Money Made Human Podcast

We've introduced the idea of “niching” your audience - your clients - so that you can better communicate with them and serve them. But for some, just the thought of niching down to a “singular” ideal client is terrifying. Maybe you’re worried about limiting your prospects or potential. Or maybe you are afraid of saying “no” to someone who doesn’t match with the niche that you’ve chosen.

Or maybe you just want to help everyone. There are a whole host of reasons that may decide to make an appearance when you choose a niche - but not a single one is worth stopping your progress. And the best part? When you niche, if you find that it’s not working (or you’re not loving it), you can always pivot or shift to a different focus.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Niching Down 101
  
  

Ever sat on your couch on a Saturday night, watching a movie with your family, when suddenly you get a notification that someone just booked a session with you? But instead of scrambling to send emails and set up reminders, you can keep watching that movie, knowing everything is happening automatically—from payment processing to welcome emails to calendar updates.

That's the power of having the right systems in place. In this week’s episode, I share some hard-learned lessons about choosing and setting up business tools—including a "ticking time bomb" mistake that nearly derailed one coach's entire business.

Whether you're just starting out or feeling overwhelmed by managing multiple clients, this episode shows why keeping things simple might be your smartest move.

You'll hear real stories about coaches in the trenches, including one who was literally afraid to take on new clients because she didn't trust her systems to deliver consistently. Plus, I'll explain why that "all-in-one" platform you're considering might be the riskiest choice you could make.

Want a list of my favorite tools that keep Fiscal Fitness, my own financial coaching practice, running smoothly? Head to financialcoachacademy.com/resources.


Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

• Start small, usually with just a scheduling tool. Add other systems only when you need them.
• Keep your tools separate instead of using all-in-one platforms. It's safer and more flexible for your growing business.
• Build your systems around your client journey, not the other way around. Think of support first, then make it automatic.
• Own your tools and data. Never use someone else's account or agency model. Your business deserves its own foundation.
• Manual processes teach you what works. Learn from doing things by hand before automating.
• The less organized you are naturally, the more you need solid systems. Let technology be your strength.
• Time for better systems? When you're afraid to take on new clients or spending too much time on tasks that could be automated.
  
  

Five guitar solos blasting at once. That's how business owners with ADHD might describe their daily mental experience. While everyone faces challenges in running their own business, ADHD adds an extra layer of complexity. Instead of “only” staying organized or managing their time, they have the added layer of wrestling with a brain that sees every shiny object, generates endless ideas, and sometimes makes even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming.

The real struggle? Many business owners don't even realize ADHD is behind their daily battles with focus, follow-through, and feeling perpetually scattered.

In this conversation with my husband Michael Dickey, we share how our family's understanding of ADHD began with our son's diagnosis and led to Michael's own revelation. He opens up about the moment everything changed when he started medication: the mental chaos quieted to calm classical music, allowing him to focus in ways he never could before.

And after 17 years of marriage, I witnessed a transformation in how Michael could plan his day, communicate his thoughts, and engage in deeper conversations.

As both a business coach and someone with ADHD, Michael talks about the real challenges of trying to do it all yourself, especially those tedious tasks that feel like kryptonite. He talks about building a business when your brain works differently and shares practical tips for creating systems that actually work. You'll learn what feels like a weakness might actually be your superpower…if you learn to work with it the right way.

Links & Resources:

• Get Michael’s free goal-setting course 
• Join Michael’s upcoming planning retreat
• ADHD 2.0 by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey
• Succeeding with Adult ADHD by Abigail Levrini
• Atomic Habits by James Clear
• Getting Things Done by David Allen
• The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks

You know that feeling when you want to help people with their money, but you're stuck thinking you need another certification first? Or wondering if you really know enough? I spent years believing I needed more credentials before I could make a real difference in people's financial lives.

Here's what I learned: The most powerful thing you have isn't a fancy degree or certification—it's your desire to help people see what's possible with their money. I started at my kitchen table, talking with family and friends about their finances. Today, I help people dream again and believe in their potential, while running a business I love.

In this week’s episode, I share the whole truth about building a financial coaching business—from those first kitchen table conversations to creating a sustainable practice that works for you. We'll talk about what you actually need to know (hint: it's probably less than you think), and what to focus on first so you don't get overwhelmed.

