Money Made Human Podcast

I don't think I need to tell you about the chaos social media has experienced lately. Meta goes down from time to time. Instagram suddenly changed square feeds to vertical graphics with no warning. TikTok's future remains uncertain.

It’s too much to keep up with, and even if you understand the “rules,” they’re bound to change in the coming months. While there’s still value in social media, we can’t really rely on it.

In this episode, I'm sharing why email marketing needs to be the absolute foundation of your financial coaching business—not social media. While social media platforms constantly shift and change, email marketing remains rock solid, giving you direct relationships with your audience that you actually own and control.

I've watched coaches pour endless hours into building their social media following, using all the right hashtags and following trends, but struggle to convert followers into paying clients. Email marketing changes that equation completely. When someone checks their email, they're in a completely different mindset than when scrolling social media—more focused and intentional with their time.

Ready to build your email marketing foundation? Listen in for two practical approaches you can start using today, plus a third option to work toward as your business grows.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

• Building your business on social media? You're renting property on shaky ground where the landlord changes rules without notice.
• Your email list is the only marketing asset you truly own—take control of your business future by starting to build it today.
• When was the last time someone replied to your social post? One email brought me 78 replies from engaged potential clients.
• Financial decisions require privacy—email creates the safe space your audience needs to engage with sensitive money topics.
• Want to welcome new subscribers properly? Create a simple 3-email sequence that delivers value, shares your approach, and offers a quick win.
• Email marketing creates consistency. Replace feast-or-famine client acquisition with steady relationship building that keeps you top of mind.
• Start where you are: begin with regular emails OR a welcome sequence, then work toward the hybrid approach as your confidence grows.

If you’ve ever felt like there’s not enough time to get everything done in your financial coaching business, you’re not alone. Starting a business is tough, especially when you're trying to do it on the side of a 9-to-5.

This week on the podcast, we're sharing some golden nuggets on how to efficiently split your time between the essential tasks: working ON your business, snagging those crucial clients, delivering knockout coaching sessions, and keeping your own learning game strong. Plus, we've got a killer time allocation strategy that’s perfect for anyone in the early stages of their coaching journey.

We're challenging the notion that more hours equals better results. With our practical tips, you can make those precious hours count, focusing on what truly moves the needle in your business.

From the must-do client attraction activities to avoiding the common pitfalls that trap new coaches, we're laying it all out there. And because we know how overwhelming it can be, we’re also sharing a list of key podcast episodes that are game-changers for upping your client game (you can check out the links to those below!).


Links & Resources:

• Episode 49: The Power of a Financial Coaching Program
• Episode 9: How Do I Get Clients as a Financial Coach?
• Episode 25: Building Trust in Financial Coaching with the Trust Triad
• Episode 28: Why Aren’t You Getting More Clients?
• Episode 34: How to Talk About What You Do as a Financial Coach
• Episode 43: How to Get More Coaching Clients from Social Media
• Episode 44: Identify & Craft Your Why for Financial Coaches
• Episode 52: Real Talk on Social Media for Financial Coaches
• Episode 53: How to Get More Referrals from Your BNI Membership
• Episode 56: How to Use YouTube as a Marketing Strategy

"Not a single person on their deathbed says, 'I really wanted to get to a net worth of $1.5 million and I only got to 1 million, and I'm so upset.'" Dr. Jordan Grumet, author of "The Purpose Code," challenges us to rethink what truly matters when it comes to money and purpose.

Jordan found his path to medicine after losing his father unexpectedly, and this personal experience gave him a unique perspective that now shapes how he helps others think about wealth, purpose, and what truly matters.

This week on the podcast, Jordan, a hospice doctor, shares what people actually regret at the end of their lives (hint: it's never about not having enough money). Instead, they wish they had found the courage to pursue experiences and activities that lit them up.

We explore the difference between "big P purpose" (those anxiety-inducing, goal-oriented dreams) and "little p purpose" (the everyday activities that bring us joy and fulfillment). Jordan explains why focusing on the process rather than the outcome often leads to more satisfaction.

