Financial Coaching FAQs: What It Costs, How Sessions Work and What to Expect

If you're facing one of life's big moments, a divorce, a business sale, retirement, an inheritance or losing someone close, and thinking about working with a financial coach, you probably have a few practical questions first. Here are the ones I get asked most, with straight answers.

What is financial coaching?

Financial coaching helps you get clear on what you want your money to do for you, make decisions with confidence and actually follow through. We look at your whole situation, the numbers and the feelings around them, and build a plan you can stick to.

Is financial coaching the same as financial advice?

No. I don't provide regulated financial advice or recommend specific products, pensions or investments. What I do is help you think clearly, ask better questions and get organised, so that if you do need a regulated adviser you go in knowing what you want. I've worked in stockbroking and wealth advice myself, so I understand both sides. There's more on this in Financial Coaching vs Financial Advice: What's the Difference?.

Who is financial coaching for?

Mostly people at a financial crossroads. Approaching retirement, going through a separation or relationship change, restructuring property or other wealth, or simply feeling that money isn't working the way it should. Some clients look well off on paper and still feel stuck. That's more common than people think.

How much does financial coaching cost?

A single session is £199. The Financial Clarity Package, which is three sessions, is £799.

How do sessions work?

Sessions are by video call, or face to face in my garden office in Cheadle. If we're doing more than one session I'd usually suggest meeting every two to three weeks. That gives you time to act on what we agreed in between.

How long will I need coaching for?

Sometimes one session is enough. More often it's a few sessions over a couple of months. I rarely work with someone for more than three months to begin with, and many people then check in once a year to keep the plan on track.

What happens in the first session?

We start with a blank sheet. You tell me where you are, what's worrying you and what you'd like life to look like. I'll ask questions, some of them a bit uncomfortable, and by the end you'll have clearer priorities and the first few steps. Between sessions I'll hold you to them.

Do I need to bring anything?

A rough idea of your income, outgoings, savings, pensions and any property helps, but it doesn't need to be perfect. Plenty of people come to me precisely because they haven't pulled it all together yet.

Do you only work with people in Cheadle?

No. I'm based in Cheadle and see people face to face from Stockport and Manchester, but video sessions work just as well wherever you are in the UK. If you're local, here's more about working with a financial coach in Stockport.

How do I get started?

The easiest first step is a free 20-minute call by video, to see whether we're a good fit. No obligation and no sales pitch. When something big happens in life, I'm the person to come to. Book a free 20-minute call. If you're not ready to talk yet, my free guide Money at a Crossroads: Five Mindset Shifts is a good place to start.