I also walk through my simple framework that helps both new and experienced coaches create consistent results with their clients. Plus, I share why trying to figure this out alone makes everything harder than it needs to be, and how to find the right support as you grow.

Whether you're just starting to consider financial coaching or you're ready to take your practice to the next level, this conversation will help you see exactly what's possible—and your next best step to get there.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

• You don't need special certifications. Start with basic financial knowledge and a desire to help others.
• Success requires two skills: coaching clients and running a business. Learn both as you go.
• Don't get stuck learning forever. Instead, start helping one person at a time and grow from there.
• Use the EAC Method (Education, Application, Commitment) to create consistent results with clients.
• Find support. Having a community of other coaches makes everything easier.
• Start simple at first, then expand your services as you gain confidence.
  This work goes beyond money. We help people dream again and see their potential.
  
  

Even people making $250,000 a year can live paycheck to paycheck. As a financial coach, I've learned that money struggles don't discriminate—and that's exactly what we're talking about in this week’s podcast episode.

I'm pulling back the curtain on my 16-year journey from helping coworkers at my kitchen table to building a full-time coaching business. If you've ever wondered what financial coaches actually do (and don't do), this episode is for you.

Here's something that might surprise you: financial coaching isn't just about crunching numbers. It's about being part analyst, part cheerleader, and yes, sometimes even part therapist. We talk about what this actually looks like in practice, and why having your own money struggles in the past might be exactly what makes you great at helping others as a financial coach.

The best part? You don't need to know everything about money to do this work. I share exactly what skills matter most (they're probably not what you think), and how to use what you already know to make a real difference in people's lives.

For anyone who's thought about becoming a financial coach—whether you're just curious or ready to take action—this episode lays out a clear path forward. Bring a notebook, because we're getting practical about how to turn your desire to help others into real coaching skills.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Episode 4
• Episode 72
• Episode 73

Key Takeaways:

• What a financial coach actually does day-to-day (and no, we don't lecture people about their spending)
• Why even people making $250,000 a year sometimes need financial coaching
• How your own money struggles and mistakes can make you a better coach
• The real skills you need as a coach (hint: it's not a finance degree)
• The key differences between financial coaching and financial advising
• How to start helping people before you have a business name or website
• Why most Americans spend less than 5 hours yearly on their money (and how coaches help change this)

Remember when I said that I was naive when I started my financial coaching career? My naivety was far more than just thinking that things would just simply “work” because I wanted them to - I dug in and learned how to run a business, how to package (and SELL!) financial coaching, how to deliver incredible, eye-popping results for my clients (while still having fun with them). I’ve created more than 100 concepts around money – concepts that were brand new - they didn’t exist before me.

If you’d told me when I started that I’d have mentored over 500 financial coaches through our programs and events, or that I’d have helped 1,000 clients (and counting) completely change their financial future (without crazy, restrictive tactics), I’m not sure I’d have believed you.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Imagine turning your biggest financial mistake into a thriving business that helps others. That's exactly what Haley and Justin Brown-Woods did. After blowing through a $600,000 lawsuit payout and racking up over $220,000 in debt, this millennial couple decided to rewrite their financial story. Now, they're changing lives as financial coaches, helping clients tackle millions in debt.

In this episode, Haley and Justin open up about their journey from drowning in debt to building a successful coaching practice. They share how they've balanced raising three young kids while growing their business, and the unexpected turns their path has taken. You'll hear about Justin's leap from teaching to coaching, and how they've learned to work together as a husband-wife team.

But it wasn't all smooth sailing. Haley shares her early struggles with imposter syndrome, while Justin talks about the challenge of finding his own coaching voice. Their story is a reminder that success often comes from embracing our vulnerabilities and learning from our mistakes.

One of the most interesting parts of their approach to financial coaching is their unique 14-month coaching program. It's a strategy that's paid off in ways they never expected, providing stability for their business and long-term support for their clients. They also discuss how they've made their coaching accessible to those still in debt, while ensuring they're fairly compensated for their work.

If you've ever thought about turning your own financial journey into a career helping others, or if you're simply looking for a fresh perspective on tackling debt and building wealth, this episode from our Success Stories series is a must-listen.

