Frequently Asked Questions
What if I’m just not good with money?
Most of us were never taught how to manage money properly. However, with desire and proper guidance, you can master money and achieve a lifetime of financial freedom.
What if I’ve tried budgeting before, and it didn’t work?
You’re not alone—most people I work with have tried budgeting before and ended up frustrated. That’s because traditional budgets feel super restrictive, like a financial diet, and don’t really fit your lifestyle or goals. What you need isn’t just a budget—it’s a plan that actually works for you.
What if I’m not in financial trouble but I want to do better with money?
That’s an awesome mindset! You don’t need to be in financial trouble to want to step up your money game. Think of it like leveling up—you’re doing fine, but now you want to crush your goals and make the most of your money. Together, we can create a plan that’s totally tailored to your life, helping you focus on the areas you want to improve while setting you up to achieve even bigger things. Let’s turn “doing okay” into thriving!
What if my financial situation feels hopeless—can you still help?
Absolutely! No matter how tough your financial situation feels right now, there’s always a way forward. Feeling stuck or hopeless is normal when things seem overwhelming, but the good news is that you don’t have to tackle it alone.
What happens if I can’t follow through on the plan?
That’s a totally valid concern—life happens, and sticking to a plan can feel challenging sometimes. The good news is, a financial plan isn’t set in stone. It’s flexible and can adapt to your needs. Here’s how we’ll handle it if things don’t go as planned: If something isn’t working, we’ll revisit the plan and make changes. Whether it’s unexpected expenses, a life event, or just feeling overwhelmed, the plan can evolve with you. You’re not doing this alone. If you hit a bump in the road, I’ll help you refocus, re-strategize, and stay motivated. Accountability is a huge part of what I offer. The goal isn’t to be perfect—it’s to keep moving forward. Even small steps make a difference, and the plan is there to help you, not stress you out.
How long will it take to see real results?
The first thing most clients notice is a huge sense of relief. Finally, there's a plan in place, and the stress of feeling out of control with your money starts to fade. From there, how quickly you see progress depends on your goals and where you're starting.
Will I have to give up things I enjoy, like eating out?
Not necessarily! The goal isn’t to cut out everything you love but to prioritize and plan for it. If eating out is important to you, we’ll include it in your spending plan. The key is finding balance—spending intentionally on the things you enjoy while making progress toward your financial goals.
What if I’m embarrassed about my financial situation?
Feeling embarrassed is totally normal, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there’s no judgment here. Many people face financial struggles at some point, and taking the steps to improve your situation is something to be proud of. My goal is to support and guide you, not to make you feel bad about where you’re starting. Everyone starts somewhere!
What happens if something unexpected throws me off the plan?
Life happens, and unexpected things can pop up—that’s normal! The great thing about having a plan is that it gives you a foundation to handle these curveballs. Together, we’ll build flexibility into your budget, like an emergency fund, to help you stay on track. And if something throws you off, we’ll adjust and get you back on course. Progress, not perfection, is what matters.
What kind of results have your clients seen?
Every client’s journey is unique, but the common thread is that they feel more confident, empowered, and in control of their money.
Breaking the Paycheck-to-Paycheck Cycle: Many have stopped living paycheck to paycheck, gaining control over their finances.
Paying Off Debt: Some have eliminated tens of thousands in debt within months to a few years.
Boosting Savings: Others have built emergency funds and started saving for big goals like a home or travel.
Reducing Stress: Almost everyone experiences immediate relief from the stress and anxiety of out-of-control finances.
What’s the difference between a financial coach and a financial advisor?
A financial coach and a financial advisor serve different purposes, and the right choice depends on your needs.
Financial Coach:
Focus: Helps you build healthy money habits, like budgeting, managing debt, and saving.
Goal: Gives you the tools and guidance to take control of your day-to-day finances.
Approach: Educational and hands-on, focusing on behavior change and mindset.
Best For: People who want to get out of debt, stop living paycheck to paycheck, or improve their overall money management.
Financial Advisor:
Focus: Provides advice on investments, retirement planning, and growing wealth.
Goal: Helps you build and execute a long-term financial strategy.
Approach: Typically focused on asset management and investment planning.
Best For: People who already have their finances under control and want to grow their wealth or prepare for the future.
In short, a financial coach helps you build a solid foundation, while a financial advisor helps you grow from there. Many people start with a coach to get their financial house in order and later work with an advisor for long-term planning.
Do I have to commit to a long-term program?
Nope! You don’t have to commit to a long-term program. Some people work with me for just a few sessions to get a solid plan in place, while others stick around longer for ongoing support and accountability. It’s all about what fits your needs and goals—you control how long we work together.
How much does it cost?
I get it—money is already tight, and the idea of paying for financial coaching might feel like one more burden. In most cases, I find more than enough savings to cover the expense of coaching. It’s like giving yourself a raise. Also, I have a simple guarantee: if I can’t save you more than my fee, I’ll coach you for free or refer you to someone better suited to help.
I have more questions.
So let’s jump on a non-sales call to talk about your situation—no fee, no sales pitch, no expectations, just an opportunity to see if I can help. Schedule Here
Or, if a call feels too formal, feel free to text me at 410-937-6300 to start the conversation instead. (I know—texting isn’t usually what people my age do, but our work is designed for you, not me!)