The Financial Coach Academy® Podcast

Kelsa Dickey
  • 5.0 (102)
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The Financial Coach Academy® Podcast

A weekly educational podcast from the founder of The Financial Coach Academy®, Kelsa Dickey, that will teach you how to create and grow a profitable financial coaching business that you LOVE and are proud of. At The Financial Coach Academy®, we are passionate about helping you create the business of YOUR dreams – whether that’s a side hustle, part time gig, or 6+ figure company. Get ready to elevate your success!!

  1. 5D AGO

    115. Should You Coach Friends and Family? The Truth About Mixing Business with Personal Relationships

    When you're starting your coaching business, your friends and family feel like the obvious first clients. They already trust you, they want to support your new venture, and honestly, it feels way less scary than reaching out to complete strangers. But what happens when your sister stops sharing her real spending habits because she doesn't want you judging her credit card debt at Thanksgiving dinner? Or when your best friend expects free advice every time you grab coffee together? The thing is, financial coaching requires complete honesty and vulnerability. With strangers, there's less at stake emotionally. But when it's your college roommate or your cousin, suddenly they're holding back information because they don't want to change how you see them at family gatherings. And then there's the flip side: you might find yourself going easier on them because you don't want to create tension in your friendship. You avoid the hard conversations about their shopping habits because you're worried about protecting the relationship, which impacts your ability to be an effective coach. In this episode, I'm sharing the real pros and cons of coaching friends and family, including practical strategies if you do decide to work with your inner circle. But the bigger question is this: Is this actually sustainable for building the business you really want? If you've been wondering whether you should coach the people closest to you, or if you're already doing it and feeling stuck, this episode will help you make intentional decisions about your business that honor both your relationships and your professional goals. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook group Key Takeaways: Your inner circle might trust you, but that doesn't mean they'll tell you the whole truth about their finances.The problem with coaching friends: You may go easier on them to protect the relationship, which means they don't get the coaching they actually need.Question to ask yourself: Am I building a business or just helping people I already know?If you coach friends and family, treat them more professionally than your regular clients, not less.Your personal network has an expiration date as a client source—eventually you'll need to look beyond people who already know you.The most successful coaches use friends and family as practice, not as their business model.Here's how to keep the relationship with friends and family: Let them refer people to you instead of becoming clients themselves.

    14 min

  2. JUL 3

    114. When Clients Call You Their “Financial Therapist”: Setting Professional Boundaries

    If you've been coaching for any length of time, you've probably experienced this. A client introduces you as their financial therapist or thanks you for their financial therapy session. It might seem like a compliment, but there's something important we need to address. Money is deeply emotional. When we help clients work through their financial challenges, we're often helping them process feelings like shame, fear, anxiety, and guilt. This emotional component can make our work feel therapeutic, even though we're not providing therapy. But there's an important distinction between what we do as financial coaches and what therapists do. Understanding that difference actually makes us better at our job and helps us serve our clients more effectively. Some coaches feel uncomfortable when clients call them therapists because they worry about overstepping professional boundaries. Others feel flattered and take it as a sign they're providing meaningful support. Both responses make sense, but these moments are actually opportunities. When someone calls you their financial therapist, it's a chance to help them understand what coaching really is and set clear expectations about how you work together. And it’s important to be crystal clear about your role and be confident in what you do (and don’t do). This isn't about diminishing the support we offer or making our work seem less meaningful. Financial coaching absolutely changes lives. It's about being intentional with our professional boundaries in a way that actually serves our clients better. The coaches who thrive understand when their clients might need something they can't provide, and they see making referrals as professional integrity, not failure. They've learned how to acknowledge the emotional aspects of money while staying firmly within their coaching role. Being clear about the distinction between coaching and counseling doesn't take away from what we do. It actually helps us do it better. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook group Key Takeaways: Coaching focuses on the present and future while counseling explores the past. This timeline difference shapes everything about how you work with clients.You don't tell clients what to do, you help them discover what they want to do. Financial coaches act as sounding boards, not financial advisors making recommendations.The basic presumption of coaching is that clients are mentally and emotionally ready to receive guidance. They're in a good place to make changes toward their goals.Money is deeply emotional, which makes coaching feel therapeutic even though it's not therapy. Acknowledge the emotions without stepping into a therapeutic role.Making a referral isn't a failure, it's professional integrity. Recognizing when clients need mental health support shows genuine care for their wellbeing.Use it as a teaching moment when clients call you their therapist. Say, “I appreciate that our work feels supportive, though as a coach, my focus is helping you build financial skills.”Include the coaching vs therapy distinction in your onboarding materials. Set appropriate expectations from the start with clear explanations in your welcome packet.

