooof, right?)

Listen in this week, and I’d love to hear your own thoughts. Thank you for being on this journey with me!

Links & Resources:

Episode 41

Join the Client Creator Challenge waitlist today!

Want more financial coaching goodness? Of course you do!!

Follow FCA and Kelsa on Instagram

Join our FREE Facebook Coaching Community

Join our mailing list to get up-to-date tips, tricks, tools, and information specific to financial coaching

Design your dream financial coaching business with the best-selling Financial Coaching Playbook

Turn your dream of being a successful financial coach into reality

And don’t forget – new episodes drop on Thursdays!

We all experience failure at some point in business, but not everyone talks about it. And when I’ve heard some of my favorite podcast hosts and entrepreneurs share their own journey of overcoming specific mistakes and failures, it’s months or years later. They have the time to learn from their failures and reflect on them, gaining clarity and insights about both their mistakes and solutions. That’s valuable information.

But what I rarely hear is talk about failure when it first happens - those moments when you don’t have clarity or the wisdom of hindsight yet.

As a financial coach, you may have some perfectionist tendencies like me. If that’s the case, failure likely looks and feels pretty painful. I know because I experienced a massive mistake just recently. I had some hyper-critical, negative thoughts initially that I had to work through before I could even think about solving the predicament I found myself in.

When failure first happens, what goes through our minds and how can we coach ourselves through it? What’s the very real and sometimes ugly experience that so many of us face when it comes to making mistakes as entrepreneurs? In this episode, we’re going to explore the initial realization of failure so we can navigate it better in the future.

Links & Resources:Join the Client Creator Challenge waitlist today!

Follow Financial Coach Academy and Kelsa on Instagram

Join our FREE Facebook Coaching Community

Join our mailing list to get up-to-date tips, tricks, tools, and information specific to financial coaching

Design your dream financial coaching business with the best-selling Financial Coaching Playbook

Turn your dream of being a successful financial coach into reality

There’s a special joy that comes from those rockstar clients who are incredibly disciplined and stay with the plan. But even the most disciplined can land in situations where their smart decision-making escapes them and they fall prey to spending triggers.

It’s normal to feel some disappointment when we realize that these clients, like all of us, are human. And because you probably don’t have a single client without a trigger or two, it’s important to be prepared with coaching tools and resources that allow you to help them more effectively.

On today’s episode, I’m sharing more about the idea of triggers: what they are and how to identify them so you can be better prepared to navigate them when they show up in your coaching practice.

As a coach (and fellow human!), you have spending triggers too. Recognizing and working through them is a big step toward better supporting your clients to identify and overcome their own spending triggers. As you listen in, think about your own triggers.

Links & Resources:

Episode 17: Financial Coaching 101: Your Framework for Coaching Clients
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The income that you can make as a financial coach is quite literally up to you. According to Indeed, the Average salary for a financial coach is $59,277 – if you’re working for a company (like a bank or financial institution). In this case (working for a bank or other financial institution), you don’t pick your clients, you don’t pick or own your process, and you definitely do not have your own brand.

But, if you are self employed, or a small business owner? The sky is the literal limit on what you can earn as a financial coach. Now, as a solo financial coach, you’ll need to create or source your coaching process and create your own brand…but you have the freedom to change your methods, your pricing, and even your offers as you need or want to.

As an entrepreneur, you get to choose. Your methods, your certifications…and that choice is valuable. And yes, you have to find your own clients, but by finding your own clients, you can decide who you want to work with (and how you want to work with them).

Curious what some of our Mastermind coaches are charging and making (November of 2022)? We thought you might be interested! That’s why we asked them a few quesitns:

How many 1:1 clients do you support? 46% zero, 23% 1-3, 22% 4-10
How long to get 1st paying client: Right away (23%) or Less than 6 months (20%)

Here’s the truth: once you gain a client, they stay a client for a lifetime.

Can you guess what the key problem is for most of your financial coaching clients?

It’s a lack of visibility when it comes to our money — when you can’t see your money clearly, how are you supposed to effectively budget and manage your spending? As you already know, it’s challenging (to say the least).

One of my favorite things about being a financial coach is being able to show my clients that they’re not actually “bad” with money — they just need a better understanding of their spending. And no, that’s not as simple as just “creating” a budget…at least not what we think of a traditional budget.

Traditionally, budgeting is seen as “top down” or “zero balance,” meaning that you take a look at what you have coming in, subtract your expenses, and then magically you have “extra” that you canuse to pay down debt, increase savings, or build your retirement…and that’s all great, until you try to execute it in real life. Then one bad week can throw everything – but that doesn’t have to be the case. You’re gonna love the Plan Ahead Method, trust me.