For financial coaches, this conversation offers a great perspective on how to help clients balance their pursuit of financial goals with living purposefully today. Jordan challenges the idea that spending money must always have a direct financial ROI and suggests instead that "happy money comes in, and then it behooves you to put happy money back out there."

Whether you're a financial coach looking to better serve your clients or someone searching for more meaning in your own life, this conversation will help you rethink your approach to purpose and wealth.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• The Purpose Code by Dr. Jordan Grumet 
• Visit Dr. Jordan Grumet’s website  
• Listen to Earn and Invest
• Happy Money by Ken Honda

Key Takeaways:

• Purpose isn't something you find after achieving financial goals—it's what you create through small, everyday activities that light you up.
• Check your calendar: Are most entries activities you loathe or activities that energize you? Your answer reveals how purposeful your life truly is.
• Money isn't the goal; it's simply a tool to help you spend more time doing things that matter and less time doing things you hate.
• No one on their deathbed regrets not reaching a higher net worth—they regret not having the courage to pursue experiences that mattered to them.
• When clients say "I want financial freedom," ask "why?" repeatedly until you uncover the real purpose they're seeking beneath the numbers.
• The achievement treadmill keeps you chasing bigger goals while never feeling "enough"—step off by finding joy in the process rather than fixating on outcomes.
• Little purpose creates big happiness when it connects you with others—the strongest predictor of a fulfilled life isn't wealth but meaningful relationships.

You know that sneaky trap called the “excellence zone”? It’s those tasks you're pretty good at, maybe even enjoy a little? For me, it was organizing client financials into spreadsheets and setting up systems. The trap is that because you're good at it, it's easy to keep doing it yourself. Even when it’s time to let it go.

But every minute you spend there is a minute you're not spending in your true zone of genius. That’s the sweet spot where you’re making the impact you wanted to make when you first went into business.

This week, I'm sharing what happens in these two zones after you hire your first team member. And it might not be what you think. I learned the hard way that trying to train my first hire while maintaining my full client load was like trying to build a house while also running a marathon. Something's got to give.

I'll walk you through our practical seven-step training process that takes more time up front but means you're catching fewer errors on the back end and putting out a lot fewer fires later. You'll learn why blocking off 20% of your client hours during training is actually an investment in an amazing new team member, not a loss of time or revenue.

Some of our biggest leaps forward at Fiscal Fitness, my own coaching practice, happened after I learned to let go and trust my team. Now imagine if all your time was spent just coaching clients. How would that feel? That is possible for you, and I'll show you how to get there step by step.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group

Key Takeaways:

• Hiring your first support person might actually be harder than launching your business because you're learning a completely new skill set while still running everything.
• Your “excellence zone” is a sneaky trap. Those tasks you're good at keep you from your true zone of genius where your business actually grows.
• Create a “rainy day project” for your new hire. They need productive work when waiting for your input, not just idle time.
• Before bringing someone on, set up a growth fund. Small savings now will cushion the temporary revenue dip later.
• Scheduled check-ins work better than constant availability. Try 9 a.m., noon, and 4 p.m. meetings instead of answering questions all day.
• Let them teach it back to you. When they demonstrate what they've learned, you'll see what they've truly absorbed.
• Trust unlocks growth. Some of your biggest business leaps will happen only after you learn to let go and truly trust your team.

You've got a client who's ready to work with you—they've paid for their first session and now you're feeling those pre-session nerves. Sound familiar?

In this episode, we talk about what's really going on in your client's mind when they show up for that first paid session (hint: they're probably more nervous than you are). I share the exact structure I use to make sure every client leaves their first session feeling heard, hopeful, and clear on their next steps.

From creating a warm welcome that puts your clients at ease, to helping them see their full financial picture (often for the first time), we cover how to make your first paid sessions truly valuable for your clients. I share my biggest mistakes and what I learned from them, so you can skip the trial and error phase I went through.

