Are you curious about the cost of hiring a financial coach? You’re not alone. Many people wonder about the financial coach cost before diving into this potentially life-changing partnership. So, how much do financial coaches cost?
Whether you’re looking to get your budget on track, navigate debt repayment, or make smart investment choices, understanding the fees involved is crucial.
Financial coaches offer a range of services, and their pricing models vary, from hourly rates to monthly retainers. Typically, quality coaches with legitimate credentials charge within a certain range, but it’s important to know what that range is.
Did you know, in 2021, Americans spent over $352 billion due to a lack of financial literacy? This staggering statistic underscores the potential value of investing in financial coaching.
In this article, we’ll explore the typical rates and fee structures of financial coaches. You’ll learn what to expect in terms of cost and how to weigh that against the potential benefits. Is the investment in a financial coach worth it for your specific financial goals? We’ll help you answer that question.
As a retired financial planner with nearly three decades of experience, I’ve seen firsthand how the right financial guidance can transform one’s financial health. So, let’s dive into understanding the costs and value of financial coaching, and how it can be a pivotal step in achieving your financial aspirations.
Continue reading to uncover the typical costs of financial coaching and make an informed decision about your financial future.
Summary – How Much Is a Financial Coach?
- Financial coaches can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
- A reasonable hourly rate for a Financial Coach would be between $100 and $300.
- The Financial Educators Council studied the national average cost of Financial Coaching Packages. The rates range from a few hundred dollars to up to $6,000.
- A continuing Financial Coaching program and engagement typically will cost $150-$250 per month.
- In 2021, Americans will have spent more than $352 billion due to a lack of financial literacy.
- Financial Coaching needs to deliver more value to the client than they pay on their sessions, for it to be successful.
- As opposed to a Financial Coach, a Financial Advisor will typically charge a 1% fee to handle your money.
How Much Does a Financial Coach Cost?
- What do I want a Financial Coach to help me with?
- How important will it be for you to reach your financial goals??
- What has previously prevented me from achieving my goal?
- What can I expect to pay for a financial coach?
The trap of asking how much it will cost, rather than ‘how much will I benefit?”
“What is the value I will receive?”
Coaching fees vary by coach – based on how long you’ll be working together, how often you’ll meet, your goals, the difficulty of the project, and whether you’ll be working one-on-one or in a group.
Every Financial Coach is different. So I can’t accurately say “a financial coach will cost you $X.” What I can give you is, an idea of what to expect and a range of what you can expect a financial coach to cost. And a variety of ways a financial coach can help you. From there, you can determine what you want and how much it could cost.
- Financial coaches can range in price from a few hundred dollars to thousands of dollars.
- A National Financial Educators Council study shows on average, financial coaching rates are about $250 an hour.
- An ongoing Financial Coaching relationship is anticipated to cost $150-$250 per month, and can be one-time or on-going.
How Much Do Financial Coaches Charge, and How Do They Charge?
There are several ways a Financial Coach can structure their fees:
- A 1 time, single issue flat rate fee
- Hourly or flat fee per session
- One issue or topic
- An Ongoing Package Fee,
- Hourly, Monthly or Flat Fee
- Annual rate
- More comprehensive
- Percentage Fee
- Based on your net worth or income
- A one time, single issue fee
- An hourly fee, or per session
- You can pay a Financial Coach a one time fee to work with you on one single topic. This can be a flat fee or an hourly fee.
- An ongoing package fee, based on how long you plan to work together. An example would be a set for working together for three or six months.
- Typically clients are looking for a bit more comprehensive help, and elect a package of coaching services. Packages will usually include personal interactions with your financial coach, and are based on time (hourly, monthly, quarterly or annually).
- There are coaches who base their fee on your net worth or your income.
How Much Does a Financial Coach Charge Per Hour?
National Educators Council
A Financial Coach is no different than any other professional you would hire. The cost of a Financial Coach is determined by their experience, knowledge, and areas of expertise. A reasonable hourly rate for a Financial Coach would be between $100 and $300.
