When I think back to how my financial coaching journey started, 2013 was a turning point. My partner and I were expecting our first child, and we didn’t know what we could or couldn’t afford. That’s not a great place to be when another human is about to enter the picture.
Like many people working in nonprofit and social justice spaces in Washington, DC, we’d been focused on work without giving much thought to our financial future. We were making enough money and we were getting by, but it always felt like we were reacting to things rather than making intentional financial decisions grounded in our values.
Bringing a child into this world was probably the kick in the pants we needed to get things sorted. We talked to a financial advisor, who helped us get set up with the right investment accounts to save for retirement, and helped us figure out our cash flow and how much we needed to save for big-ticket items like buying a house. But the financial advisor could only take us so far. While they helped us figure out the numbers on a spreadsheet, it wasn’t part of their job to work with us to set goals, create healthy habits, and build a better relationship with money. We really could have used a money coach.
This is at the heart of why I became a financial coach. It’s not just about numbers on a spreadsheet. It’s about creating an empathetic, judgment-free space to help people find clarity and build confidence with their finances. I am especially in it to support folks who are doing important, meaningful work, but might be carrying quiet financial stress behind the scenes.
💬 So… what exactly is financial coaching?
Financial coaching is personal, values-based support to help you take control of your money—without judgment, shame, or jargon.
It’s not investment advice or product recommendations. It’s about helping you build clarity, confidence, and habits that work for your life.
Think of it like having a guide and thought partner—someone to help you create a plan, stay focused on your goals, and make financial decisions with more ease and less stress.
Here’s what we might work on together:
- Understanding your income and expenses
- Creating a realistic spending plan (i.e. a budget!) that reflects your values
- Building savings, reducing debt, and setting priorities
- Navigating big life transitions or decisions
- Talking about money with a partner or family
- Developing weekly or monthly money routines that actually stick
🌍 Why This Work Feels Especially Important Right Now
We’re living in a moment where financial stress is real, and for many people, it’s quietly weighing on their day-to-day lives.
Whether it’s rising living costs, student loans, caregiving pressures, or simply feeling like no one ever taught you how to manage money, it’s completely understandable to feel stuck or overwhelmed.
That’s where coaching comes in. It’s not about having all the answers. It’s about creating space for clarity, problem-solving, and progress. Coaching gives you tools, support, and accountability to help you move forward on your terms.
🔍 How is financial coaching different from advising?
This is a common question, and an important one.
Financial advisors usually work with people who have significant assets and are ready to invest. They help you grow wealth through investment strategies, insurance, and retirement planning—and many are licensed to manage your money. They certainly play an important role and should not be discounted.
Financial coaches, on the other hand:
- Work with people at all income levels
- Focus on cash flow, planning, behavior, and values
- Help you build your financial foundation and create habits that stick
- Provide guidance, encouragement, and accountability—not investment products
✨ Who is coaching for?
Coaching is for you if:
- You want a better handle on your money, but aren’t sure where to start
- You’ve tried budgeting tools but need something more personal and consistent
- You’re going through a change (job loss or transition, growing family, big move)
- You want support that’s encouraging, not overwhelming
- You’re ready to align your finances with the life you want to build
You don’t need to be “good with money” to begin. You just need to be ready to take the first step.
Curious if coaching is right for you?
Let’s talk. I offer a free 20-minute, no-pressure consultation so we can connect and see if it’s a good fit.
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