Frequently Asked Questions on Financial Counseling
For Couples, Individuals, & Families

What is Financial Counseling? How is it different than financial planning?

FOR INDIVIDUALS:
Financial Counseling is a process of discovering unconscious beliefs and behaviors about money that have negatively impacted your life, and finding ways to overcome them. You will identify your goals and be given tools and training to create and maintain your savings and spending plans.

Financial Counseling does not include investment services.
This is a supportive, nonjudgmental and life-changing process.  It is not like a diet in which you restrict the foods that you love.  This empowering process helps you identify and prioritize your financial obligations so that you fulfill your true needs.  By the end of the process, clients feel tremendous relief. They are financially transformed.

FOR BUSINESSES
Financial Counseling offers Businesses a way to plan, prioritize and meet their tax and payroll obligations. We help businesses focus on their core competency ­­–– running their businesses –– instead of worrying about cash flow. For more information, see “How does the process work.”

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How does the process work?

STEP 1

  • Contact Trish for your initial FREE consultation.
  • If you believe that I can help you attain financial peace of mind, set up your first appointment to review current financial needs and problems leading you to seek financial counseling
  • Establish your goals and determine a vision for your life

STEP 2

  • Create a spending plan that is customized to your unique needs and goals and allows you to stay on track
  • Uncover your relationship with money and its powerful influence on your life, including the ability to incorporate new options by thinking differently and making healthier financial decisions

STEP 3          

  • Identify your earning power and earn what you are really worth
  • Achieve your goals by becoming aware of your spending habits which will lead to financial well-being

Financial counseling is a holistic approach to approaching your money.  It integrates the emotional, spiritual and practical aspects of your life.

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How much is the initial consultation?

The initial consultation is FREE and lasts about 20 minutes.  During this time you will describe your financial situation and ask questions about the process.  Together we determine whether financial counseling is a good fit.  We will then schedule your first appointment.

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How do I prepare for my first appointment?

Bring your checkbook register to the first meeting, there is no other preparation required.

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How will I afford it? I'm already financially stretched.

The money you spend on financial counseling is an investment, meaning that you will be able to save and spend more on what is truly important to you. 

If you are determined and committed to resolving your financial challenges we will find a way to make it work for you.

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I am not in debt, but I still want to be more in control of my finances.  Can I still use your services?

Yes, definitely.  A large portion of the work we do together is to enable my clients to become proficient in managing and maintaining their day-to-day finances and financial health.

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I am getting a divorce: How can you help me?

Going through a divorce can be one of life’s most debilitating situations.  Financial counseling then becomes essential to sort through the various aspects of what the divorce entails.  Services can include: preparation of income and expense and asset/debt paperwork required by the court, review of different settlement options, and creating the foundation for your new financial life.

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I am getting married, how could you help us start our lives together?

There is no better time than now to understand how your partner views money and the role it will play in your lives.  Financial Counseling will help you reach a joint understanding regarding your finances and help you work together to achieve your goals and build your future together.

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I want to retire but I don’t think I can. What can you do to help me?

Everybody can retire given the right financial choices.  People are often unable to retire comfortably because of lack of financial knowledge and practical approaches.  You probably have more options than you think.

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Why can’t I do this myself?

Because we all have areas of expertise and your time is better spent doing what you do best.

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When will I see the results?

Most of my clients feel clearer and more relieved about their financial state after their first meeting.  It just gets better from there.

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