I don’t usually play favorites, but this topic is one of them. Probably because I’m someone who wasn’t celebrating my own wins…I was just moving on to the next goal. And, if your clients are like me, this can be a long-time habit that they’re not even totally aware of.

This is often the case when you’re coaching someone who holds themselves to a very, very high standard. They’re not not celebrating…but they did it, and they still have farther to go, so they need to get going. No time to waste.

As a great financial coach, you already know how important acknowledging the wins that your client achieves — not just saying “okay, that’s done,” but actually celebrating.

Join me as we discuss how to help your clients who may feel like “celebrating” is the same as “yup, checked that off the list” see the difference and start FEELING their success

I’ve done a lot of goal setting with clients, and while this may seem like a pretty straightforward thing, when it comes to money…that’s not always the case.

Goal setting is important to demonstrate, in real time, the progress that your client is making, and if the goals are too big, or even too specific actually saying “I DID IT!” may not happen as quickly as the client wants, or if they forget to do their “goal” one day, it can be frustrating, stalling their motivation and hindering their progress.

Get excited, because we’re going to talk about a goal setting strategy that will set you AND your client up for wins and celebrations.

You’ve likely heard someone, somewhere talk about “niching” down…but you may not truly understand exactly what that is, or how to do it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to cover today. Your “niche” is just a fancy way to describe who you serve – and how they fit into the world. For example, here at FCA, our niche is financial coaches and people who want to become a successful financial coach.

“Niching” allows you to speak more directly to your intended audience – to stand out from the noise and actually get people to pay attention to your content and your message. But niching isn’t just posting something that says “calling all doctors” - it’s also about the words and images you use, as well as your established expertise.

There are a LOT of potential niches – so don’t worry, you’ll find one that you love (probaly in this episode!).

I coach financial coaches…but before I was an elite coach, I was a financial coaching client — and I know firsthand how scary it can be to invest in your first (or next) coach. And (fun fact), even if you’ve worked with a coach, hiring or working with a new coach can be just as stressful…at least at first.

So…why would a coach hire a…coach? Lots of reasons, but primarily because often, it comes down to simply not knowing what we don’t know. Hiring a coach to help you with your business can shed new light on things in your business that you may not have considered.

Raise your hand if you’ve ever ended a conversation with a potential client knowing that you’d probably never hear from them again. It’s happened to most of us in the world of coaching — and today, I’m going to help you understand the psychology behind sales so that you can help your future clients make an informed decision (even if they need to think about it!) without feeling like you’re pushy, forward, slimy, or sleazy (or a used car salesperson).

You likely decided to become a financial coach because you genuinely want to help people. And you’re in very good company. This is why it’s important to understand how you can help and sell at the same time.

Have you ever been asked, “What do you do?” only to launch into a way-too-long explanation of how you help your clients? Many business owners — financial coaches, especially — have had this experience at one time or another. Whether it’s the neighbor kid’s birthday party, or a local farmer’s market, or pilates class…you’re not alone. Sometimes you get stuck on all the cool things that your program offers…and sometimes, you get stuck trying to explain why financial coaching totally rocks… these are things that you need to master.

That’s why today I’m going to help you clearly communicate what you do so that the next time you’re asked, you can clearly communicate the value you provide in a way that allows those listening to self-identify as needing your help or think of people that could use your help.

In today’s episode, we’re going to spend our time dissecting financial literacy as it relates to financial coaching. Now, this could be a boring and dry conversation…but it doesn’t have to be!

Financial literacy is focused on education and knowledge. Financial coaching is focused on applying that knowledge and creating action steps so your clients follow through with the financial goals they’ve set.

When my husband and I were completely broke (as in, our bank was overdrawn again, broke), we hired a financial coach using a credit card. Now, this wasn’t a “for emergencies” type card - this was my husband and I making a conscious decision to nearly max out our cards (yes, plural) so that we could get a “handle” on our finances. And that decision saved our marriage.

Now, prior to this, my husband had lost his job, we had two small boys (ages 1 and 3), and we were doing “okay” financially. But without his income, the financial “house of cards” we’d built fell apart…fast.

Which led to my hiring a financial coach. Hear the whole story, and the reasons behind my decision in today’s episode.