How much a Financial Coach charges would depend on:
- Their experience
- Their knowledge
- Their specialty
- The complexity of your situation
www.TheFinancialGeek.com created a fantastic scatter plot chart depicting the typical hourly rates charged by a Financial Coach. He used noomi.com to get the hourly fees of Financial Coaches. The majority of the coaches charged between $100 and $200 per hour.
Just to put that in perspective real quick. According to this Business Insider Article, that’s less than the average 40 year old spends eating out each month. Hiring a Financial Coach provides you value and saves you money, eating out is bad for your pocket and health.
A frequent question I get is “How much do you charge per hour?”. Here is why I feel it is the wrong question to ask:
- You want to accomplish a goal – period.
- A Financial Coach wants to help you achieve your goals.
- When I visit a doctor, I tell him what’s wrong and I want him to diagnose and fix my issue. I have never thought “Hey Doc, how long will this take?“.
Here’s another real world example.
Two accountants are preparing my taxes
I
One charges $500 an hour, finishes my taxes in an hour and gives me advice on ways I can trim my tax bill $8,000.
II
A second accountant is new, so only charges $100 an hour. It takes him ten hours and he kinda sorta gives me some advice, but I owe $1,500 in taxes.
Who was more expensive? I want my taxes done. I want the best advice possible. The more expensive accountant was way less costly than the cheapest advice.
Does anyone care what an hour of my time means, or looks like. The real value is the problem being solved, not how long is spent solving it. Clients want a relationship based on what can be accomplished in our time together. If a client enters into a four month relationship with me, I know what I can accomplish in that time. And the results will affect their lives immediately and for years to come
If a client enters into a four month relationship with me, I know what I can accomplish with them in four months. And I know how much time it will take me and my client, to accomplish everything they want to achieve. The value is the relationship, not the individual sessions or hours.
Financial Coaching Packages
How Much Does a Financial Coach Charge For A Three of Six Month Package?
Typically it is more economical and way more effective, to invest in a package with a Financial Coach rather than an hourly fee. The Financial Educators Council looked at the average cost of financial coaching packages throughout the country. The prices range from a few hundred dollars to over six thousand dollars. A multi-month program with a Financial Coach might cost anywhere from $150 to $2,500 each month. This depends on the Financial Coach, how many sessions you want to work together and how complex your situation is.
- How much time do you need to commit to a coaching package? (Will it be 1 on 1 coaching, small group coaching, or workshops?).
- What do you need in order to get the results you want?
- What do you need? Workbooks, spreadsheets, tutorials, templates, to name a few.
- How well prepared is your information? Do you have Net Worth Statements, Budgets, and all of your investments organized? Or do you need help getting a grasp on this?
You’re ready to finalize your packages once you’ve answered the questions above.
What Does A Financial Coach Do And What Is Included?
What has been your experience with money? Do you have healthy money habits, a grasp of the basics of finance with long-term goals, and a feeling of financial security? If you are looking for a tool to take the steps of developing an individual plan to have an accountability partner to help with the basics of money management – a financial coach can definitely be your resource for basic advice and improve your financial education on basic investment topics. You can almost think of it as having your own personal financial fitness coach.
Whether you are managing credit card debt, saving for college or retirement, or estate planning – a financial professional can help walk you through the financial planning process to help you develop your personal financial plan. Whether it is short-term or long term financial planning – you need an action plan. An actionable plan with attainable goals. Not just action steps, but actionable steps developed with an actual person.
Do you have trouble managing your credit card debt? Tried credit counseling but still having trouble increasing your credit score?
Related Reading: What Does a Financial Coach Do?
It is common for clients to come to me initially looking to work on one single goal. And a desire to achieve said goal. Working on a budget, improving their debt situation, or seeking help with a specific decision.