    15 min

  3. JUN 26

    113. Why Doing More Marketing Isn't the Answer (And What to Do Instead)

    Have you been spinning your wheels with marketing, doing all the things you're supposed to do…but feeling like you're getting nowhere? You're showing up on social media, going to networking events, having coffee chats, but your client list isn't budging. Most of us think the solution is to do more—add another platform, attend more events, schedule more meetings. What if that's actually making things worse? There's this pattern that happens with so many financial coaches. They start with Instagram, post for a couple months without much to show for it, then decide they need LinkedIn too.  Maybe YouTube. Before they know it, they're spread so thin that nothing works well. Their content gets watered down, their message gets muddy, and they're exhausted without the clients they want. The same thing happens with networking. A few events don't lead to clients, so the response is to book more coffee chats and attend more events. But here's the thing (and you probably already know this): quantity rarely solves a quality problem. If your Instagram posts aren't connecting with the right people, making more of them won't fix that. If your networking conversations aren't turning into business, having more of the same conversations probably won't change much either. We get caught up in mistaking activity for progress. We feel busy, we're checking boxes, but we're not actually moving anything forward in our business. There's a different way to think about this. Instead of asking, “what else should I be doing,” what if you asked, “how can I make what I'm already doing more effective?” That shift changes everything. This episode breaks down how to stop the marketing hamster wheel and start seeing real results without burning yourself out. We'll talk about why doing fewer things better often leads to more growth than trying to be everywhere at once, and how to create what I call a learning loop that actually moves your business forward. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook groupKey Takeaways: Quantity rarely solves a quality problem. If your Instagram posts aren't resonating, making more won't fix the disconnect with your ideal clients.Stop asking “what else should I be doing” and start asking “how can I make what I'm already doing more effective.” This one question shift changes your entire marketing approach.You're mistaking activity for progress when you feel busy checking marketing boxes but your client roster isn't growing.True scaling often means doing fewer things better. The most successful coaches aren't doing more marketing activities than you, they're being more intentional with what they choose.Sometimes the best way to help a plant thrive isn't to plant more seeds, but to prune what's already growing. Your marketing needs refinement, not expansion.A simple shift from “DM me if you have questions” to “DM me with the word ‘budget’ to receive my free guide” can make all the difference in your conversion rates.Create a learning loop: action, evaluation, refinement, then action again. Real growth happens when you get better at the fundamentals, not when you constantly try new things.

    12 min

  4. JUN 19

    What Gives Coaching a Bad Name

    What does it really mean to be a financial coach in integrity with what we do? This week on the podcast, we’re tackling this head-on, talking about the realities behind what's often seen but seldom spoken about. It’s the challenges behind coaches coaching coaches (say that three times fast!) and staying in integrity with how we market ourselves and being open and transparent with clients. In this episode, you’ll hear some real-life examples of the vulnerable (and the ick) when it comes to coaches coaching coaches and I hope you hear my invitation to really think about your own role as a financial coach. How do you balance ambition with honesty? How do you navigate the complexities of scaling a business while staying true to your mission? These are just a few of the ideas you’ll hear, as well as my own answers to these questions. So, if you're curious about what it really takes to uphold integrity in financial coaching, if you're looking to find a balance between your financial acumen and your coaching spirit, or if you're simply seeking a heart-centered approach to this profession, this episode is for you. Tune in to discover insights that could redefine your approach to financial coaching. Trust me, you don't want to miss this one! Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook group Key Takeaways: Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, but never step outside your integrity zone - the distinction between growth and compromise matters more than you think.The coaches coaching coaches industry often becomes a pyramid where the only six-figure business they've built is teaching others to build the business they never actually built themselves.Ask this critical question before hiring any business coach: Have they succeeded at the actual thing they're teaching, or only at teaching it?Over-promising is the supplement industry of coaching - claiming your program cures everything while delivering results you can't control.Two sides make financial coaches powerful: the dreamer who believes in potential and the realist who sees the hard work required.The life coaching pyramid targets you as the easier sale - coaches buy faster than real clients because hope sells better than results.Truth in marketing means being honest about what you haven't achieved, not just highlighting what you have - transparency builds more trust than hype ever will.

