General

What is financial coaching?

Financial coaching is a collaborative, personalized process that helps you clarify your goals, understand your financial habits, and create a plan to use your money intentionally. It’s not therapy, and it’s not investment advising—it’s practical, empowering guidance.

Why should I pay for financial coaching when I could just figure this out on my own?

You could try to figure it out on your own, as many do. But chances are, if you’re here, you’ve already tried that. Financial coaching is about more than just information, it’s about building new habits overtime that best serve your goals, accountability to stay on track, and clarity and support through all the highs and lows.

Is financial coaching right for me?

It might be, if any of this sounds familiar:

• You’ve tried to figure out your finances on your own, but still feel stuck or stressed.

• You know what you should be doing, but making it happen feels hard and inconsistent.

• You’re tired of the guilt, the pressure, and the feeling that you’re falling behind.

• You want a plan—but not one that boxes you in. You want something flexible that is aligned with your life and what matters most.

Coaching isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about being brave enough to ask for help. If you’re looking for a more grounded approach to money—one that’s honest, encouraging, and actually works for you—you’re in the right place.

How is financial coaching different from working with a financial advisor?

Financial advisors typically focus on managing investments and long-term financial products. Financial coaching focuses on your everyday money habits, mindset, and lifestyle choices. We help you build a strong financial foundation first—before (or alongside) investing.

We do not offer specific investment advice, such as what to invest in, or what your asset allocation should be.

Do I need to have a lot of money to start coaching?

Not at all. Coaching is for anyone who wants to feel more confident and intentional with their money, regardless of income level.

My Process

What is the Plan-Ahead Method™?

The Plan-Ahead Method™ was created by Kelsa Dickey at the Financial Coach Academy®. Instead of looking back to track every dollar, the plan-ahead method focuses on proactively assigning your income toward your future goals. It’s forward-looking, flexible, and designed to align with your life—not restrict it.

What does values-based spending mean?

It means your money goes where your values are. Instead of cutting back on everything, we identify what truly matters to you and make sure your money supports that—whether it’s travel, creativity, stability, or freedom.

Can I still get out of debt or save for big goals without a traditional budget?

Yes! In fact, our method often makes it easier. By aligning your spending with your goals and automating your plan, you’ll make progress without feeling restricted or guilty.

What is the difference between the Fuel Up Session and Long-Term Coaching?

The Fuel Up Session is where you begin. This is a 2-hour 1-on-1 session with Matt, your financial coach. We’ll look at where you are now, where you want to go, and what’s standing in your way. We’ll look at your past spending and identify areas for improvement, clarify your values, and simplify your money systems. This session gives you a strong foundation to make positive money changes in your life.

Long-Term Coaching provides additional support and guidance after the Fuel Up Session. You’ll continue to meet with Matt on a regular basis. He’ll check in on your progress, help refine aspects of your personal spending plan to best serve your goals, and continue to build upon the foundations that were laid in the Fuel Up Session. Remember, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your financial freedom won’t be either.

How often do we meet?

The Fuel Up Session is a one time, 2-hour long powerhouse designed to get you started on your journey to financial freedom.

For Long-Term Coaching, we typically meet every week for a month, and then biweekly after that.

How long should I commit to financial coaching?

You don’t need coaching forever. You just need the right support at the right time to fuel you forward. For some, a single Fuel Up Session brings the clarity and momentum to move forward on their own.

Others choose to stick with Long-Term Coaching for a little while to build habits, stay focused, and feel supported through real-life changes. Long-Term Coaching typically lasts for 3 months with options to extend as desired.

What do I need to bring or prepare?

Aside from a willingness to be honest and open, you’ll need a laptop or personal computer to access the tools I’ve built for you! You don’t need to have everything figured out—that’s what I’m here for.

Is this confidential?

Absolutely. Everything we discuss is 100% confidential and judgment-free.

How do I begin?

The first step is to sign up for a free 30-minute Discovery Call where we can talk through your next best steps. You can ask questions and see if coaching feels right to you. I never pressure you to commit to more than you feel you need—instead, I offer you an open invitation to grow at your own pace, with guidance when you need it.

If we decide together that financial coaching is your next best step, we’ll get you signed up for a Discovery Call and you’ll be on your way to financial freedom!

Mindset

What if I’m bad with money?

There’s no such thing. If you've never been taught how to manage money in a way that works for you, that’s not a flaw—that’s a gap we can fill. You don’t need to be “good at money” to build a great financial life.

How long will it take to see results?

Most clients start feeling more clarity and control after the first session. Lasting results—like saving consistently, paying off debt, or shifting money habits—depend on your goals and commitment, but we design your plan to get early wins and long-term momentum.