I let clients determine how they feel most comfortable working together. The relationship could be:
- phone call based, email based, or both
- Online video meetings or in person
- Ongoing relationships will usually include a written comprehensive plan.
We’ll evaluate their financial plan when their goals are met or their situation changes. A written comprehensive plan is generally included in ongoing collaborations.
Read this article about What You Could Expect From Working With a Financial Coach for a more in depth look
How Does a Financial Advisor Compare to a Financial Coach
What is the difference between different types of financial professionals? Financial coaches do not offer investment advice or insurance for a commission, and they solely charge a fee. Coaches or financial advisers that work for a fee often give complete counsel without a conflict of interest.
A Financial Advisor will typically look to manage all of your investments, and possibly sell you insurance and annuities as well. An advisor is usually compensated based on the value of assets under management (AUM). Managing your portfolio is typically the central feature of an advisor client relationship.
A Financial Coach will not handle your investments for you, nor advise on investments. Instead, you will be empowered how to handle your money independently. You always have the option of hiring a financial adviser to manage your money for you.
A Financial Coach should be able to add a wide range of value by doing the following:
- Increasing your income
- Reducing your expenses
- Create and maintain an emergency fund
- Investing and insurance costs can be reduced.
- Saving you time
Much Does a Financial Advisor Charge vs a Financial Coach?
Financial Advisors typically charge fees one of three ways:
- Fee-only
- Fee-based and
- Commission-based
*Understand the difference between the three – often times a “fee based advisor” is charging you a fee and earning commissions.
A Financial Advisor will typically charge a 1% fee to handle your investment portfolio. For example, if you invest $250,000 with an adviser, you may be paying $2,500 each year JUST for the advisor to choose the investments(1 percent ). A portfolio made up of index funds might cost as low as 10% to 20% of that fee. You may also employ a robo-advisor to manage your money, for a third to half of the fee of an advisor.
Financial advisors often charge commissions on top of that, as well as a financial planning fee.
A Financial Coach will typically charge a fee only. In most cases a Financial Coach not be licensed to sell you insurance, investment’s or annuities.
Is A Financial Coach Worth It?
“You can have more time or more money. You can’t have both”
– A wise mentor of mine many years ago
Eighty percent of adults wish they could spend more time with their friends and family. For many people, they cannot place a monetary figure on time. You may learn a lot about money online, but a coach can help you bring it all together for you. A coach will help you understand what it means to YOU and will provide you with choices.
You can certainly do it on your own – but there are four things to keep in mind:
- How much time will it cost you?
- What will motivate you to take action, if you haven’t already?
- Will you do it as well as a professional coach can?
- Will you be able to do it on your own, or will you need someone else to help you along the way?
“97% of Americans aren’t spending enough time on their finances”
https://bit.ly/3BsowRV
and
“The average American is spending TWO minutes a day on their finances”
https://bit.ly/3BsowRV
according to this Fool.com article.
Certainly! Here’s a section that highlights the value of financial coaching, complete with hyperlinked sources for further reference:
The Value of Financial Coaching: Beyond the Cost
Financial coaching has increasingly been recognized for its significant impact on improving individuals’ financial well-being. This impact is not just anecdotal; it’s supported by various case studies and research findings. Here’s a look at some of these evidences that underscore the value of financial coaching:
Case Studies
- Reduced Investment Risk: A compelling case study from Financial Mentor illustrates how a client avoided a potential loss of $40,000 in a real estate investment. This was achieved through strategic advice and risk management provided by a financial coach, showcasing the tangible benefits of professional financial guidance.
- Digital Financial Coach for Low-Income Americans: In a project led by IDEO.org, a digital financial chatbot was piloted among low-income Americans. The results were impressive: 62% of clients actively engaged with the tool, and 49% completed their financial action items. This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of innovative financial coaching tools in enhancing financial literacy and decision-making.
Research Findings
- A comprehensive review of existing research on financial coaching underscores its growing importance as a method to improve household financial capability and well-being in the US. This body of research highlights the demand for effective models that can boost financial literacy and empower better financial decisions.