Plus, I walk through our follow-up system that keeps clients engaged and taking action even after the session ends. Whether you're new to paid sessions or looking to make your current process even better, this episode will help you create an experience that has your clients saying “they get me” and ready to take the next step in their journey.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Episode 91

Key Takeaways:

• Want your clients to open up about money? Start by acknowledging their courage - it takes guts to share your finances with a stranger and pay them for help.
• Trying to solve every financial problem in one session isn't generous, it's overwhelming. Pick their most exciting goal and solve it completely.
• Your clients can sense when you're in your head worrying about delivering value. Their emotional rollercoaster is 10 times bigger than yours.
• Numbers tell a story, but you need to narrate it out loud. Walk clients through your thinking process so they can see how you got to the solution.
• The magic isn't in telling clients to spend less, it's in finding their big goal that makes them excited enough to actually change their habits.
• When a client shares multiple money goals, celebrate internally. They're showing you they have a genuine need for ongoing coaching, so don’t try to tackle all those goals at once.
• Your follow-up system is a safety net that catches clients before they fall off track. Make it systematic but personal, like checking in when reality and procrastination typically hit.

If you've ever stared at your computer screen wondering how to create a website that actually works for your coaching business (without spending a fortune or getting lost in the technical details), this episode is for you.

Ginnie Rowe from DGR Communications shares her years of digital marketing wisdom to help you tackle your website with confidence. Whether you're just starting out and need a simple way to establish your online presence, or you're ready to take your existing website to the next level, Ginnie breaks down exactly what you need to know – and what you can safely ignore for now.

We explore questions like: Do you really need a blog right away? (Spoiler: probably not.) How much should you spend on your first domain name? And what happens if you start with a basic website builder but want to switch platforms later?

Ginnie also shares her practical insights on choosing colors and creating content that actually connects with your ideal clients. If you've been wondering whether that black and neon green financial website is really the best choice... well, you'll want to hear her thoughts on that.

Want to learn more? Ginnie is offering special resources for podcast listeners, including website tips for coaches just getting started and a website maintenance package for those ready to stop worrying about the technical stuff behind the scenes. Find all the details at DGR communications.com/website-tips or in our show notes.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Tips for your starter website
• Get Ginnie’s website maintenance special

About Ginnie Rowe
Born in Virginia and raised in Argentina before moving to the UK at 18, Ginnie brings decades of marketing experience across three continents. After working in marketing agencies for 12 years, including as Client Services Account Director for Carlson Marketing in England, she and her husband David moved to Arizona in 2006 and founded DGR Communications.

Ginnie's strength lies in digital strategy and helping businesses achieve clarity in their brand messaging. Her approach focuses on creating websites and marketing strategies that authentically reflect both the business owner's personality and their client's needs. When not elevating her clients' online presence, she enjoys yoga, hiking with her German Shepherd, traveling the world, and enjoying Arizona evenings with a good book and glass of wine.


Key Takeaways:

• Start with the basics and secure your domain name first. This is your digital real estate that costs just $10-20 per year but establishes your professional identity.
• Your website gives you credibility. Even a simple one-page site proves you exist when someone checks after getting a referral.
• Don't overthink your starter website; begin with just home, about, and contact pages rather than getting stuck in perfectionism.
• Skip the blog when starting out—an outdated blog signals neglect, while no blog at all goes unnoticed.
• Ensure your website reflects who you actually are; a disconnect between your bubbly personality and a sterile website confuses potential clients.
• Your website is a breathing, living tool—neglecting it for months is like abandoning your 24/7 marketing representative.
• Drive traffic back to your website from newsletters and other channels—more traffic means higher search engine rankings and greater visibility.

Want to know how you can make money as a financial coach? Get excited – in today’s episode of the Financial Coach Academy Podcast, we’re going to dive deep and discuss all the creative ways you can increase your revenue (from recurring/subscription options to 1:1 work).

