Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an Accredited Financial Counselor?
AFC® certification marks the highest standards of excellence in the field of financial counseling and education. Accredited Financial Counselors have certified skills to assist individuals and families in the complex process of financial decision making, including the ability to:
* Educate clients in sound financial principles.
* Assist clients in the process of overcoming their financial indebtedness.
* Help clients identify and modify ineffective money management behaviors.
* Guide clients in developing successful strategies for achieving their financial goals.
* Support clients as they work through their financial challenges and opportunities.
* Help clients develop a new perspective on the dynamics of money in relation to family, friends and individual self-esteem.
What is Financial Counseling or Coaching?
Financial counseling or coaching is a process that provides you with steps, both short-term and long-term, to achieve your goals and dreams. It looks at your current financial position, compares it to your goals, and then develops an action plan to achieve those goals. The financial coaching process is dynamic, and it involves a holistic approach to achieving financial wellness. It is an intensive behavioral approach to setting and attaining goals. This is achieved by reshaping behaviors and attitudes about money.
Financial coaching is a process. Having a clear plan will help you negotiate the inevitable financial barriers that arise in every stage of life. Although all of the decisions are ultimately your responsibility, I am here to help you.
Why would I pay someone to help me with my money?
Think of a Financial Coach in the same way as you think of a Personal Trainer. We could go to the gym, but oftentimes we won’t. Even when we are motivated to go, we still aren’t motivated enough to be consistent or to push ourselves to our fullest potential. Having a coach provides you with better results, more motivation, and an accountability partner. Also, managing money is a skill similar to cooking, drawing, or playing sports. I don’t like to cook (nor am I the best cook), and when I tell someone it doesn’t devalue my self-worth or change their impression of me. But, for some reason, people are ashamed that they are a novice when it comes to managing their money. My goal is to erase the shame and embarrassment.
Who is your typical client?
I’m willing to help anyone with money concerns; however, my typical client is a single female earning enough money, but she still has financial struggles. My clients are motivated to make changes, they prefer a no-nonsense approach of coaching and expect the coach to hold them accountable to their goals.
Who is not a good fit for our services?
If you already have a budget, an emergency fund, minimal debt, good credit, and are contributing to a retirement account, you are ready to move to the next level…tax planning, investments, and a higher level of planning. You are ready for a Certified Financial Planner! You can locate a CFP® at LetsMakeAPlan.org
Do you provide investment advice?
An AFC® is not a Certified Financial Planner, Tax Consultant, an Attorney or Registered Investment Adviser. If you need these services, please consult the appropriate professional.
What is your privacy policy?
The privacy policy, as well as the disclaimer, is available on this site. Please click the links.