Financial Coach vs Financial Planner: What's the Difference?

When I introduce myself as the Financial Dignity? Coach, I’m frequently mistaken for a financial planner, which I’m not. So, what’s the difference between a financial coach and a financial planner? I can see why people are confused about this. Not only are financial coaches and planners different from each other, but there are several names that are used interchangeably for both.

Financial coaches might call themselves money coaches, financial counselors, or even debt coaches. Financial planners go by an even wider variety of names: wealth advisor, financial advisor, financial professional, financial representative, wealth management advisor, or Certified Financial Planner. No wonder people are confused!

What’s the Difference Between a Financial Coach and a Financial Planner?

No matter what a financial coach or financial planner calls him or herself, there are at least four key differences between the two groups.

1.) Their Expertise. The financial coach’s expertise focuses on daily money management: spending (budgeting), saving, and debt reduction. Coaches may have additional areas of expertise beyond these essentials. For example, I’m also a Certified Divorce Specialist and expert on the emotional side of money. Other money coaches might specialize in credit repair or debt restructuring.

The financial planner’s expertise lies in long-term wealth planning: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, annuities, and other investments. Some financial planners might also be experts in tax planning or insurance products.

2.) Retirement. The difference between a financial coach and financial planner here is pretty simple. The coach helps you form the savings habit of putting money away regularly and in larger amounts into your 401(k), 403(b) or your IRA. The financial planner advises you on which investments should be inside of these retirement accounts. He or she also warns you if you’re not putting enough money aside to achieve your goals.

3.) Training & Certification. This is where the waters get murky. Anyone can call themselves a money coach or a financial coach with zero training or certification. This is why it’s important to ask a financial coach about their training, education, and background. A Certified Financial Coach or Certified Financial Counselor is someone who has completed a formal training course and demonstrated competency in both the personal finance concepts and the coaching process. (In case you’re wondering, I received my Certified Financial Counselor designation in 2008. I'm the O.G. of financial coaching! ??)

Financial planners can also have a wide variety of backgrounds, training, experience, and certification. The gold standard for investment professionals is the CFP? or Certified Financial Planner designation. Acquiring this designation is no small feat. There are strict guidelines for education and experience before you can even begin studying for the exam, which is notoriously difficult to pass. (If your financial planner doesn’t happen to have the CFP? designation, it certainly doesn’t mean that they’re not good at their job.)

The point is to ask both financial coaches and financial planners about their certifications, training, and past experience. You should feel comfortable with their answers, and ask for references to call before hiring them.

4.) Their Goal for You. A financial coach’s goal for you is increased financial literacy and long-term behavior change with your money. A good coach wants you to get to the point where you are a confident and competent money manager. My clients work with me for 6 months to 18 months, depending on their goals and situation. I don’t want them to need me forever! The end goal is financial autonomy, not eternal dependence on your money coach.?I want my clients to take ownership and leadership over their personal finances. Sure, they might occasionally return to me for guidance or advice, but they're not depending on me to make day-to-day financial decisions for them.

A financial planner’s goal for you is the long-term growth of your assets so you don’t run out of money in retirement. Unlike a money coach, you will want to work with a financial planner for your entire life. Investments and the market are constantly changing. You want someone who’s sole job it is to keep their finger on the pulse of the financial markets, advising you when and what to buy and sell.

What’s the difference between a financial coach and a financial planner? Here it is in a nutshell: A financial coach helps you get and stay financially healthy. A financial planner helps you get and stay financially wealthy. And you might work with BOTH for a period of time!

Think you might want to hire me as your money coach? Let’s set up a 15-minute call and see if we’re a good fit to work together.