    29 min

  5. JUN 12

    112. How to Stop Controlling Your Financial Coaching Clients (And Why It's Hurting Their Growth)

    Ever tried to talk a client out of a risky decision? Found yourself pushing harder when they won't listen to your advice? If you've ever felt your stomach drop when a client chose the path you knew was wrong, this episode is for you. Here's the uncomfortable truth: when we try to control our clients' choices, it's usually not about them. It's about us. Our insecurity that their mistakes will reflect badly on our coaching. Our arrogance in thinking we can predict the future and know what's best for everyone. But here's what I learned after years of doing this: trying to shelter clients from consequences actually slows down their growth. The very skills they came to us for - making intentional, informed decisions and learning to pivot when things go sideways - only develop when they experience real world outcomes, both good and bad. In this episode, I share the mindset shift that changed everything for me. My job isn't to be right or protect clients from ever feeling regret. It's to help them become more resourceful and confident in their ability to respond when life throws them a curve ball. You'll hear the exact approach I use when clients insist on strategies I think are risky. How to create extreme clarity by mapping out best case, worst case, and most likely scenarios. The questions that illuminate financial, emotional, and logistical impacts without fear mongering. And how to help clients build contingency plans that make risky moves safer. This isn't about becoming a yes-person who just smiles and nods. It's about the difference between coaching and controlling. Between building resilient clients and making their success about your ego. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook group Key Takeaways: Your need to control client decisions isn't about protecting them - it's about protecting your ego from their potential mistakes.Real progress happens when clients learn to make intentional decisions and pivot when needed, not when they follow your blueprint perfectly.Stop robbing clients of consequences because that's exactly what they need to build the skills they came to you for.When a client wants to take a risky path: Map out best case, worst case, and most likely scenarios - then let them choose with eyes wide open.Ask yourself: Am I making their success about my comfort or their growth?The goal isn't for clients to make the same decision you would - it's for them to make clear, confident decisions they can handle.Ethical coaching means walking beside clients with your eyes open and theirs, not telling them which direction to go.

    8 min

  6. JUN 5

    111. Finding Your Authentic Voice: Why Being Yourself is Your Greatest Business Asset

    Have you ever met someone in person after following their content and thought, “Wow, they're exactly who I thought they'd be”? That's the power of authenticity, and it's what your clients are looking for too. Today we're talking about something I see happening a lot in our profession—coaches trying to sound like someone else instead of developing their own voice. I'll share why this matters more than you think, where the line is between inspiration and copying, and how to create content that sounds like you. I’ll also share something else I’ve been ruminating on for the last year or so: We've somehow lost the art of giving credit where it's due. There used to be blog circles where content creators would openly build on each other's ideas, linking back and adding their own perspectives. But somewhere along the way, we stopped doing this. Here's what I know for sure: Your clients don't expect you to generate every idea in isolation. They want to work with someone real; someone who speaks their truth, shares their experiences, and isn't afraid to acknowledge where their inspiration comes from. I'll walk you through practical ways to develop your authentic voice, including how to start with real conversations instead of other people's content, and why your vulnerability creates connection in ways that polished, generic content never will. Plus, I'll share why I took a three-month content consumption break and how it helped me find my voice again. Sometimes the most distinctive coaches consume less content from their direct competitors and find inspiration elsewhere entirely. This conversation will help you show up as yourself in your business, which truly is your greatest asset as a coach. Listen in to discover how authenticity isn't just about integrity; it's about building a sustainable business that attracts the right clients and creates meaningful transformations. Links & Resources: Financial Coach Academy Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook group Key Takeaways: Your clients hire you for your perspective, not your ability to sound like someone else. They can sense when something feels off even if they can't put their finger on it.Start with conversations you've actually had with clients or friends instead of starting with other people's content; real questions create real connections.Giving credit doesn't diminish your authority—it actually shows you're engaged with your field and humble enough to acknowledge others.The most distinctive coaches often consume less content from their direct competitors and find inspiration from psychology, behavioral economics, or leadership development instead.If you have to ask yourself “would I be comfortable if someone changed my content this way?” then the simplest solution is to give credit.Your vulnerability creates connection in ways that polished, generic content never will; share your money mistakes, lessons, and turning points.Content creation becomes easier and more enjoyable when you're drawing from your own well of experience rather than trying to maintain someone else's voice.

