The Financial Coaches Podcast

A lot of coaches wonder what it would take to become a full-time financial coach. In this episode, Cody and Maria are joined by Sharon Kamas, a financial coach who recently transitioned from a full-time career in education into full-time coaching. Sharon shares how she got started, why financial coaching became such a natural fit for the work she was already doing with people, and what she learned as she began practicing, finding clients, and building her coaching practice. The conversation also gets into some of the misconceptions that can hold coaches back. You do not need every tool, system, website, or business detail figured out before you start. Sharon shares how she started coaching before everything was polished, how she learned through real conversations, and why getting out there and building relationships matters more than waiting for clients to come to you. If you have been thinking about becoming a full-time financial coach, or you are trying to find your first few clients, this episode will help you think through the path with more honesty, patience, and encouragement. Connect with Sharon: kamascoaching.com

Sometimes a prospect tells you right away that they are not looking to invest in coaching. That can be a hard moment to navigate, especially when you know the purpose of a consultation is to understand where they are, serve them well, and see whether coaching might be a good fit. It can be tempting to pull back, protect your time, or assume the conversation is not going anywhere. In this episode, Cody and Maria talk through a real consultation where that exact thing happened. The prospect said early in the call that he was not looking to invest in anything and only wanted to learn. Cody shares how he responded without pressure, how he continued serving the person in front of him, and how the conversation eventually shifted. The episode also looks at why listening well, speaking the prospect's language, and helping them see what is really going on can create trust without making the conversation feel salesy. If you have ever had a prospect say they are not ready to invest, this episode will help you think through that moment with more patience, confidence, and clarity.

When a client says they do not see the value anymore, it can feel personal. That reaction makes sense. Coaching is relational, and when someone questions the value of the work, it can be easy to feel defensive or start trying to prove why the coaching matters. But that may not be the most helpful place to begin. In this episode, Maria and Cody talk about what to do when a client no longer seems to see the value in your coaching. They explore why asking better questions can help you get to the real reason behind the disconnect, why the issue may not always be what it first appears to be, and how these moments can become opportunities to learn, serve the client better, and improve your work as a coach. Cody also shares a simple exercise he uses with clients to stay ahead of this issue by asking what is working, what is not working, what is missing, and what they may be tolerating. If you have ever had a client question the value of coaching, this episode will help you think through that moment with more curiosity and less defensiveness.

Every coach eventually gets asked a question they do not know how to answer. In this episode, Maria and Cody talk about what to do in that moment, and why not knowing the answer does not have to damage trust with your client. In fact, handled well, it can become one of the more helpful moments in the coaching relationship. The conversation explores why coaches often feel pressure to know everything, why your role is not to be the savior, and how honesty, curiosity, and a willingness to keep learning can serve your client better than pretending to have every answer. If you've ever worried that not knowing enough could hold you back as a coach, this episode is a good reminder that you do not need to know everything to coach well.

A lot of coaches think about growing their practice by getting more one-on-one clients. But sometimes growth looks different than that. In this episode, Maria and Cody talk about taking what you already know and bringing it into other spaces like churches, businesses, workplaces, and community groups. The conversation explores why many coaches wait until everything feels fully built out before they start, and why growth often begins with simple conversations and opportunities that are already around you. They also talk about the difference between trying to have everything figured out ahead of time versus being willing to build as you go. If you've ever wondered what it could look like to take your coaching beyond traditional one-on-one sessions, this conversation will probably spark some ideas.

What do you do when a client's financial struggles are tied to addiction? In this episode, Cody brings a real question from a listener about coaching a client who had been making strong financial progress—only to suddenly fall backwards due to substance addiction. What follows is a deeper conversation about how to respond when the issue goes beyond money. Maria shares insight from her background in substance abuse counseling, unpacking how addiction impacts both income and spending, and why progress can quickly reverse when underlying behaviors aren't addressed. They also talk through one of the most important things for coaches to understand: where your role begins—and where it should stop. From the stages of change to the importance of accountability, this episode helps you support your client without stepping outside your lane. If you've ever had a client where the challenge felt bigger than money, this conversation will give you a clearer framework for how to move forward.

What do you do when a client wants to stop coaching before they finish? In this episode, Cody shares a real situation from his coaching practice where a client—who was actually doing well—decided he wanted to step away before completing the full program. What followed was a thoughtful and intentional response that ultimately led the client to reconsider and finish what he started. This conversation goes beyond just “saving a client” and gets to the deeper issue: identity. You'll hear how Cody approached the situation by calling the client into alignment with who he said he wanted to be, rather than trying to convince or pressure him to stay. Maria expands on this by highlighting the role of integrity, values, and self-perception in decision-making. If you've ever had a client question the value of continuing—or felt unsure how to respond in that moment—this episode will give you a practical and powerful framework to handle it with confidence.