First things first, friends: Imposter syndrome is not a thought: “I am an imposter” or a feeling: “I feel like a fake.” It’s a circumstance. And if we want to overcome it, we need to understand it…which means clearly identifying it for what it is, which removes SOME of imposter syndrome’s power.

Think of imposter syndrome as the monster behind your closet door: you sit there, covers pulled up to your chin, staring at it the door. In your mind, the monster (aka, imposter syndrome) keeps getting bigger and bigger and scarier and scarier. Finally, you muster up the courage to walk across the room and open the closet door. And instead of a monster, your cat walks out, looking annoyed that you found their hiding place. Logically, you know that it was never a monster. It was just your cat.

Get ready to shine a light on your own imposter syndrome fears and frustrations, and learn what you can do to shut it down for good (mostly).

If you’re a new coach, it can be really, REALLY tempting to start with something that’s “scalable”...which, quite honestly, 1:1 coaching is not. But, if you haven’t tested your process, the LAST thing you need to worry about is scaling.

In fact, I strongly recommend that those who are new or less seasoned financial coaches start with 1:1 clients because it’s easier, it allows you to focus on one client at a time and provide them with top-notch coaching, it allows you to hone and craft your unique coaching style, and it helps you to gain valuable insights and feedback that you may not have access to in a group or course setting.

There are a few more reasons that I feel this way, but you’ll have to tune in to find out!

When you first start out as a coach – regardless of the type of coaching you do – often, your first clients come from people you already know: family, friends, that one kid from high school who likes all of your posts…you get the idea.

But the magic doesn’t happen overnight – and it doesn’t happen if you don’t actually create opportunities to expand your network. In fact, if you want to grow your business, you need to become confident in your talent – and your marketing.

On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how incredibly awkward things will feel as you start to expand outside of friends and family, and add in things like social media, workshops and presentations, emails, and more.

I am SO excited to dive into today’s episode because I’m answering YOUR questions!! If you didn’t know you could submit your questions to me (or you have another one you’d like to ask), be sure to fill out the form located at FinancialCoachAcademy.com/podcast because I’m sure that this will not be the last AMA of this podcast.

Today, I’ll be answering these 5 totally random (team selected!!) questions:

Do you have a contract your clients sign before starting a coaching session and if so, what details are important in the contract?
Are there some techniques to help clients that have ADHD and forget to do exercises or budget?
I know fitness is important to you and I can tell you lift weights. I’m a powerlifter too. What’s your favorite lift and your PRs?
What are the administrative and/or legal steps I need to take to be a financial coach? Do you HAVE to complete an online course and get some type of degree or accreditation in this?
How do you draw the line between life coaching and financial coaching?

Tune in to learn my answers!

In previous episodes, I talked about helping the client form their own conclusion, rather than just providing them with the “right” answer. As financial coaches, our job is not to make their decisions for them, it’s to EMPOWER our clients to make their own decisions with confidence.

So when a client comes to you and asks you if they can afford a purchase, or wants to know if the decision they made regarding their budget is the right one…instead of giving a blanket yes or no, it’s better to help them feel out THEIR feelings, by asking things like, “how do you feel?” or “what factors did you take into consideration?” Remember, what YOU think doesn’t really matter – what DOES matter is that the client feels confident in their decision.

If you haven’t listened to episodes 19, 20, and 21, I’ve linked them below, and I highly recommend that you take the time!

Listen to Episode 19: https://youtu.be/OqOFRLJlFzk

Listen to Episode 20: https://youtu.be/WnZGmQUGJXE

Listen to Episode 21: https://youtu.be/5WTEmgOuvHw

Raise your hand if you’d LOVE to have more clients. If so, stay tuned, because today we’re going to talk about how to determine what your marketing efforts are actually producing, and how to adjust things if you fall into one of these categories:

→ Not enough leads are coming in.

→ You have leads coming in, but they’re not qualified.

→ You have qualified leads coming in, but they’re not saying “YES!”

Once you know what the problem is, we can work on it - and that’s exactly what I’m going to walk you through today.

Want to know how you can make money as a financial coach? Get excited – in today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, we’re going to dive deep and discuss all the creative ways you can increase your revenue (from recurring/subscription options to 1:1 work).

I’m so excited to welcome fellow financial coach, Jean Chatzky who is joining us today for this conversation. Jean is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, her latest book is Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve.

**When people hear the words “financial coach” often, they think of someone who is right there with you, coaching you through – and that’s absolutely true, but there’s so much more that you can offer as a certified financial coach.

