Financial Coaching Client Stories
Read and listen to stories from clients who have transformed their lives through financial coaching.
At Fiscal Fitness, we help individuals, couples and business owners feel empowered to take control of their finances. We have seen hundreds of clients over the years go from feeling overwhelmed, frustrated and even ashamed of their financial situation to feeling hopeful and excited about what the future holds. Here are a few of their stories.
Breaking the Cycle of Credit Card Debt: A Six Month Client Celebration Interview
Listen to our interview with Jenny and Bo to learn how financial coaching helped them get and finally stay ahead of their credit card debt while also dealing with thousands of dollars of unexpected expenses. All of which, they paid for in cash.
Kristen & Dan
“We had gone through a rough time financially and thought we would bounce back quickly.”
Live in Annapolis, MD
Married 7 years
Have two kids, ages 3 and 5
Began working with FFP in January 2018
Kristen & Dan’s Financial Wins
How would you describe your financial situation? What issues did you have with money?
We had gone through a rough time financially and thought we would bounce back quickly. So we did what everyone else does and used credit cards to hold us over until we were in a better financial situation. We accumulated A LOT of credit card debt and once our income stabilized, we weren’t able to put the dent in the debt we had hoped. In fact, it kept growing because using credit cards had become a way of life. It felt like no matter how much money we made, we could never chip away at the credit card debt.
Why did you decide to schedule a Eureka session?
Our financial situation was causing so much stress. It was a major negative in our life. We both knew it had to be fixed before we hit rock bottom. Every New Year, we try and identify something to work on and our finances were surely our weakness is 2017. We signed up for a Eureka session with the New Year, and it has been nothing short of life-changing!
How did you feel going into your first financial coaching session?
Really nervous and embarrassed… like no one else has ever dug themselves into a hole as big as ours.
How did you feel after you left it?
Empowered. Jill gave us confidence that together we could get back on the right track.
How do you describe your financial situation now?
We are in such a better spot! My husband’s credit score has gone up 80 points, mine 30. We are building our savings. We actually had a $7,000 house emergency pop up this month that we are paying for in cash. There is zero stress about it. We are so excited to begin saving for new cars, bathroom remodels, college savings, and our emergency fund! I would have never said that 13 months ago, and here I am loving it!
What has been your biggest mental shift?
My biggest mental shift is that I am capable of achieving any of the financial goals we set. I know where every single dollar goes now, and I’m in control of my finances, not the other way around.
Ally R.
“I no longer feel guilty about eating out, getting my nails done, getting my massages or booking trips because they’re all planned for.”
Lives in Kennett Square, PA
Has owned her own business since 2015
Started working with FFP in 2017
Prior to financial coaching, how would you describe your financial situation?
Prior to financial coaching, I was the type of person who stuck her head in the sand when it came to looking at my finances. I didn’t really have a system to track what was coming in and what was going out. I really felt out of control around my finances, and that caused me a lot of stress and anxiety.
Why did you decide to schedule a Eureka session?
I scheduled a Eureka session because I was getting ready to go through a difficult life transition, and I really wanted to start to take better control of my finances. It felt like a good time to really get a handle on them and to get a fresh start.
How did you feel going into your first financial coaching session?
I felt super nervous going into my first coaching session. Letting someone else look at my finances felt super vulnerable and I was afraid of what we’d find together. I was afraid that Jill was going to tell me that I was in way over my head and that I needed to massively change how I was living.
How did you feel after you left it?
I left our session feeling heard and seen and relieved. One of the things that I was afraid of was being judged for my past financial missteps and Jill was so kind and caring and supportive, she held great space for me, and I walked away feeling relieved that 1) it wasn’t as bad as I had thought 2) now that I knew the full picture, I could move forward with more confidence and clarity.
Why did you decide to move forward with ongoing coaching?
I decided to move forward with ongoing coaching because I knew that the Eureka session was just the first step and that if I wanted true and lasting change around my habits and patterns around money, that I was going to need accountability.
How would you describe your financial situation today?
Today I feel confident about my financial system because I have a system that I know how to use to make good financial decisions.
What has been your biggest mental shift when it comes to your money?
I think the biggest shift has been my ability to actually look at my money. I had to realize that by not looking at the numbers, I was giving money power and control over me. Since coaching, I feel like I have control over my money. Also, one of my biggest fears was that I was going to have to cut back so much that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy life. The thing I love most about the system we’ve created is that it accounts for all of the extra luxury things that I desire to have as a part of my life.
Nicole & Jason
“I knew as soon as I got the follow-up budget, that this was something I could do. I felt empowered to change our life.”
Live in Robinson, IL
Nicole has owned her own business since 2017
Has a four-year-old
Attended a Eureka session with FFP
Nicole and Jason’s Financial Wins
How would you describe your financial situation? How was your relationship with money affecting your life?
Why did you decide to schedule a Eureka session?
How did you feel going into your first financial coaching session?
How did you feel after you left?
How would you describe your financial situation now?
If we stay on our current budget, we will achieve our goal of being debt-free (except our home) by June 2022, and I can see that perfectly laid out on the spreadsheets!!!
Nicole P.
“I was so stressed around money, and I knew I needed help to get me out of the hole I put myself in. I was embarrassed that I was even in this situation, and knew if I didn’t get help it was only going to get worse.”
Lives in Phoenix, AZ
Has owned her own business since 2013
Started working with FFP in 2015