What if trying to be the “perfect” financial coach is actually holding you back? In this episode of THE Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about something that comes up for a lot of newer coaches—and honestly, even experienced ones. The pressure to do things the “right” way, follow a specific system, or fit into a certain mold of what a financial coach is supposed to look like. But the reality is, that approach can create distance between you and your clients. Instead, they unpack what it really looks like to show up as yourself in your coaching. From Cody bringing music and energy into his sessions, to Maria finding creative ways to help clients engage with their finances, this conversation is all about breaking out of the box and leaning into how you're wired. Because when you do that, a few important things happen. You connect more naturally with the right clients, you create a better experience, and you give your clients permission to be themselves too. If you've ever felt like you needed to have it all figured out or “be more professional” to succeed as a coach, this episode will give you a different way to think about it.

Is money the only thing financial coaches are supposed to help their clients with? That question came up a couple of times recently, and it led to a really important conversation. Because the reality is, a lot of what shows up in coaching isn't strictly about money—but it absolutely affects it. In this episode of THE Financial Coaches Podcast, we walk through a couple real scenarios where clients were dealing with things outside of finances, but those situations were directly impacting their ability to make progress. From business challenges to family dynamics, it raises the question of where our role as coaches begins… and where it should stop. We talk through how to approach those moments, how to ask for permission before stepping into more personal territory, and how to recognize when something is within your ability to help with—and when it's time to refer out. Because helping doesn't always mean fixing, and knowing that difference matters. If you've ever found yourself wondering whether you're truly helping your client or possibly overstepping, this is a conversation worth listening to.

What do you do when a client keeps showing up… but nothing seems to be changing? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria walk through a real scenario that came up during one of our Financial Coaches Monthly Meetups. A coach is working with a client who consistently attends sessions, continues to pay, and appears engaged—but the results just aren't there. So the question becomes: At what point do you step back? Together, Cody and Maria unpack: • How to define “value” beyond just measurable financial results• Why clients may continue showing up even without visible progress • The difference between financial progress and emotional/behavioral growth• Practical ways to help clients recognize patterns (without overwhelming them)• When to adjust your coaching approach—and when to consider stepping away• How to have a healthy, honest conversation when things aren't working They also introduce simple tools like behavioral awareness tracking and the “HALT” method (Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired) to help clients better understand what's driving their decisions. This episode is a must-listen for any coach who has ever questioned whether they're truly helping their client—and how to navigate that moment with integrity.

Even when you love what you do, there are seasons where things can start to feel… stale. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares a personal reflection from his own coaching practice after noticing that some of his conversations with leads had started to feel routine. After thousands of conversations with potential clients over the years, Cody realized he had slowly slipped into “going through the motions” — responding faster, investing less relational energy, and focusing more on efficiency than connection. That shift started to show up in the results. In this episode, Cody and Maria discuss: • Why the daily work of running a coaching business can start to feel repetitive• How going through the motions impacts lead conversion and relationships• The importance of treating every lead like they're your only lead• Why slowing down can actually improve results• How entrepreneurs can recognize when things are starting to feel stale• Simple mindset shifts that can reignite passion and focus Every business owner experiences seasons where the work begins to feel routine. The key is recognizing it — and making the adjustments needed to bring the energy and purpose back.

What happens when one spouse makes a major financial decision without the other's agreement? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares a real coaching case study involving a couple who had made incredible financial progress — paying down tens of thousands in debt and building meaningful savings. But then something unexpected happened. One spouse purchased a $14,000 custom front door without the full approval of the other. What followed became an important coaching moment. In this conversation, Cody and Maria unpack the deeper issues behind the decision, including: • Why people sometimes sabotage progress when they get close to financial freedom• The emotional psychology behind large purchases• How impulse decisions can impact trust inside a marriage• Why “head of household” thinking can create dangerous financial dynamics• How financial coaches should respond when a client goes rogue• The importance of healthy confrontation in coaching conversations Sometimes the most valuable coaching moments happen when things don't go according to plan. And when handled well, those moments can lead to stronger decision-making and healthier financial relationships moving forward.