Yes, you can absolutely work individually with your clients, but you can also offer a wide variety of programming that allows your current and future clients to engage with you in many different ways.**

From masterminds to digital downloads to courses…the options are endless. And, if you want a semi-comprehensive list, here you go:

1:1 sessions
Group coaching
Masterminds
Downloadable Content (workbooks, worksheets, e-books, etc.)
Retreats
Power Hours
Memberships/Subscriptions
Speaking

There’s a learning model that psychologists use called “The 4 Stages of Competency” which, put simply identifies the psychological state involved in progressing from incompetence to competence in a particular skill.

I find these types of models fascinating - and if you do, too - Google has a ton of information that you can look up to learn more. Now, as financial coaches, understanding this model will help you set reasonable expectations with your clients as they change their financial behavior and learn new (and better!) financial strategies.

Setting your clients up for success includes reminding them that forming new habits may be hard at first, but with consistent actions and repetition, things get easier (because they become more skilled and competent).

But when you understand the entire model, you start to be able to lead people through growth and change, because you’ll more readily recognize it (and then, you can use it in your marketing to create “AH-HA!” moments that hit home).

After years of conversations with my clients where I spend the majority of the call trying to help them make smart decisions, I realized that it typically wasn’t me or the business - which meant that attempting to weigh pros and cons wasn’t terribly effective…and it was just scratching the surface of the “problem.”

Because the root of indecision isn’t just one thing - it’s a combination of knowing the price (it’s right there plain as day), but not being able to truly quantify the benefits of the decision that they’re trying to make. The benefits aren’t always so black and white (and they’re quite often invisible), which means that each decision can’t be made based on the last - that would be like comparing apples to oranges.

After realizing this, I created a 5-step framework called the Gains Financial Decision-Making Model - and I’m going to break it down for you today.

When it comes to the mindset around posting social media, especially video content, there are two mindset shifts that financial coaches need to make.
The first major mental shift that you have to make is being able to take financial concepts, which generally come pretty easy to us, and make them easy to understand for our ideal clients.
Imagine when you, coach, are stuck in a super boring seminar or social media live stream where you scream at your computer to, "JUST GET TO THE POINT!!"
Our ideal clients can easily feel the same way and will turn off your content before it even gets to the good stuff.
The second mental shift you have to make is that "done is better than perfect." Your ideal clients are 100% not critiquing the content you put out as much as you are. We tend to get into this vicious cycle of really procrastinating to put any content out because it's not "perfect enough", so we never put out any content.
In this episode, Kelsa addresses both of these mindset shifts by sharing with you an Instagram live that she did, directly addressing her ideal clients on the financial coaching side of her business.
Notice how she communicates coming from her ideal client's perspective. Also, notice how she talks from the heart, not worrying about flubs or making mistakes.
Join our free Facebook community and check out everything the Financial Coach Academy has to offer to help take your financial coaching business to the next level.

Have you ever heard of the “Trust Triad?” The “Trust Triad” is a framework for building trust with your followers and prospects so they feel more confident reaching out to you or booking a session.

If you’re unfamiliar, get excited because we will be breaking it down today. If you’re tired of getting asked whether or not you have credentials or certifications when you’re talking about your financial coaching business, you’re not alone - in fact, the fastest way off the “do you have credentials?” rollercoaster is to build that all-important know-like-trust factor with your audience.

If you’re like most coaches, you’re getting quizzed on your “credentials” because people really like what they’re seeing…but aren’t totally sure that you’ll be able to help them. Find out exactly how to build their trust in you (and themselves) so that they will reach out to you and book a session.

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the actual demand for financial coaching. I get asked all the time whether or not the financial coaching market is “saturated”...and I have some pretty eye-opening statistics to share with you – including that 42% of people in the US are struggling financially - that's 138,000,000 people that need a financial coach.

It’s important to note that financial coaching is still a fairly new profession…and because of that there’s a lot of education that needs to happen so that the people we are called to help can actually find us – and today’s conversation is a great first step.

My first year as a financial coach was spent bootstrapping absolutely as much as possible because I only had so much time and money that I could invest in my new business.

So if you’re thinking about becoming a financial coach (or if you’ve already started financial coaching), you might be feeling like you're spinning your wheels because you’re not getting the traction or the clients you were hoping for. Or maybe you’re feeling like you’re spending all of your time trying to figure out if this thing will be “the thing” that finally works.

It’s been awhile since I started my financial coaching business, but if I’d had a mentor or guide back then who could help me understand the things that I actually needed (and to steer me away from distractions), I think that I would have spent far less time bootstrapping and far more time in focused action.

