Question 1

What is a financial coach?

Accepted Answer

Financial coaches fill a gap in your education — because true financial literacy isn't taught in schools. This explains why brilliant doctors, bankers, and politicians may still struggle financially their entire lives. Coaches correct that academic oversight. They teach you skills and impart knowledge to help control your money so you can do what you want without guilt (like take that trip to Iceland while still paying off student loans). And, like fitness coaches, they also hold you accountable to your goals. Basically, financial coaches are like personal trainers for your bank account.

Question 2

How can I pay you if I'm broke?

Accepted Answer

The million dollar question. Many clients find room in their finances within one meeting to cover coaching fees — by analyzing finances and tracking spending. Many people are shocked to discover how they've wasted money. Simple fix: redirect that squandered income and invest in financial knowledge that has a massive return on investment.

Question 3

What if I 'suck at money'?

Accepted Answer

Then you're in the right place. I chose to become a CPA and later started Fiscal Fluency because I met many people with brilliant ideas but who lacked financial and business skills. And there was such an easy fix for that problem. Financial skills are just like any others — you learn them, apply them, and strengthen them. But first you have to learn them.

Question 4

What is a CPA?

Accepted Answer

"CPA" stands for Certified Public Accountant. A CPA is licensed by the state to give professional accounting and tax advice after passing difficult academic, education, ethical, and examination requirements, and must take continuing professional education to maintain the license. Most CPAs build their practices around tax preparation and auditing for businesses and high net-worth individuals. I'm more excited about helping you grow your business out of the garage or kitchen table than the board room.

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

Financial advisors generally assist clients with building an investment portfolio designed for your risk tolerance, and those often require considerable capital. They're usually not for the average couple trying to overcome debt. Since most advisors operate under Assets Under Management, they receive a commission off the amount you invest with them — it's difficult to earn a living off 1 percent of $5,000. I partner with financial advisors who would love to work with you, but often can't until you're ready. So I teach you about life change, and then happily refer you to CPAs, financial advisors, and other professionals who can help you take more advanced steps once you've got momentum.

Question 6

What is a business coach?

Accepted Answer

Having someone teach you the ropes to run an efficient and compliant business can save you a lot of headache (and even jail time). An effective business coach will guide you through a process that identifies blind spots, empowers you to run your specific business, and holds you accountable to your goals and long-term strategy.

Question 7

What is a Virtual CFO?

Accepted Answer

A traditional Chief Financial Officer oversees a business's finance and accounting functions, monitoring financial health to offer strategic insight and guidance. With the advancement of technology, a Virtual CFO typically uses cloud technology to work remotely and provide the same service at a fraction of the traditional cost.

The questions people are embarrassed to ask.

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