Groceries are one of the most frustrating budget categories for many clients. Prices fluctuate.Needs change week to week.And when money is tight, many families end up paying bills first and figuring out food last. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about how financial coaches can help clients approach food spending differently — starting with the idea of “putting food on the table first.” Inside this episode, you'll learn: • Why many families accidentally prioritize bills over food• The psychology behind grocery spending stress• Simple grocery budget formulas coaches can use with clients• Why separating grocery money into its own account can be powerful• Practical strategies for helping clients stay within their grocery budget• A creative “experiment night” idea that can stretch food dollars while engaging the whole family Because helping families put food on the table with confidence is one of the most practical ways financial coaches create real change.

Feeling overwhelmed in your coaching business? You're not alone. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about a concept that sounds counterintuitive but can dramatically improve both your life and your business: Slowing down to speed up. Many coaches naturally say yes to opportunities, responsibilities, and projects because they want to help people. But over time, those commitments can begin to pile up — leaving you feeling stretched thin and unable to focus on the activities that truly move your business forward. Inside this episode, Cody and Maria discuss: Why coaches often take on too much How overwhelm can slow down progress The importance of identifying what truly drives results Why conversations and outreach are often the highest-impact activities How to recognize when it's time to offload responsibilities Why letting go of good things can sometimes lead to better outcomes Sometimes the best way to grow your coaching practice isn't by adding more. It's by removing what no longer serves you so you can focus on what matters most.

Tax season isn't just about refunds. It's about conversations. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria lay out a simple engagement challenge designed to help you spark conversations, build relationships, and potentially book consultations — all by asking one strategic question on social media. Inside this episode, you'll learn: The exact post to make during tax season Why personal pages outperform business pages How to respond to every comment (and why it matters) When and how to move the conversation into direct messages A simple 4-step framework for turning engagement into consultations What to say to people who owe on their taxes instead of receiving a refund This isn't about being pushy. It's about starting conversations. And if you're serious about growing your financial coaching practice, conversations are the gateway. Take the challenge.Track your results.Share them inside The Financial Coaches Community by New Money Habits. Let's see what happens.

Tax refund season brings opportunity. And for financial coaches, it also brings temptation. When a client receives a large windfall — $3,000, $7,000, even $20,000 — it's easy to get excited about the progress they could make. Debt payoff. Emergency funds. Investments. Big wins. But sometimes in that excitement, we forget to pause and ask: What do they want? In this episode, Cody and Maria unpack a subtle but important coaching lesson — one that often surfaces during tax season: Why coaches can unintentionally overstep when windfalls arrive How goal-chasing can override client ownership The importance of asking before advising Why splitting a refund may increase long-term engagement How mature coaches measure success differently This conversation isn't really about tax refunds. It's about leadership.It's about restraint.It's about remembering that great coaching helps clients make confident decisions — not just efficient ones. Because it's not about what's mathematically optimal. It's about what they're ready to own.

Are your clients technically improving… but not actually moving forward? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria unpack a subtle but powerful shift in strategy that has helped certain clients break out of stagnation and finally start making meaningful progress. Traditionally, Cody has taught clients to “backload” their goals — waiting until the end of the month to apply surplus toward debt, savings, or investing. And for many people, that works well. But for clients who struggle with consistency and spending habits, that structure can unintentionally keep them stuck. So what's the alternative? In this episode, you'll learn: The difference between backloading and frontloading financial goals Why some clients plateau even when they stop going backward How to identify which clients need a strategic shift The psychology behind “which hard would you rather choose?” How to balance risk with forward momentum When deeper mindset work is required (and not just a tactic tweak) This conversation is about more than cash flow timing. It's about knowing your client, recognizing patterns, and adjusting your coaching approach so progress actually sticks. Because sometimes the breakthrough isn't working harder. It's structuring the plan differently.

What happens when your income suddenly drops — not because of poor performance, but because life happens? In this candid episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody Sizemore and Maria Casillas pull back the curtain on the real financial and emotional challenges of running a coaching business. After battling illness and facing two slower-than-expected months, Cody shares the stress, mindset shifts, and leadership decisions required to stay grounded when revenue fluctuates. Together, they explore the natural ebbs and flows of entrepreneurship, how to prepare financially for unpredictable seasons, and why these experiences ultimately make you a stronger — and more empathetic — coach. If you're building a coaching practice, thinking about going full-time, or navigating inconsistent income, this conversation will help you stay focused, resilient, and prepared for whatever comes next. In This Episode, You'll Learn: Why income volatility is normal in coaching and entrepreneurship How to prepare financially for slower seasons The mindset required to handle financial stress How difficult seasons can increase empathy for your clients Why transparency builds trust and leadership Practical insights for paying yourself as a coach This is an honest look at the realities behind the business — because success isn't about avoiding hard seasons… it's about learning how to navigate them.