Which is why on this episode of the Financial Coach Academy® Podcast, I am going to break down what you need to get started as a financial coach - and what you don’t.

Here’s a hint: you do not need a logo, a website, or a certification. Want to know what you DO need for success? Get a pen and paper - you’re going to want to take notes.

I’m just going to come out and say it: there is NO “right way” to get out of debt. In fact, there are a number of ways that you can support your clients (or yourself) to pay down your debts - and today, we’re going to examine five of those strategies.

When I first started coaching clients whose goal was to pay off their debts, I would have ask the client to give me their financial details, which included balances, interest rates, payments, etc. Then I’d use the information they provided to create a “debt snowball” spreadsheet. Next, I’d show their spreadsheet to them and say, “see- this is how you do it,” or “see- this is what you’ll do.”

I found out rather quickly that while some clients had no problem sticking to the plan, others just couldn’t seem to stay on track. When my clients “failed” to “execute” the plan I’d given them, I dug deeper, asking them questions about what wasn’t working for them. Then I’d tweak the plan, taking their feedback into consideration, and give it back to them with the hope that it would work…this time.

I quickly realized that I had been looking at my client’s goal to pay down their debt totally backward - once I had that revelation, I stopped telling every client that they needed to “snowball” their debt. Instead, I started asking more questions to figure out which debt payoff strategy would be the best fit for the client. And it worked! My clients were more engaged - excited even - which resulted in them getting results and enjoying the process.

Let’s take a look at some of the different tactics you can use with your clients to take care of their debt.

What if I told you I don’t believe getting out of debt is a real financial goal, but I also believe it’s not the actual goal most clients have?

Stick with me…I believe that getting out of debt is a strategy that may be necessary in order to achieve the actual goal that your client has. Debt can be problematic for some folks, and yes, we may need to prioritize paying off or down the debt in order for them to be in a better position so that they can start thinking about their goals…

…but we need to stop thinking that getting out of debt is the goal - it’s not.

What is? The better position that they need to be in to achieve their dream. That means that getting out of debt becomes the method used to achieve that goal for them.

As financial coaches, it’s our duty to understand the client’s wants, needs, and desires, so that we can support them as they work to achieve those things.

That means that we may need to help them shift their perspective on their debt. It’s likely that your client has some very valid feelings about their debt - and they probably feel the need to “run away” or ignore the “bad situation” that they feel they’ve put themselves in.

But, if you can help them shift their perspective about their need to reconcile their debt to be the method they’ll use to achieve their dream goals (the ones that feel out of reach because of the debt), instead of wanting to run away, they’ll be able to see that they are running toward the ‘dream goals’ that they have. And that is a powerful transformation.

…but how do you do that? I’m breaking this down for you today.

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss what a financial coach is…and what a financial coach isn’t. My coaching journey began more than a decade ago with me working from my dining room table. What was once a little business of mine has grown into a 7-figure company that employs more than a half dozen people as of today.

While this has been my journey as a financial coach, it doesn’t have to be yours. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the financial coaching world, or you’ve been coaching for a while, we’re going to dive into financial coaching’s mix of both technical financial and emotional behavioral support as you work with your client to improve their financial situation.

Would you be surprised if I told you that your opinion on tithing, housing, eating out, travel, or clothing…does not matter? When you’re coaching, your opinions of your client’s feelings on things like tithing, travel, and clothing do not matter. Your job is to help your client understand their money - which means having candid conversations about the importance of things that, you may think are frivolous, may be incredibly important to your client.

If you find yourself wanting to insert your opinion, take a deep breath and reflect on whether or not you’re coaching…or teaching. Part of financial coaching is supporting your client as they decide what to cut back on, what to focus more on and what to let go - without influencing their opinion.

If you read the title of this episode and had an immediate reaction, you’re not alone. Dave is a marketing GENIUS, but he’s not a financial or money coach. In this episode, I’m going to break down the reasons that I believe Mr. Ramsey is not a financial coach, though you’re welcome to disagree with me - it’s your opinion that matters! All that being said, I recognize that Dave Ramsey has helped thousands of people…as a financial educator. So today, I’m going to break down what the differences are between financial coaching and financial education (and why that matters in the first place).

Coaching is a $2.85 BILLION dollar industry, and it’s not slowing down anytime soon. In fact, between 2015 and 2019, the number of professional coaches increased by 33% - and the industry is continuing to grow, which means that understanding how to “be a coach” isn’t enough - you need to be a great coach, so today, I’m going to help you understand the differences between “good” and “great” coaching.