Haley and Justin's story proves that with determination, the right support, and a willingness to be transparent, it's possible to transform your biggest financial setbacks into your greatest strengths.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Price of Avocado Toast Podcast

Find Haley and Justin Online:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of overcoming imposter syndrome when starting a financial coaching career, especially when your own financial past isn't perfect.
• Strategies for structuring long-term coaching programs, like the Brown-Woods' unique 14-month plan, to provide sustained support for clients and consistent income for the business.
• How to balance family life with a growing coaching business
• The value of diversifying marketing strategies, with a focus on social media platforms like Instagram alongside podcasting to attract and engage potential clients.

About Haley and Justin:
In the fall of 2019, Haley and Justin got serious about changing the narrative they had created for their lives and began their debt-free journey. Within 18 months, they had paid off over $132,000 of debt and restarted their wealth journey.

During this time, they began their podcast, Price of Avocado Toast. Their hope is that these conversations enlighten the younger versions of themselves and save them from the pitfalls Haley and Justin fell into.

In 2021, Haley began the financial coaching branch of Price of Avocado Toast. Together they have helped clients tackle over $2.7M of non-mortgage debt. Now their family is working towards generational wealth building and a future of outrageous generosity.

Emily Maclin's journey as a financial coach is a story of growth, courage, and finding her unique path. After 22 years in corporate finance, Emily shifted gears to help women master their money and create a financial legacy.

Emily’s story is part of our Success Stories series and it’s one that stands out to illustrate that it’s okay to shift careers, no matter how much success you’ve had where you are.

You’ll love hearing about Emily's evolution from relying on fancy spreadsheets to focusing on meaningful conversations that shift perspectives. She's learned that sometimes the most powerful coaching sessions don't even involve opening a spreadsheet.

Emily's definition of success has changed too. It's not about social media followers or hitting specific financial metrics. Instead, she finds joy in those small "aha" moments when clients realize they're better with money than they thought.

Now, Emily's excited about her next chapter—offering fractional CFO services to entrepreneurs as part of her journey as a financial coach. She's embracing the idea of trying new things in business and not being afraid to pivot.

For new coaches, Emily's advice is simple but powerful: keep going, work on your confidence and courage, and stay engaged with people you're learning from. She emphasizes that building your own belief in yourself is more important than perfecting your spreadsheets or programs.

Emily's story shows that financial coaching is about helping people feel better about money and supporting them through their journey. Her experience proves that with persistence and a willingness to adapt, you can create a coaching business that's both fulfilling and uniquely yours.

Listen in for more!

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

1. Success in coaching isn't always about financial metrics. Emily finds fulfillment in clients' "aha moments" and seeing them feel better about money.
2. The coaching approach evolved from relying on spreadsheets to focusing on meaningful conversations that shift perspectives.
3. Emily is transitioning her business to offer fractional CFO services to entrepreneurs, showing the importance of adapting and trying new things.
4. Building confidence and courage is more important for new coaches than perfecting spreadsheets or programs.
5. The Financial Coach Academy® has been a valuable resource for Emily, especially as she's revisited the content at different stages of her business growth.

About Emily Maclin

Emily V. Maclin, founder of Think Legacy Financial Coaching, empowers women to master their finances and build a proud financial legacy. With 22 years of Corporate Finance experience at Fortune 100 companies, Emily brings valuable insights to her role as a Personal Finance Coach.

Her unique approach blends faith and finance, focusing on building financial confidence, competence, and consistency. Emily's coaching addresses Mindset, Skills/Knowledge, Behavior, and Stewardship to help clients thrive financially.

As a wife and mother of three, Emily aims to teach clients to become the CFO of their financial lives, managing money wisely and educating future generations.

Holding a Bachelor's in Accounting and an MBA, Emily has run her online coaching firm for six years, serving professional women and solopreneurs nationwide. Originally from Tennessee, she's been based in St. Louis since 2002.

"I remember looking at my fiancé and saying, if we can't pay for this wedding where our friends are baking the cake and bartending, how the heck are we going to afford a life together?"

For Nicole Stanley, a panic attack over wedding finances became the spark that ignited her journey to financial freedom - and eventually, to becoming a successful financial coach.

In this episode, Nicole pulls back the curtain on her transformation from a financially anxious newlywed to the owner of Arise Financial Coaching, a business that's helped hundreds of women change their lives through financial literacy and wealth building.

