Financial Coach

Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan
Michael Ryan, Retired Financial Planner & Founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com Michael Ryan is a retired financial planner and financial educator with nearly three decades of experience in financial planning, retirement planning, estate planning, insurance, and risk management. He is the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, where he explains Social Security, Medicare and IRMAA, retirement income, taxes, estate planning, insurance, investing, and personal finance in plain English. His commentary has been featured by outlets including The Wall Street Journal, U.S. News & World Report, Business Insider, Yahoo Finance, Forbes, Newsweek, and Nasdaq. Michael no longer sells financial products, manages investments, or provides individualized investment, tax, legal, or insurance advice through the site.

Welcome to the Financial Coaching page. Many times people ask:

  • What does a Financial Coach do?
  • How can a Financial Coach help me?
  • Where can I find a Financial Coach?

You are in the right spot to get all your questions answered about what is a financial coach and how we can help.  

Financial Coach

Block title

Most Recent Articles

You Have Enough to Retire. So Why Does Your Money Feel Locked Up Until 59½?

Retirement Income Strategies Michael Ryan
Having enough money to retire and having enough money you can actually spend are two different problems. You can build a seven-figure retirement portfolio, run...
Read more

Roth IRA Withdrawal Rules: What You Can Take Out and When

IRAs Michael Ryan
Roth IRA withdrawals follow an order. Regular contributions first, conversions and rollovers next, and earnings last. That's why being under age 59½ doesn't automatically...
Read more

Rule of 55 vs. 72t Which Early-Withdrawal Strategy Fits?

Retirement Planning Michael Ryan
You turn 55 in January. You’re laid off in December, a few weeks too early. That calendar year difference can eliminate the Rule of...
Read more

Financial Planning

Emergency Fund vs. Cash Reserves vs. Rainy Day Fund: The Exact Difference Most People Miss

Budgeting & Cash Flow Michael Ryan
Most people do not need one giant pile of cash reserve or "emergency rainy day fund." They need three separate liquidity buckets. Each built...
Read more

What Is A Financial Coach And Can a Money Coach Help You?

Money Management Michael Ryan
Why should you consider a financial coach? Because they offer personalized guidance tailored to your unique financial situation, something that even the best investment...
Read more

How Much Do Financial Coaches Charge? A 25-Year Planner’s Guide to Cost vs. Value

Money Management Michael Ryan
Let’s get right to the question you’re asking: "how much do financial coaches charge?" But I know from my near 30 years of experience...
Read more

More Articles That May Interest You

Budgeting & Cash Flow

Emergency Fund vs. Cash Reserves vs. Rainy Day Fund: The Exact Difference Most People Miss

Michael Ryan
Most people do not need one giant pile of cash reserve or "emergency rainy day fund." They need three separate liquidity buckets. Each built...
Read more
Uncategorized

Have Finance Questions? Ask Michael Ryan Money Anything (AI-Powered)

Michael Ryan
Have a burning question about your finances? This AI Chat has been trained on every article, guide, and calculator on MichaelRyanMoney.com. What You Can Ask: Retirement...
Read more
Banking

Payment Scams with Zelle, Cash App & Venmo: 2026 Defense Guide

Michael Ryan
Ever wonder why that Zelle or Cash App payment feels as fast and final as handing someone a $100 bill? Because functionally, it is....
Read more
Debt Management & Credit

Picking the Best Rewards Credit Card for You: 2026’s Smart Approach

Michael Ryan
What if I told you an $895 annual fee credit card could actually be FREE—and even put money in your pocket? Sounds impossible, right?...
Read more
Investment Planning

The Economic Truth: What Being a Financial Planner Taught Me About Presidential Promises

Michael Ryan
You know what drives me absolutely crazy? Watching politicians tell people exactly what they want to hear about the economy, regardless of what the...
Read more
Risk Management & Insurance

Mortgage & Home Title Fraud: How Crooks Steal Your House (and How to Stop It)

Professor Alan Saquella
As a security and fraud investigator who teaches White-Collar Crime, I've seen the aftermath. Deed & home title fraud isn't a technical problem, but...
Read more
Estate Planning

Free Estate Planning Checklist 2026: Secure Your Legacy, Protect Your Family, & Avoid Probate

Michael Ryan
After nearly 30 years of helping families plan their legacies, I've seen firsthand that a well-organized estate plan, and a valid will, is one...
Read more
Taxes & Tax Planning

Home Sale Calculator: Profit & Cost Basis Calculator For Capital Gains

Michael Ryan
After nearly 30 years in financial planning, the most painful conversations I’ve had were with clients blindsided by a massive tax bill after selling...
Read more
Property Insurance

Import Car Insurance Tips: Get Covered Without Getting Ripped Off

Michael Ryan
Ever found that perfect car online, the one that was never sold in the U.S., and thought, "I have to have it"? I've seen...
Read more
Net Worth & Goals

15 Minute Monthly Financial Wellness Check In & Worksheet

Michael Ryan
Last week a client sat across from me and said something I hear at least twice a month. She had no idea where her...
Read more

Reviews