I’m so excited to welcome fellow financial coach, Jean Chatzky who is joining us today for this conversation. Jean is the CEO of HerMoney.com and host of the podcast HerMoney With Jean Chatzky. A New York Times and Wall Street Journal best-selling author, her latest book is Women with Money: The Judgment-Free Guide to Creating the Joyful, Less Stressed, Purposeful (and Yes, Rich) Life You Deserve.

When people hear the words “financial coach” often, they think of someone who is right there with you, coaching you through – and that’s absolutely true, but there’s so much more that you can offer as a certified financial coach.

Yes, you can absolutely work individually with your clients, but you can also offer a wide variety of programming that allows your current and future clients to engage with you in many different ways.

From masterminds to digital downloads to courses…the options are endless.

Key Takeaways:

• The moment you stop talking and truly listen is when clients have their biggest financial breakthroughs.
• Technical expertise gets you hired, but empathy makes you irreplaceable in a client's financial journey.
• Your most distinctive background experiences aren't distractions from coaching; they're your unique selling proposition for connecting with specific audiences.
• The best coaches know when to set aside their knowledge and simply hold space for a client's financial emotions to surface.
• Financial stress costs companies more in lost productivity than paying for financial wellness programs ever could.
• Nobody was born knowing how to manage money, and great coaches build trust by acknowledging this truth without judgment.
• Lasting behavior change requires a triple threat: individual guidance, group accountability, and self-directed learning opportunities.

When I sat down to plan this 100th episode, I knew I wanted to do something special—something that came straight from you, our community. So we asked what you really wanted to know about building a financial coaching business, and wow, did you deliver!

From questions about leaving a stable job to start coaching (and when that's the right move), to figuring out how to get more discovery calls booked, to managing a successful business solo, we're tackling the real stuff that keeps you up at night.

On this special 100th episode, I'm sharing what I learned from my own journey, including some “I wish someone had told me this” moments about growing a coaching practice. You'll hear practical advice about things like how much runway you might want before leaving your day job, what marketing actually works (hint: it's probably not what you think), and even which paid software made the biggest difference in my business.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up your existing practice, this episode gets into the thick of what it really takes to build a coaching business that fits your life. No fluff, no fancy strategies—just real talk about what works, what doesn't, and how to figure out which path is right for you.

Thank you so much for being a part of this adventure with me!

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Why to start with one-to-one coaching
• Understanding advanced goal setting with long-term clients
• Learning different business models through trial and error
• Client acquisition and marketing discussion with Nora
• Strategic partnerships and leveraging existing audiences
• Time management and wearing different business "hats"
• Acuity scheduling

Key Takeaways:

• Starting your coaching business while you have a day job gives you the freedom to be selective with clients. Your steady income is an asset, not a barrier.
• Real relationships beat passive marketing. Walk straight into the rooms where your ideal clients already gather.
• Great coaches tell the same stories repeatedly because different people need to hear them at different times.
• The secret to solopreneur success? Pick two marketing channels and master them instead of spreading yourself thin.
• Long-term clients stay because you're their thinking partner, not their information source.
• Turn cold leads into warm conversations by partnering with professionals who already have your ideal clients’ trust.
• Before you scale, ask yourself: What matters more…maximum revenue or maximum impact? Let that guide your growth.

When a potential client reaches out to you about financial coaching, they're often feeling worried and doubtful. They might even be telling themselves they're “too far gone” for help. That's exactly why those first interactions matter so much.

In this episode, we're talking about how to handle those early conversations with confidence (even if you're feeling nervous on the inside). You'll hear about practical, affordable tools that help you look professional from day one, and why making actual phone calls—yes, real phone calls!—can be a game-changer for connecting with potential clients.

For newer coaches who worry about being too pushy, we're sharing a simple three-touch system that takes the guesswork out of following up. You'll learn why timing these follow-ups every two weeks (hint: it has everything to do with when people get paid) can make a huge difference in converting interested people into clients.

