Financial Coaching
During 9 weeks of classes, our clients learn and understand about their own psychology of money, tracking expenses, improving their credit scores and understanding their credit reports, having effective communication with lenders, and making decisions about spending, banking, savings and insurance.
During 12 months of individual coaching, clients practice their new skills and financial habits with support from their coach.
Clients’ lives are transformed through three core components:
· Accessibility:
o Removing barriers to attend class by providing free childcare, free dinner for participants and their children.
· Training and Tools:
o An outstanding trainer who establishes a supportive and interactive class cohort dynamic with participants, coaches, and FHC staff.
o Clients learn and practice tools and resources including our easy-to-use money management system.
· Support:
o Clients receive 12 months of individual financial coaching, meeting monthly with their coach to achieve their financial goals.
“What is a Financial Coach”
Coaches are ambassadors, cheerleaders, and mentors for clients in the FSP. Each coach is paired with client(s) for one year to support them with practicing new financial habits and achieving financial goals. You will be a guide for your client’s new financial life journey.
“What it Takes to Be a Coach”
Our best coaches are people who have experienced a variety of financial and life lessons. Their clients find them to be easily relatable and non-judgmental as they are patient, flexible, and authentic. They maintain their clients’ confidentiality, communicate well, and provide support with accountability. They do not offer financial advice and are not expected to be financial experts but are good listeners and ask thoughtful questions to help their client think through financial issues and develop solutions that fit his/her life. Coaches are also committed to helping their clients find answers to their financial questions and access to financial resources; consulting with FHC staff, other coaches, and other community partners.
“What Resources will I have?”
Our coaches are supported by the FHC staff, outside consultants, and the tools listed below:
• One 4-hour new coach orientation and training session
• Demonstration of coaching techniques during class by FHC’s Program Supervisor
• An extensive online database with coaches training tools and financial topics
• Quarterly coaching meetings for training and interaction with other FHC coaches
• Shared experiences among other coaches
• Alumni meetings
“If I sign up, what is expected of me?”
A new coach is someone who has never coached an FSP client before and that has not completed a full 9-week client class.
New Coach Requirements:
• Attend the new coach orientation and training.
• Attend the 9-week client class.
Experienced FSP coaches are asked to attend a minimum of 4 specific weeks of the class, as they will be matched with their client(s) during class.
All coaches meet with each client at least once a month for 12 months in person, online, or by phone, and complete a short online survey monthly for each client to report progress.
“I am Interested in Learning More!”
Reach out to Aundrea Steward by aundreasteward@financialhopecollaborative.org