"What's the difference between a financial coach and a financial advisor?"

A financial advisor typically manages investments and creates financial plans for wealth accumulation. A financial coach helps you develop the skills, confidence, and clarity to manage your own finances during life transitions. I focus on helping you understand your relationship with money, align your spending with your values, and make decisions that feel right for your life—not just maximize returns. Think of it this way: a financial advisor tells you what to do with your money; a financial coach helps you figure out what you want to do and builds your capacity to do it.

"Do I need to have a lot of money to work with you?"

Not at all. Many of my clients come to me precisely because they're navigating transitions that affect their income—like becoming a parent, changing careers, or leaving a high-stress job for something more meaningful. My coaching is designed for people who want financial stability and confidence, regardless of their income level. If you're living paycheck to paycheck or worried you can't afford help, that's exactly when coaching can make the biggest difference.

"How is this different from therapy?"

Great question. My Master's in Social Work means I understand the emotional and psychological aspects of money. However, therapy explores the deeper roots of your patterns and feelings, while coaching is action-oriented and future-focused. We'll acknowledge the emotions that come up around money, but our work together centers on building practical skills, making decisions, and moving forward. If you're dealing with significant trauma or mental health concerns, therapy might be the right place to start, and I'm happy to work alongside your therapist.

"What if my partner isn't on board with financial coaching?"

This is quite common. Money is one of the most difficult topics for couples to discuss. I work with both individuals and couples, and some clients might start solo and later bring their partner in for a session or two. Sometimes seeing one person make progress and feel more confident opens the door for the other partner. We can also talk about strategies for having productive money conversations at home during your coaching.

"I'm embarrassed about my financial situation. Will you judge me?"

Absolutely not. Financial shame is one of the biggest reasons people avoid getting help, and this only makes things worse. I've worked with hundreds of people, and I can promise you that whatever you're experiencing, you're not alone. Part of my job is creating a safe, judgment-free space where we can look at your situation honestly and build from there. There's no shame in asking for help; there's only courage.

"How long does coaching take?"

My standard coaching program is 7 sessions over approximately 3-4 months, meeting every 2-3 weeks. This gives us time to work through immediate concerns, build new habits, and adjust your approach as you implement changes. Some clients are ready to move forward independently after our time together, while others check in periodically during new transitions. We'll talk about what makes sense for your situation during our free 15-minute consultation.

"What happens in a typical coaching session?"

Each session is tailored to where you are in your journey, but generally we'll start by reviewing what you've worked on since our last meeting, celebrate your progress, and troubleshoot any challenges. Then we'll dive into the topic or decision at hand—whether that's creating a values-based budget, planning for a career change, or understanding your benefits options. You'll leave each session with specific, manageable action steps and tools to use between sessions. This isn't about me giving you all the answers; it's about building your skills and confidence.

"Do you manage investments or sell financial products?"

No. I'm certified as a financial coach and counselor, not as an investment advisor or insurance agent. I don't earn commissions or manage your money. This means my only incentive is helping you succeed. If you need investment management or specific financial products, I can help you understand your options and find reputable providers, but my focus is on coaching you through your decisions and building your financial capability.