Are your clients feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or completely exhausted when it comes to money? You're not alone — and neither are they. Money fatigue is becoming increasingly common as financial pressure, decision overload, and constant economic noise leave many people mentally drained. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria Casillas and Cody Sizemore unpack why so many individuals are experiencing financial burnout and what financial coaches can do to help. Learn how simplifying financial decisions, reducing overwhelm, and meeting clients exactly where they are can create momentum and lasting progress. Whether you are a new financial coach or an experienced professional, this conversation will equip you with practical strategies to guide clients out of exhaustion and into clarity and confidence. In this episode, you'll learn: What money fatigue is and why it's on the rise How overwhelm impacts financial decision-making Why simplicity is one of the most powerful coaching tools Practical ways to support emotionally drained clients How meeting clients where they are leads to stronger outcomes If your clients are stuck, discouraged, or mentally worn out by their finances, this episode will help you lead them toward a calmer and more sustainable path forward.

Struggling to keep your financial coaching clients consistent and engaged between sessions? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody Sizemore breaks down a proven accountability system designed to help clients follow through and make lasting progress on their financial journey. Cody explains why consistency is often the missing link in client success, the behavioral science behind accountability, and how small, structured check-ins can dramatically improve client outcomes. You'll also hear a step-by-step framework you can implement immediately to help clients stay motivated, take action, and build better financial habits over time. Whether you're a new financial coach or an experienced practitioner, this episode will help you strengthen client relationships, improve results, and create a more effective coaching process.

Do your clients struggle with their emotions around money? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria Casillas and Cody Sizemore explore why financial challenges often go beyond budgeting or financial knowledge and are deeply tied to emotional responses. Learn practical strategies to help clients identify emotional spending, overcome financial fears, and develop a healthier relationship with money. This episode is perfect for financial coaches, money mentors, and advisors who want to enhance their coaching skills and provide meaningful, lasting impact for their clients.

Are you overlooking one of the simplest ways to scale your financial coaching practice? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria Casillas and Cody Sizemore break down how you can grow your income and impact right now—without more marketing, more leads, or more one-on-one hours. The key? Leveraging group coaching for alumni clients. You'll learn how to serve past clients at a deeper level while creating a scalable, sustainable revenue stream. Maria and Cody walk through why alumni group coaching works, how it strengthens client outcomes, and what to consider when structuring a group offer that benefits both you and your clients. If you're a financial coach looking to scale your practice, increase lifetime client value, and work smarter (not harder), this episode will give you practical insights you can apply immediately.

Trying to figure out your goals for 2026? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk about different types of goal setting strategies, and even some mindset shifts around them too. Is this your year? Make the most of it!

Have you ever considered your self-care when building your practice? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about how taking some time off for the holidays can lead to you being extra busy surrounding it, and how to manage that. Taking care of yourself so that you show up as your best for your clients, your family, and your friends is extremely important.

Are you nervous to follow up with prospects? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about the barriers that may be holding you back from consistently following up, how to perfect the art of follow up, and why it is actually a service to your potential prospects to do this, as compared to not.

Having trouble filling professionals in your network? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk through how to communicate value with other financial professionals on how you can help their clients, as well as sharing their experiences with the success of referrals from these types of relationships.

Afraid of having clients drop out? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts discuss a topic from a listener that was a part of our monthly coaches meetup around clients cropping out of his program before they complete it. After a few key shifts, the dropout rate reduced dramatically, so the hosts discussed that as well as other strategies to implement to keep the client retention rate as high as possible.

Having trouble finding leads? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts take a question that came from our monthly financial coaches meetup around how to find new prospects (leads) to talk to. Where do they come from? How do you approach them? All of this is answered in this one episode.

Have you been bold enough to tell your clients what they actually need to hear? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares an experience with some of his clients where he told them what they needed to hear, and not what would keep them happy, and ultimately it led to their coaching being terminated. Which may seem like a bad thing as you read this description, but it was actually a good thing for many reasons.

Have you ever been vulnerable with your clients? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria share why it is important to be vulnerable with your clients about even some of your financial struggles, and how they can get a ton of value from that and it can deepen and enrich your relationship with them.

