What it’s really like being a financial coach

What is it like being a financial coach? This is a question I am often asked and it’s not surprising given there is low awareness of what financial coaching is.

But being a financial coach is an incredibly fulfilling job. Every day, I have the privilege of guiding individuals and couples on their journey to financial empowerment. And it’s not just about numbers and budgets like many think – it’s more about my clients utilising the strengths they already possess to transform their lives and take back control of their finances.

Many of my clients come to me feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about their financial future. Through personalised coaching sessions, we work together to create a clear, actionable plan. It’s inspiring to watch their confidence grow as they start to understand their financial situation better and make informed decisions.

Building financial literacy is really at the heart of what I do. I believe that knowledge is power, and through discussions and using targeted tools, clients start to build healthy behaviours with and around their money and develop a deeper understanding of their current position and what they need to do in order to improve their financial outlook. Whether it’s learning how to budget effectively, better understanding their options, or just opening up to an unbiased person to discuss money, I get to see my clients start to thrive.

The journey is not always easy, but the progress is always worth celebrating. I get to see clients achieve milestones they once thought were impossible – paying off debt, developing detailed financial goals, or even starting their own business. These successes are a testament to their hard work and dedication, and being a part of their journey is incredibly gratifying.

Being a financial coach is really about fostering a sense of hope and possibility. It’s about helping people realise that they have the power to shape their financial future. And most importantly, it’s about celebrating the small and big wins along the way. Every client’s journey is unique and being able to support them as they build a secure and prosperous future makes financial coaching the most rewarding job I have ever done.

Sarah Diamond is a Financial Coach at the Financial Wellbeing Collective. She is also a qualified Financial Counsellor and has a 20+ year background working across several fields including superannuation and private equity, government relations and public affairs.