The Financial Coach Academy® Podcast (Kelsa Dickey )

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.

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. 

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 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 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.

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.

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

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.

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: 

1. How many 1:1 clients do you support? 46% zero, 23% 1-3, 22% 4-10
2. 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 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.

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!).

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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! 

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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).

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

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

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. 

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

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: 

1. Do you have a contract your clients sign before starting a coaching session and if so, what details are important in the contract?
2. Are there some techniques to help clients that have ADHD and forget to do exercises or budget?
3. 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?
4. 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?  
5. How do you draw the line between life coaching and financial coaching? 

Tune in to learn my answers!

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.

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!

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). 

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. 

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.

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. 

In today's episode, Jill is sharing the steps needed for financial coaching success. She goes over the questions and analyses that she does with the Financial Coach Academy® Elite Coaches (get ready to take LOTS of notes!!). Learn how to analyze your offers, evaluate your niche, and assess your own brand presence using the questions Jill shares with you in this value packed episode.

Join the Elite Waitlist and be the first to find out when enrollment opens in this annual coaching program! 

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.

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!).

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: 

1. How many 1:1 clients do you support? 46% zero, 23% 1-3, 22% 4-10
2. 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.

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.

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

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.

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
• Join our Facebook group

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

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!

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  

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!

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

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:

• Want to hear more? Get the full Ultimate Growth Guide here!
• 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.

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:

• Want to hear more? Get the whole Ultimate Growth Guide series here!
• Get your Client Journey Roadmap and follow along. 

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:

• Want to hear more? Get the whole Ultimate Growth Guide Series here!
• Get access to the client journey visual guide!

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:

• Watch the entire Ultimate Growth Guide series
• Download your own Client Journey Roadmap
• Find out more about the Financial Coach Academy®

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.

Links & Resources:

• Watch the entire Ultimate Growth Guide series
• Download your own Client Journey Roadmap
• Find out more about the Financial Coach Academy®

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.

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:

• Watch the entire Ultimate Growth Guide series
• Download your own Client Journey Roadmap
• Find out more about the Financial Coach Academy®

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:

• Watch the entire Ultimate Growth Guide series
• Download your own Client Journey Roadmap
• Find out more about the Financial Coach Academy®

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! 

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.

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

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

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

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.

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

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 

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
  
  

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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!

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

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®

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!

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 

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
  
  

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

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

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
  
  

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

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

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

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