I'm also sharing the exact welcome sequence we use at Fiscal Fitness, my own financial coaching practice, to help new clients feel supported and excited about their decision to work with us. These are the same strategies I used when I was just starting out, before I had a team to help me.

Remember what I always say—consistency beats complexity every time. You don't need to implement everything at once. Start with one thing, master it, then add another. That's how you build a coaching practice that truly serves your clients while feeling manageable for you.

This is the first part of our special series on delighting your clients, and you won't want to miss what's coming next.

Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Client Journey Roadmap
• Episode 97: Working On Your Business vs Working In it

Key Takeaways:

• A confused buyer doesn't buy, so keep your initial communications clear and simple, without overwhelming them with details.
• Looking professional doesn't have to be expensive—$16 a month covers both a business email and phone line to start looking established.
• When clients ghost you, remember this: they're most likely to respond two weeks after your last contact, right when their paycheck is running low.
• Your quick audit call isn't for coaching. It's a 15-20 minute conversation to see if you're the right fit for each other.
• Those early “I messed that up” moments on client calls? They're not failures—they're your path to becoming a better coach.
• The best time to ease buyer's remorse is right after they say yes—a simple welcome call can transform doubt into excitement.
• Your client's belief in what's possible with money starts by borrowing yours. Share your excitement about their future progress every chance you get.

Have you ever gotten up one morning, opened your door, and found someone ready to tow your car away? That's exactly what happened to Billy Hofacker, and it led him to discover he was $130,000 in debt. Now, years later, he's a financial coach helping fitness professionals avoid the same money struggles he faced himself.

As both a gym owner and financial coach, Billy brings a unique perspective to this conversation. You'll hear how he built two successful gyms while getting out of debt, and why he now helps other fitness professionals handle their money better.

Billy shares his approach of “building the plane while flying it”—taking action before everything is perfectly planned, just like he used to tell his fitness clients to “just put the darn sneakers on and get outside.”

From starting his podcast in his basement during COVID (which he insists sounds better than saying “first floor”) to now running successful coaching programs, Billy opens up about the messy but rewarding journey of growing a coaching business. He talks honestly about both the wins and the setbacks, including a recent situation where someone signed up for his mastermind and then changed their mind - and why that doesn't slow him down.

Listen in to hear how Billy’s own financial turnaround led him to discover what he was meant to do, and why being a “money nerd” who understands the fitness industry helps him serve his clients in a unique way.


Links & Resources:

• Join the Facebook group
• Your Fitness Money Coach
• The E-Myth Revisited
• Fitness Profits
• Total Body Bootcamp

Key Takeaways:

• A car repossession became the credibility cornerstone: Your biggest setbacks can transform into your greatest teaching tools.
• Small actions create business momentum, so treat building your practice like starting a workout routine: just put on the sneakers and begin.
• Your previous career isn't baggage. It's your superpower when you find the right audience to serve.
• Perfect planning keeps you stuck. Moving forward with thoughtful action teaches you what you could never learn from preparation alone.
• Scale your investments as you grow: Begin by doing everything yourself, then let proof of concept guide your decisions to outsource.
• Marketing magic lives in genuine connections. A thoughtful holiday card can outperform the most polished sales pitch.
• Authenticity attracts ideal clients. Let them see your real life because they're living in their real lives too.

About Billy Hofacker

Billy Hofacker is a Financial Coach who specializes in helping fitness professionals and business owners improve cash flow, reduce financial stress, and achieve long-term success. With over 25 years of experience as a personal trainer and the owner of Total Body Boot Camp in Long Island, NY, Billy uniquely understands the challenges faced by entrepreneurs in the fitness industry.

After navigating his own financial turnaround, Billy has become passionate about empowering others to take control of their finances. He is the author of Fitness Profits and the host of Your Fitness Money Coach Podcast, a leading resource for financial education tailored to fitness professionals.

Billy is a Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) and a sought-after speaker who has presented for respected organizations like Perform Better and the Functional Aging Institute.