- The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) launched a Financial Coaching Initiative that yielded measurable positive impacts for clients. The initiative’s data includes client demographics, outcomes, and the financial topics covered, providing a comprehensive view of the effectiveness of financial coaching.
These case studies and research findings collectively provide robust evidence of the positive impact of financial coaching on individuals’ financial behaviors and outcomes.
Here is another way of looking at it. A question we should all be asking is
CAN I AFFORD TO NOT HIRE A FINANCIAL COACH?
Financial Illiteracy Cost Americans $1,389 in 2021
The estimated average amount of money that lacking knowledge about personal finances cost people was $1,389 in 2021. If we generalize the results to represent all of the approximately 254 million adults who live in the U.S., lack of financial literacy cost Americans a total of more than $352 billion in 2021.
Do I Need a Financial Coach?
What is a Financial Coach? Can A Financial Coach Help Me Save Money?
If you’re struggling financially, or if you’ve ever wondered whether it would be worth investing in a personal money coach, you might want to reconsider. You might have a hunch that it’s exactly what your family requires, but when you’re already strapped for cash, it’s easy to put it off.
When working with a Financial Coach, you need to feel like you’re getting something out of it. For Financial Coaching to be beneficial, it must deliver more value to you than you pay for their relationship. And the relationship must be successful in achieving the your financial goals. You may then assess, at what cost is it worthwhile for you based on the value?
- How much would hiring a Financial Coach set you back?
- What will you save in terms of money and/or time?
- Are you seeking financial advice, or to get a better understanding of your current situation and relationship with money?
- Is the increased value worth more than the cost?
If the answer is yes, you should work with a Financial Coach.
If the answer is no, do you see the benefit of working with someone to assist you with your finances?
I can do my own taxes, but I’d rather have someone who is more knowledgeable than me – do it better and faster. I place a higher value on my time and peace of mind than the cost.
Are You Ready For a Financial Coach?
Clients must be committed to
- Change.
- To develop new money habits
- Be willing to learn and
- Devote time to improving their financial situation.
The point is that Financial Coaching must offer the client more value than they pay for it. If Financial Coaching makes sense for a client, and they are ready – I then determine how I can best serve them. The key is, Financial Coaching must provide more value to the client then they spend. Anyone that you hire certainly should be bringing you value!! How you define value is totally up to you.
Only you can determine whether or not a Financial Coach can help you:
How much time and money do you want to devote each day to your finances?
Or would you like to have someone lead you through it once a week or once a month?
When you cooperate with me, you will receive the following:
- How much time and money do you want to devote each day on your finances?
- Or would you like to have someone lead you through it once a week or month?
Who Benefits From a Financial Coaching?
- I am ready to learn about money and manage my finances. And feel confident about it.
- I have read the blogs and books and experimented with spreadsheets. But I feel even more confused and stuck.
- I am sick of struggling and ready to make progress
- Know it’s time to let go of old beliefs about money and learn what really works
- I don’t even know where to begin, and feel scared by finances.
- You’re hesitant to try again since you’re not sure how things will turn out
When working with me, I will provide you:
A plan that is unique to you
Help you minimize your mistakes
Free up time to get a greater sense of balance and satisfaction in your life.
Provide you with the assurance that you are making progress rather than feeling overwhelmed.
Simplify the complex!
In conclusion, hiring a financial coach can be a smart investment in your financial well-being. A financial coach can help you develop a budget, create a savings plan, or make smart investment decisions.
The cost of a financial coach can vary depending on their experience, training, and location, but most financial coaches charge an hourly rate or a flat fee for their services.
By considering the factors that impact the cost of financial coaching and shopping around for a coach that fits your budget, you can find a financial coach who can help you achieve your financial goals.
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Note: The content provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or legal advice. Consult with a professional advisor or accountant for personalized guidance.