And, not surprisingly, that starts with owning what you do not know. Having a healthy level of curiosity is incredibly important as a coach, especially for financial coaches. Admitting that you have a knowledge gap - or that a question is beyond the scope of your agreement - will not only help you to maintain your client’s trust, it also shows them that you’re willing to learn alongside them.

Additionally, it’s important to focus on your client’s thoughts and feelings, not your own - which will help the client to make decisions that are important to them as you support their growth and development of better money management.

Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could share your thoughts with your client and they immediately got you - better yet, what if you just thought something and they automatically knew what to do? If you’re rolling your eyes, GOOD! Because this is the real world, and telepathy isn’t a skill I was gifted with. This is why I developed a framework for financial coaching when I started taking on clients.

Money is a touchy subject for many people - when those same people reach out to a financial coach, it’s a huge step and a huge responsibility. Even if the clients you’re working with are “laid back” - if they’ve sought a financial coach, chances are they don’t feel 100% confident with their money skills (which is why they’re working with you!). This is important to remember because, as coaches, we have a responsibility to take our client’s thoughts and feelings into account as we work through the coaching process.

I hope you enjoy this essential information (truly, you need to know this!) and improve your skills!

When you decided to become a financial coach, you were probably just like me - thinking you’d sit down with a client, explain the ins and outs of money - and they’d immediately “get it.” In one session, they’d see the vision, change their habits, and I’d be there to support them as they had an incredible transformation.

But, as I’m sure you’ve discovered, actually coaching someone through a real financial transformation is nothing like what I’d imagined - instead of teaching (which is essentially what I thought I’d be doing), I had to learn how to be a coach. Not an instructor, not a lecturer, not…like the “well-known” financial gurus (who aren’t coaches, BTW).

Because here’s the truth: Coaching is helping a person as they become the person who creates a certain outcome for themselves. YOU, as the coach, are likely already that person - you’ve developed the skill set, the knowledge, the understanding, and the awareness to make that decision, but coaching isn’t about YOU, it’s about the client.

Get ready to dive in, because this refresher is one we all need from time-to-time.

You’ve been working HARD to grow your business: you’re consistently generating 6-figures in revenue. You’ve got a full (or nearly full) client roster. Financial Coaching is most likely your primary (or only) source of income. You’ve been putting systems and processes into place to make sure that pricing, naming, and marketing are consistent. You’re doing good…but you want to keep growing.

And, if you want to level up, you’ve likely realized that the strategies and practices that got you to where you are, are not the same strategies that you need to reach your new, upleveled goals.

You need to create leverage and figure out how to scale - but how? A group program? A course? Hire associate coaches? Find a business partner? Get paid to speak? Host in-person or destination events?

The choices can be overwhelming, and often, we’re simply too close to see what needs to happen for our next steps.

As you grow your business, you’ll likely have a goal that is tied (loosely or directly) to that illusive “6-figure year.” While this is a great goal to have, there are a lot of coaches out there who make achieving that “6-figure” dream far harder than necessary. They focus their attention on things that feel productive (like trying to be everywhere on social media, taking yet another course (you know, just in case!), or jumping from task to task, but never really finishing anything.

This is a recipe for disappointment and will slow down your business growth (I promise). Instead, if you want to achieve that 6-figure revenue, you need to focus your attention toward the activities that actually showcase your knowledge and help your future clients identify that you are the solution they’ve been looking for.

Remember when I said that I was naive when I started my financial coaching career? My naivety was far more than just thinking that things would just simply “work” because I wanted them to - I dug in and learned how to run a business, how to package (and SELL!) financial coaching, how to deliver incredible, eye-popping results for my clients (while still having fun with them). I’ve created more than 100 concepts around money – concepts that were brand new - they didn’t exist before me.

If you’d told me when I started that I’d have mentored over 500 financial coaches through our programs and events, or that I’d have helped 1,000 clients (and counting) completely change their financial future (without crazy, restrictive tactics), I’m not sure I’d have believed you.

When you start your business, you often go in with rose-colored glasses. You have an unshakeable positive outlook…oftentimes because you just don’t know any better. And then things get real. Usually really fast. And what you thought your journey would look like feels like a long time ago. If you’ve felt this, you’re not alone - when I first started my business, I was incredibly naive - I imagined having consistent, predictable, steady growth year after year.

I thought I’d simply create a product, offer it to my (obviously) thousands of raving fans, sell out immediately, lather, rinse, repeat. If only I’d realized how truly messy this whole business building journey can be (and still is). Looking back, the things I thought I wanted rapidly fell away, and I realized that what I actually wanted from my business was something entirely different.