But it wasn't smooth sailing from the start. Nicole opens up about the crippling imposter syndrome she faced and the real fears of getting sued that almost stopped her from pursuing her passion.

You'll hear how Nicole navigated the early days of her business, including the surprising truth about group coaching programs that nobody talks about, and why she ultimately chose a different path to scale her company.

Whether you're considering a career in financial coaching or you're knee-deep in building your own business, Nicole's candid insights and infectious enthusiasm will leave you inspired and eager to take your next step.

Tune in to discover how this self-proclaimed "nosy girl" turned her love for budgeting into a thriving coaching business that's changing lives - and why she believes you can do it too.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• What is a program?

Find Nicole Online:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok

Key Takeaways:

• Personal struggle can lead to professional passion: Nicole's own financial anxiety became the catalyst for her successful coaching career.
• Start before you're ready: Nicole began by helping friends and family for free, which laid the groundwork for her business.
• Community is crucial: Surrounding yourself with other financial coaches can provide support, inspiration, and legitimacy to your new career.
• One-on-one coaching can be more fulfilling than group programs: Despite the popular push for scalable group offerings, Nicole found more satisfaction and success in individual coaching.
• Success evolves: Initially defining success as earning $2,000 a month, Nicole's perspective shifted to focus on the number of lives she could impact.
• Imposter syndrome is normal but surmountable: Even with her success, Nicole still experiences moments of self-doubt, but she's learned to push through them as she grows her business.

About Nicole Stanley

Nicole Stanley is owner and head money coach at Arise Financial Coaching. After paying off debt and increasing her family’s net worth through investing, she discovered her passion for helping women change their life through financial literacy and wealth. 

Arise Financial Coaching has helped hundreds of women get out of debt, save, and become confident investors. Nicole and Arise have been featured on GMA, Yahoo Finance, Time, ABC News, Go Banking Rates, and more.

Wondering what it's like to build a thriving financial coaching business as a couple? In this episode, we sit down with James and Amberlee Rich, a dynamic husband-and-wife duo who have turned their passion for helping others into a successful coaching practice.

From their early days as a teacher (Amberlee) and campus pastor (James) to launching their own business, the Riches share their journey of transformation—for themselves and their coaching clients. They share how they've crafted a unique approach to financial coaching that allows them to homeschool their kids, travel, and make a real impact in people's lives.

You'll hear about their innovative "Steward Lab" program, designed to fill a gap they noticed in faith-based financial education. James and Amberlee also share how they've embraced authenticity in their marketing, overcoming the fear of standing out in a crowded field.

But it's not all business talk. The couple opens up about their personal strategies for maintaining work-life balance, including their sacred weekly rhythms and how they use AI to manage their busy schedules.

This conversation is just one of many in our success stories series, and it’s packed with practical tips and inspiring insights. Tune in to learn how James and Amberlee are redefining success on their own terms and helping others do the same.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Rich Living Coaching

Find the Riches Online:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Tiktok

Key Takeaways:

• Authenticity is key: Being true to yourself and your unique style can help attract the right clients and make your business stand out. And standing out is exactly what you need to do.
• Adapt and innovate: The Riches created "Steward Lab" to fill a gap they noticed in faith-based financial education, showing the importance of identifying and addressing market needs.
• Balance is crucial: Implementing structured weekly rhythms and prioritizing family time alongside work can lead to a more sustainable and fulfilling coaching career.
• Leverage technology: Using AI tools for task management can significantly boost productivity and help manage a growing coaching business more effectively.

About James & Amberlee Rich:

James and Amberlee Rich are financial coaches who have been helping people with their personal finances for over 18 years. 
In 2018, James and Amberlee launched the Debt Dump Challenge, inspiring over 60 families to join them in taking control of their finances. Through coaching and monthly challenges, the Debt Dumpers successfully paid off over half a million dollars in debt. James and Amberlee also achieved their goal of becoming 100% debt free by paying off their home during the process.
The Debt Dump Challenge inspired James and Amberlee to fully dedicate themselves to helping people with their finances. As a result, they have established their own financial coaching business and launched an online group coaching program for Christians called Steward Lab.
James and Amberlee are driven by their passion to assist Christians in fully embracing the life God has destined for them, free from financial constraints. Understanding the pervasive impact of money in our lives, they believe that by purposefully addressing financial matters, every aspect of life can be significantly better.