    17 min

  7. MAY 29

    110. Difficult Conversations: Tough Talks That Build Trust

    I used to lose sleep before coaching sessions where I knew I had to deliver tough news. If I saw someone's finances and they were way over budget every month, I felt like, oh my gosh, I'm going to have to be the messenger of terrible news. What are they going to think? How are they going to react? Today we're talking about those conversations that make your stomach tighten—the ones many coaches want to avoid because they think their client will be unhappy or uncomfortable. But when we avoid these conversations, problems compound, resentment builds, and most importantly, we fail to serve our clients with the honesty they deserve. We'll cover the specific language that transforms these dreaded moments into opportunities for deeper connection. Instead of saying “at this rate, it will take you 13 years to pay off your debt,” you'll learn how a simple reframe can shift everything. Plus, I'll share how asking clients to rate their financial health on a scale of one to ten changed my entire approach to difficult conversations. Whether it's discussing negative cash flow, addressing spending habits that don't align with goals, or talking about business finances that aren't working, you'll get concrete phrases and questions that create openness instead of defensiveness. We'll also talk about what happens when clients get emotional (because money is emotional) and how to handle those vulnerable moments in ways that deepen trust rather than damage it. If you've ever felt uncomfortable having to tell a client something they don't want to hear, this episode gives you the tools to approach these conversations with confidence. Because the truth is, delivering tough news with care is one of the most valuable services we provide as financial coaches. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook groupEpisode 27: The Stages of Learning for Financial Coaches Key Takeaways: Preparation beats panic: Practice what you'll say before tough conversations, because delivering bad news with care is one of the most valuable services you provide as a coach.Questions starting with “why” create defensiveness, but “what” and “how” create openness. Choose your question words carefully to unlock client insights.“You should have” focuses on a past that can't be changed, while “Let's explore what's working” builds on strengths that already exist.Emotional moments aren't interruptions to coaching. They're opportunities to create profound trust by staying present without trying to fix or change the feelings.Ask clients to rate their financial health 1-10 before delivering tough news; often they already know something's wrong and just don't want to face it alone.Every problematic financial habit began as an attempt to meet a legitimate need. Acknowledge this and clients feel seen rather than judged.Your comfort with client emotions directly impacts your effectiveness as a coach; when you can hold space for tears without rushing to solutions, real transformation begins.

    18 min

  8. MAY 22

    109. Why Leverage Email Marketing Over Social Media

    Many coaches think they need to be everywhere on social media, posting constantly and hoping their ideal clients will find them. But there's a problem with putting all your eggs in the social media basket: social media in 2025 is not the same social media from 10 years ago. And that means that growing a business on social media is leaving too much to chance. This week, we're talking about why email marketing matters more than ever for financial coaches (and, honestly, any business). You'll hear why your social media following isn't really yours and how one of the contractors in my business lost her entire Facebook account overnight. We'll also cover the six strategies that actually work for growing your email list, including the one approach that we often see coaches completely overlook. If you've been wondering how to get people to actually sign up for your list, or why your current strategy isn't working, this episode breaks down exactly what you need to know. From creating lead magnets that people actually want to understanding the psychology of what makes someone open your emails week after week. Plus, I'll share the biggest mistake coaches make with their email lists and the simple fix that can change everything. Whether you're just starting to build your list or looking to breathe new life into an existing one, you'll walk away with practical steps you can implement right away. Links & Resources: Ultimate Growth GuideJoin the Facebook groupEpisode 93: Client Conversations with Nora SudduthEpisode 94: Build Trust to Attract Financial Coaching Clients Key Takeaways: Your social media following is rented space, but your email list is property you actually own—and no algorithm change can take it away from you.Nobody wants another newsletter in their overflowing inbox. They want solutions to their problems, so lead with value, not volume.Email marketing delivers $35 for every $1 spent, while social media posts disappear into the void. That's why email is the foundation of a sustainable coaching business.The best lead magnet creates an immediate win: don't give them 17 steps to transformation, give them one thing they can implement today and see results.Stop asking, “Will you join my newsletter?” and start saying, “I have a resource that helps with exactly what you just mentioned. Can I send it to you?”Financial coaching requires nuance and depth that a social post can't deliver, but an email creates the private space people need to engage with sensitive money topics.The most important email strategy isn't how often you send or what day you choose; it's consistency and value in every single message that hits their inbox.

    18 min
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About

A weekly educational podcast from the founder of The Financial Coach Academy®, Kelsa Dickey, that will teach you how to create and grow a profitable financial coaching business that you LOVE and are proud of. At The Financial Coach Academy®, we are passionate about helping you create the business of YOUR dreams – whether that’s a side hustle, part time gig, or 6+ figure company. Get ready to elevate your success!!

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