Now that you’re a niching expert – you’re ready to put your head knowledge into real practice - this is where the “rubber meets the road” so to speak. As a financial coach, it’s important to niche - and not run away from the idea. It’s common to avoid creating a real niche for yourself because you’re afraid of someone “missing out” or “not getting help.”

Over the years, I’ve worked hard to niche down, realized it was either too far or not far enough, pivoted, and adjusted - and that’s normal. Here’s a secret – just because you niche, it does not mean that you can’t help people outside of your niche – it just means you won’t be marketing directly to them. Niching is a way to make sure that your marketing and your programming are clear, easily understood, and consistent. But if your Aunt Betty recommends you to her bestie (who is NOT in your niche), that’s okay.

Last we introduced the idea of “niching” your audience - your clients - so that you can better communicate with them and serve them. …but for some, just the thought of niching down to a “singular” ideal client is terrifying. Maybe you’re worried about limiting your prospects or potential. Or maybe you are afraid of saying “no” to someone who doesn’t match with the niche that you’ve chosen.

Or maybe you just want to help everyone. There are a whole host of reasons that may decide to make an appearance when you choose a niche - but not a single one is worth stopping your progress. And the best part? When you niche, if you find that it’s not working (or you’re not loving it), you can always pivot or shift to a different focus.

You’ve likely heard someone, somewhere talk about “niching” down…but you may not truly understand exactly what that is, or how to do it. And that’s exactly what we’re going to cover today. Your “niche” is just a fancy way to describe who you serve – and how they fit into the world. For example, here at FCA, our niche is financial coaches and people who want to become a successful financial coach.

“Niching” allows you to speak more directly to your intended audience – to stand out from the noise and actually get people to pay attention to your content and your message. But niching isn’t just posting something that says “calling all doctors” - it’s also about the words and images you use, as well as your established expertise.

There are a LOT of potential niches – so don’t worry, you’ll find one that you love (probably in this episode!).

When you first start out as a coach – regardless of the type of coaching you do – often, your first clients come from people you already know: family, friends, that one kid from high school who likes all of your posts…you get the idea.

But the magic doesn’t happen overnight – and it doesn’t happen if you don’t actually create opportunities to expand your network. In fact, if you want to grow your business, you need to become confident in your talent – and your marketing.

On today’s episode, we’re going to talk about how incredibly awkward things will feel as you start to expand outside of friends and family, and add in things like social media, workshops and presentations, emails, and more.

The income that you can make as a financial coach is quite literally up to you. According to Indeed, the Average salary for a financial coach is $59,277 – if you’re working for a company (like a bank or financial institution). In this case (working for a bank or other financial institution), you don’t pick your clients, you don’t pick or own your process, and you definitely do not have your own brand.

But, if you are self employed, or a small business owner? The sky is the literal limit on what you can earn as a financial coach. Now, as a solo financial coach, you’ll need to create or source your coaching process and create your own brand…but you have the freedom to change your methods, your pricing, and even your offers as you need or want to.

As an entrepreneur, you get to choose. Your methods, your certifications…and that choice is valuable. And yes, you have to find your own clients, but by finding your own clients, you can decide who you want to work with (and how you want to work with them).

Curious what some of our Mastermind coaches are charging and making (November of 2022)? We thought you might be interested! That’s why we asked them a few quesitns:

How many 1:1 clients do you support? 46% zero, 23% 1-3, 22% 4-10
How long to get 1st paying client: Right away (23%) or Less than 6 months (20%)

Here’s the truth: once you gain a client, they stay a client for a lifetime.

When I hear that other coaches are worried because the people who need to hire them are “broke”...it always gives me pause. Often, we apply our own logic, our own experiences, and our own financial choices to others during our sales conversations – and that’s a dangerous thing to do.

Are there people out there who cannot afford to hire a financial coach? Yes – but once you own the fact that you actually help people who are struggling financially, it’s a lot easier to accept that you get paid to help those same people.

Let’s talk about those who we cannot help – when someone is broke, living paycheck to paycheck, can’t pay their bills, and is heading for a financial disaster is never going to either, 1, be able to afford you as a coach, or 2, be willing to part with their money even if they could.

The reason is that they do not possess the required growth mindset and because of that can’t make the jump in their minds to paying someone to help them, 1, save money, or 2, pay off debt.

When you’re marketing your business, you need to share your conviction – your belief – that you can help them change their money story and write a new one.

