Frequently Asked Questions
Real questions from real clients, before and after they’ve worked with me.
Before Your Free Q&A Call
How do I know if I actually need a financial coach?
If you’re earning well but still not sure where your money actually goes each month, if you’ve tried budgeting apps or spreadsheets but can’t seem to stick with a system, or if you know what you should be doing but can’t seem to put it into action alone, that’s usually a sign coaching would help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Most of my clients are doing fine on paper, they just want a real plan and someone to keep them accountable to it.
Is financial coaching actually worth it?
If you’re looking for a magic fix, no coaching won’t do that, nothing will. But if you’re ready to actually understand where your money goes and build a system that keeps working after our time together ends, yes. Most of my clients tell me the real value wasn’t just the plan, it was finally feeling in control instead of reactive. That shift tends to be worth far more than the cost of a session.
Do I need to prepare anything before the free Q&A call?
Nothing formal. This first call is just a conversation, come ready to talk about what feels stuck or overwhelming with your money right now and what you’re hoping to change. If you already have a general sense of your income and expenses, that’s helpful, but not required. The detailed paperwork and worksheets only come into play once you book a Money Clarity session.
I have a credit crisis or a big financial problem I need solved right away. Can you help?
If you’re facing something urgent right now, like bankruptcy, a court claim, or a debt collector threatening immediate action, that’s a different kind of support than what coaching is built for, and you deserve help made specifically for that situation. A nonprofit credit counseling agency (look for one accredited through the National Foundation for Credit Counseling at nfcc.org) or a bankruptcy attorney is the right first call. Once you’re through the immediate crisis and ready to build a plan for what comes next, I’d love to help you get there.
What if I invest in coaching and my situation still doesn’t improve?
This is actually one of the most important things to talk about upfront, because I know money can feel like one more thing you’ve tried that didn’t work. Here’s the difference: Money Clarity isn’t a generic plan you’re handed and left to figure out alone. It’s built around your actual income, your actual spending, and your actual goals, and you leave with a concrete next step, not just information. Most of my clients aren’t starting from crisis, they’re starting from “I make good money but it’s not going anywhere,” and that’s exactly the situation this is built to solve. If it’s not the right fit for you, I’ll tell you that honestly on our free Q&A call, before you spend anything.
How much does financial coaching cost?
Pricing depends on where you’re starting. My Money Clarity session is a one-time $300 investment, and it’s the best first step to see if working together is a good fit. From there, some clients choose to continue with Elevate, my 6-month coaching program, for ongoing support. We’ll talk through what makes sense for you during your session.
What if I can’t afford the session because I have too many expenses?
You shouldn’t think of it as an expense and instead think of it as an investment in yourself. Expenses are often money spent where you do not see a return on your investment. When you invest in yourself, you’ll be the one to benefit. This session will help you accomplish much more than the material things you’ve ever purchased in the past. The real question is: how much is it actually costing you to keep things as they are now?
Do you work with clients outside of Houston?
Yes. While I’m based in Houston, all of my sessions are done virtually over Zoom, so I work with clients wherever they are. No commuting, no babysitter needed, and no scheduling around traffic.
About Coaching & Working Together
What’s the difference between a financial coach and a financial advisor?
A financial advisor is licensed to sell investment products. They typically manage investments for a fee plus receive commissions on products they sell to you. Every quarter they provide you an update on your investment portfolio and the assets they manage. You’re typically ready for a financial advisor when you have some extra income and are ready to make it grow and invest.
A financial coach helps change your financial behavior, helps build your assets, and focuses more on the long term. A financial coach collaborates with you in creating your unique solutions and plans, where ultimately the decision lies with you, since you’re the expert in your own life. A financial coach will not sell you any financial products, so you can count on them to provide unbiased information. You may need a financial coach when you’ve maxed out the free resources and still need help, read books but still can’t put a plan into action, or can’t stick with a budget.
What’s the difference between financial coaching and just using a budgeting app?
A budgeting app can track what you spend. It can’t tell you why you keep overspending in the same category every month, help you navigate a major life change like a new baby or job switch, or hold you accountable when life gets busy and the plan slips. Coaching gives you a system built around your actual life, plus a real person checking in on your progress, something an app alone can’t do.
Will you try to sell me financial or insurance products after our session?
No. I don’t sell financial or insurance products, and I never will. Some people who call themselves financial coaches are actually using that title to get in the door before pitching investment products, annuities, or insurance policies. That’s not what I do. My only focus is helping you build a system and a plan that works for your life. If you ever need a specific financial product, I can point you toward resources, but I have no financial incentive tied to what you choose. My income comes only from coaching, not from anything I could sell you.
Do you provide investment advice?
No, I’m not a registered investment advisor (RIA). I do not provide any investment advice. However, I do provide education on how investing works and risk management so you can do your own research on securities and make a decision based on your findings. We can also go over the basics of asset allocation, but ultimately you’ll be the one making the decision about what investments best fit your needs.
What actually happens during a coaching session?
Before we meet, you’ll fill out a short questionnaire and an income and expense worksheet so I understand your full picture going in. During our 90-minute session, we’ll walk through where your money is actually going, talk through your goals, and build a clear, specific action plan together. You’ll leave knowing exactly what to do next, not just with more information.
I work a full time job and/or have children so I have a busy schedule. How much time is required of me?
The session is 1 hour and 30 minutes long, and we go into strategy and planning. In order for me to provide the best value during our session, you’ll be required to fill out a questionnaire and an income and expense worksheet, which can take 30 minutes to an hour to complete. These need to be submitted 48 hours before our session so we can make the best use of our time together. Sessions are typically done in the evening during the week or in the mornings on weekends, so if you work full time it won’t conflict with your schedule. Since everything is done remotely over Zoom, you don’t have to worry about commuting or lining up a babysitter.
Do you work with couples, or just individuals?
I coach individuals one-on-one, though your spouse or partner is welcome to join our sessions if that works better for you. In my experience, it’s usually one partner who naturally takes the lead on the household finances, and that’s typically who I work with directly, but the door’s open if you’d like to include them.
What specific financial goals can you help me with?
To name a few: saving up for a vacation you’ve always wanted, getting financially prepared for a life change like having a baby or getting married, paying bills on time, creating and managing a spending plan, saving for retirement, automating and improving how you manage your money, reducing debt, purchasing a new home, paying off your house faster than 30 years, or saving up enough to finally start your own business. You’ll walk away with clarity on the specific steps to take to reach those goals.
What if after the Money Clarity session I decide I’d like to continue with accountability calls and support?
I offer a 6-month coaching program called Elevate for clients who want ongoing support after their Money Clarity session. During your session, we’ll talk about whether it’s a good next step for you based on your goals.
How long does it take to see results?
You’ll leave your Money Clarity session with a concrete plan, so the clarity itself happens immediately. Real financial change, like paying down debt, building savings, or shifting habits, takes longer and depends on where you’re starting from, which is exactly what Elevate, my 6-month program, is built to support if you want ongoing help putting the plan into action.
What if I still have a question not mentioned above?
Please feel free to send me your question at info@wealthworthylife.com.