When Faster Progress Isn’t Better Coaching | EP 259

As financial coaches, it can be easy to measure success by how quickly the numbers move. 

More debt paid off. More money saved. A goal reached sooner.

But what if getting there as quickly as possible isn’t actually the best plan for the client?

Maria and Cody revisit a real coaching situation involving a couple who received a raise while working toward debt payoff and future goals. Instead of putting every additional dollar toward the debt, they chose to increase their giving and give themselves more room for Fun Money.

At first glance, that might look like slowing down their financial progress. But as Maria and Cody unpack the situation, something deeper becomes visible. The couple had been feeling guilty whenever they spent money on themselves. The issue wasn’t simply how much they were spending. Cody eventually recognizes that they may not have felt they deservedto enjoy the money at all.  

The conversation explores the difference between rigidity and intentionality, why an aggressive financial plan can sometimes create burnout, guilt and avoidance, and how coaches can help clients build a plan around what actually matters to them rather than someone else’s definition of financial success.

Because sometimes the fastest route to the destination isn’t the healthiest journey for the person taking it.

🎧 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

If this conversation has you thinking about how you define progress with your own clients, here are a few ways we can support you.

Start with THE Financial Coaches Network, our space for coaches to connect, ask questions, and keep growing alongside others who understand the work.

If you’re looking for a clearer path to build your coaching practice, take a look at Getting Started as a Financial Coach.

You can also join our free Facebook group, THE Financial Coaches Community, to connect with other coaches, ask questions, and be part of the conversation.

If you’d like to talk through where you are or what your next step might be, you can schedule a call with us here.

Have a question for the podcast? Email us at [email protected].

Music by Summer School.

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