Frequently Asked Questions

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

The biggest, and most important difference between a financial coach and other financial professionals is that we don’t sell products, nor take commissions for any service. We do not make specific financial recommendations on investments. That means that the information and guidance you receive is unbiased.

How do I know if I need coaching?

Your financial decisions are too important to learn as you go. Missed opportunities can mean the difference between financial security and financial unease. Because this information is not taught in schools many of us learn these skills late in life. If you are unhappy with your financial progress and uneasy in your confidence in making good financial choices, you need us!

Why do you ask for so much personal information?

We know that the most influential people in shaping our financial beliefs are our parents. We also know that as children we process what we see and hear in a way that makes sense to us as children. As adults, however, those beliefs can unconsciously hold us back, especially in financial decision-making. We ask questions that may feel personal so our guidance is useful and your results are tangible.

What areas do you cover in coaching?

Over the course of coaching, you can expect us to discuss financial goal setting, budgeting, decision-making styles, limiting beliefs, savings, retirement, investment knowledge, and types of investments. We’ll hone in on your specific needs.

I can get free financial literacy from a number of sources. Why should I invest in your programs or coaching?

With over 30 years in the financial industry assisting individual and small business clients, we offer a unique level of expertise.

My partner feels left out. Can you work with us both?

We can and we have. Our focus on women allows us to build a community where we share many common concerns. However, one of the issues we address is how to build a framework for financial decision-making and in a partnership, no framework would be complete without including working with your partner in addressing goals and behaviors.

I need your coaching but not sure how to afford it. Can I make payments?

We do take payments. Please contact us for more information.

Is your coaching the same for everyone?

We take pride in customizing our coaching (and consulting) to meet you where you are. What that means is that once we assess your current financial situation, your limiting beliefs, and level of financial knowledge, we concentrate your coaching on you and the issues important to you.

Do you host your training programs?

We do not host them. You will be directed off-site to Teachable.com, where we have set up our school, The Women’s Prosperity Lab. Every course we offer there has been written by DSS Consulting.

I already have a financial advisor, tax professional, or other professional. How do you work with them?

We are happy to sit in on meetings or to work with you on being prepared for a meeting with your advisor(s). Because we neither make specific investment recommendations nor get paid referral fees from anyone, we are not in competition with your advisors. Our job is to make sure you understand your goals and how to be more confident in your ability to make financial decisions when asked.

I’m an attorney, what kinds of guidance will you give my clients?

We happily take the tasks of organization, explaining portfolio investments, guiding questions for financial advisor meetings, and arranging for other professionals to join the team (CPA, Realtors, etc.). When an executor is overwhelmed, we step in to listen and guide.

Do you bill my client directly?

Yes, we prefer to bill directly so as to limit the hours you or your staff need to devote. However, we are prepared to go through you if you prefer. Naturally, all written materials we send to the clients can be sent to you, as well.

We are a small business. where will you make the most impact?

All studies point to an alarming lack of basic financial literacy. Unfortunately, for small businesses in particular, you can ill-afford to have employees who are too worried about their finances to concentrate on doing their jobs well. By offering financial literacy programs, the greatest impact is the cost savings by having employees who are making fewer errors or generating complaints. And, you benefit by having a more engaged workforce. Of course, your employees benefit tremendously by gaining literacy and decision-making skills in a central component of adult life.

Do you provide refunds?

We guarantee if you follow our coaching and do the work we ask you to do, you will have better financial decision-making skills and outcomes. However, if you feel that we are not earning our fee, we will cease the coaching sessions and refund the balance of your deposit.