Want to know how you can make money as a financial coach? Get excited – in today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, we’re going to dive deep and discuss all the creative ways you can increase your revenue (from recurring/subscription options to 1:1 work).

I’m so excited to welcome fellow financial coach, Jean Chatzky who is joining us today for this conversation. Jean is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, her latest book is Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve.

**When people hear the words “financial coach” often, they think of someone who is right there with you, coaching you through – and that’s absolutely true, but there’s so much more that you can offer as a certified financial coach.

Yes, you can absolutely work individually with your clients, but you can also offer a wide variety of programming that allows your current and future clients to engage with you in many different ways.**

From masterminds to digital downloads to courses…the options are endless. And, if you want a semi-comprehensive list, here you go:

1:1 sessions
Group coaching
Masterminds
Downloadable Content (workbooks, worksheets, e-books, etc.)
Retreats
Power Hours
Memberships/Subscriptions
Speaking

Financial coaching is just getting started – and I get asked all the time if people can actually “make a living” as a financial coach.

The short answer is an emphatic YES!

The longer answer is…yes, but.

Yes, but everyone starts somewhere. When I first became a financial coach, my goal was small – I wanted to make $2000 per month. I was charging $50 per session…because I didn’t see the possibility. At least, not yet.

Financial coaching is more than just helping people train their money to work hard for them – it’s about believing in yourself and your clients. It’s about confidence. It’s about transformation.

The wonderful thing about financial coaching is that you can make this amazing career into whatever suits you best – whether that’s a side hustle, part-time, or full-time. The amount of time that you invest in your financial coaching practice will (in part) determine your income.

Honestly, the biggest challenges that you’ll face as a coach are marketing yourself (which takes confidence) and understanding that your first few clients may work with you for a discounted rate (or even for free) while you get your “legs” under you.

Once you’ve got some experience, you can start charging – not for an hour of your time, but for the actual transformation that you provide – that’s where the value of your work comes from.

In today’s episode, we’re going to answer another burning question: is financial coaching different from financial advising?

The short answer is YES. While both financial coaches and financial advisors are needed in the world, financial advisors are future-focused. A financial advisor will run a variety of scenarios and your likelihood of financial success based on your investment strategies, rate of return, risk tolerance, asset allocation, and portfolio.

In contrast, financial coaches help people with their money NOW. This can get complex depending on what the client’s unique financial situation looks like. We strive to focus on the whole person – not just the financial side of their life, diving into the reasons behind their financial habits so that we can create lasting change

At the end of the day, we both help people do better and feel more confident about their money.

In today’s episode, we’re going to spend our time dissecting financial literacy as it relates to financial coaching. Now, this could be a boring and dry conversation…but it doesn’t have to be!

Financial literacy is focused on education and knowledge. Financial coaching is focused on applying that knowledge and creating action steps so your clients follow through with the financial goals they’ve set.

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss the actual demand for financial coaching. I get asked all the time whether or not the financial coaching market is “saturated”...and I have some pretty eye-opening statistics to share with you – including that 42% of people in the US are struggling financially - that's 138,000,000 people that need a financial coach.

It’s important to note that financial coaching is still a fairly new profession…and because of that there’s a lot of education that needs to happen so that the people we are called to help can actually find us – and today’s conversation is a great first step.

In today’s episode, we’re going to discuss what a financial coach is…and what a financial coach isn’t. My coaching journey began more than a decade ago with me working from my dining room table. What was once a little business of mine has grown into a 7-figure company that employs more than a half dozen people as of today.

While this has been my journey as a financial coach, it doesn’t have to be yours. Whether you’re just dipping your toes into the financial coaching world, or you’ve been coaching for a while, we’re going to dive into financial coaching’s mix of both technical financial and emotional behavioral support as you work with your client to improve their financial situation.

Welcome to the Financial Coach Academy Podcast - a podcast for aspiring and experienced financial coaches by Kelsa Dickey, a pioneer in the financial coaching profession and CEO of the Financial Coach Academy. Join Kelsa for this in-depth podcast about all things financial coaching. She’ll tackle the most frequently asked questions about how to become a financial coach and run a successful business. And she’ll show you why financial coaching is the most rewarding way to make a living.

If you are an aspiring financial coach or have been coaching for years, Kelsa’s here to help you create a business you love that gets your clients massive results.

The Financial Coach Academy podcast is launching in mid November on Apple podcasts, I Heart Radio, Spotify and where ever else you get your podcasts. Subscribe today and get ready to fall in love with financial coaching.