FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it really free?
Yes, we are funded by generous donors and corporate partners, allowing us to offer our services at no cost to you. There are no upsells or hidden fees—just expert advice tailored to your needs.
What is the difference between a financial coach and a financial planner?
Financial coaches can teach you to manage money and take control of your finances based on your current situation and goals in an effort to create your initial wealth. Certified Financial Planners, Financial Advisors, and Investment Advisors typically work to manage and build on wealth that already exists.
How does your coaching process work?
Coaching sessions focus on the most important issues affecting your progress toward achieving your financial goals. Each meeting begins with a status check of any financial events since we last met so we can appropriately prioritize our problem solving to tackle issues that might get in the way of achieving greater success. Then we review action steps from the last meeting to provide accountability and continuity between calls. We then launch into the primary topic discussion for the call which often will build upon prior topics and homework, and likely lead to new action steps so that you move consistently toward your goals.
What is financial coaching?
Financial coaching is a process, supporting you and teaching you wherever you are on your financial journey to achieve your best financial life. This process involves three steps.
Step One, is gaining clarity on where you currently are in your financial life. This means looking at your numbers (savings, earnings, spending, debt, giving) without judgement.
Step Two, is understanding your personal money story and goals. This understanding sheds light on patterns of behavior no longer serving you. Together, we create a money plan, which includes short, medium, and long-term money actions which will support you in navigating towards your goals.
Step Three, is sustaining new habits and behaviors supporting you long term. We will address new life events and economic changes that have the potential to alter your course.
Are your financial coaching meetings held in-person or virtually?
Our meetings are 100% virtual over Zoom to provide the maximum flexibility to our clients. A typical session will involve face-to-face conversations where we will often share screens. Therefore, for most coaching, access to a personal computer is highly recommended, and the willingness to use Excel or Google sheets, and possibly other software as well.
Can you give me advice on investing?
No. As it states in the disclosure at the bottom of the page, we at RedSky Money do not provide investment advice.
I don't know if I have the time for financial coaching or if it makes sense for me given my income/debt. What should I do?
RedSky Money was specifically founded as a non-profit organization in order to provide free professional coaching to you. The quick answer to this question would be that putting in the time now will help you save much more time, stress, and aggravation in the long run (or even short run!) than the time you put in now. If paying your bills or the uncertainty over a pending financial decision is causing you to lose sleep at night, we would love to help you make a plan and have more peace of mind.
Even if you choose not to engage RedSky Money, we recommend you start tracking every dollar you make and spend now, whether that’s with pen and paper, a spreadsheet, or a free app. So much progress is made simply by gaining clarity about what’s happening.
Will I get rich quick?
Financial coaching provides a planned, methodical, scientific approach to wealth building based on proven principles that work. It is straight-forward financial education and support for people serious about achieving financial freedom who are willing to do the work necessary. We can’t promise specific results because everyone’s personal situation is different. However, you can realistically expect to be firmly on a path toward financial independence with a well-formulated plan and taking clear action steps within 3-6 months. How long it takes you to reach the end-goal is a function of your specific needs, your specific plan, and your diligence in working that plan.
Is it OK if my spouse/partner is involved in the coaching sessions?
Yes, we actually highly encourage it as you are both making decisions that impact your finances, your future, and your dreams. But, you are not required to have your spouse or partner at the sessions for coaching.
I’m engaged, is it better to see you now or wait until we are married?
Start now, so we can help you not only financially prepare for the wedding, but for your combined financial life together. The process of setting goals with your combined future in mind, and agreeing on the steps you’ll take to get there, will make your relationship stronger. By bringing all your information to the table and facing your financial picture head-on, you will tackle any shame you might have been carrying and avoid potential arguments in the future.
I'm not struggling financially, would financial coaching still help me?
Absolutely! Often when people hear the words “financial coaching,” they think that it is only for people who are struggling with their money, but this is not the case. We actually work with some clients who are six figure earners, and who have professional careers, but want clarity with their money and how they can achieve their goals.