WHY are You a Financial Coach? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody share their stories of why they became Financial Coaches, and they also talked about the importance of sharing that often with yourself, your clients, and your community.

Are you unsure of what kind of tech you need for your practice? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts took a question from a listener asking about what kind of tech is needed to run a successful coaching practice.

Do your clients have a hard time saying “No” to their kids? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares an experience that he had with one of his clients where they had to say “No” to their kid over a $2000 sports investment as they are trying to get themselves out of debt. As you may imagine, the initial conversation between parent and child didn't go well, so the hosts discussed how to handle those moments moving forward to provide a quality outcome.

Are you actually reaching out to your prospects? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about not only why it's so important to reach out to prospects and start a conversation, but also do a deep dive on how to do that highly effectively as well. This can be the one shift that you make in your practice, to allow it to explode. So, don't miss it.

What even are lead magnets? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about what lead magnets are, go into a couple of examples, and talk about how they can be a pivotal tool in your practice to help generate new prospects.

What if what you've been told about retirement has been skewed? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk about the intentionality between preparing for your future, and embracing and enjoying the present. A concept that a lot of people in the financial industry tend to skew too far in one direction, when really the magic happens somewhere in the middle.

Have you ever considered doing giveaways? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares how he has utilized giveaways to get prospects on the phone and potentially convert them into clients. Getting creative and having fun with it, is a great way to help propel your business forward.

Have you ever dived into your clients relationship with money? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk about what a relationship with money actually is, and how to help your clients find out what theirs is, and how to channel it in a way that really serves them moving forward to accomplish their goals.

What does it mean to get “beyond the numbers” with your clients? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast Cody and Maria talk about how to get behind the numbers and get to the root of some of the issues that are actually holding your clients back, and how to empower them to crush it moving forward.

Are your clients and prospects frustrated as to why their financial plan hasn't been working up until this point? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about how often it's not just the numbers that you need to focus on with your clients, but instead the bigger picture. The numbers are great, but it's not the end-all-be-all, so… what is?

Do you have a client that has a difficult spouse? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast Cody shares a case study of a client that he is working with that has a spouse that is not working the plan at all, and may even be financially abusing their partner. The hosts talk through the situation and give their perspectives.

Not sure where to start with budgeting? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria discuss the first steps to helping you craft a budget for your clients. This is a critical piece to your business, and if you aren't completely confident in how you're doing it now, then this is the episode for you.

Have you ever had a hard time getting out of the planning stage? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk about the difference between planning for something and actually doing it, and what it takes to cross that threshold to get it into the space of ACTION and out of PREPARATION.

Are your goals realistic? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares how he finally hit a goal that he has been chasing for the better half of 3 years. The process of how he set his goals, is actually how it was achievable in the long run.

Have you ever considered the difference between fixing the problem or solving the problem? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares an experience he had where he a realization on this topic and how it can tie into the coaching world.

Is investing in yourself really worth it? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody dive into why personal and professional investment is essential for growth as a coach. From improving your skills to expanding your mindset and confidence, they explore the surprising ways investing in yourself can deliver a strong return—not just financially, but emotionally and strategically. Whether you're on the fence or fully bought in, this conversation will challenge you to rethink what it means to bet on yourself.

Celebrate 200 episodes with us! In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody take a look back at a handful of episodes that stood out to them, and discussed them more in detail. The conversation was powerful at many moments, and is a “must listen” Episodes discussed:

Have you or your clients ever compared yourselves to others? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria discuss a topic that came up in one of our monthly Coaches Meetups around comparison. The dangers of it of course, but also what you may want to do instead so that you can actually have comparison start to serve you, rather than take your joy away.

Taking full ownership of your coaching practice—and your mindset—is one of the most powerful things you can do for your growth. In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria Casillas and Cody Sizemore explore what it really means to take ownership as a financial coach, and what happens when we don't. They unpack how blame, avoidance, or waiting for external validation can stunt your progress—and how choosing ownership instead can create momentum, confidence, and impact. Whether you're building your practice or looking to level up, this conversation is a powerful reminder that growth starts with you. Choose wisely.

What do you do if a client wants to file for bankruptcy? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares a case-study of one of his clients that is going to be filing for bankruptcy. The events that led up to this, and how he handled it are important insights to know if you ever have your own client approach you with the same thing.

Are you being distracted from building your practice into what it truly can be? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria discuss a post that happened in our Facebook Group (The Financial Coaches Community - By New Money Habits), around being distracted by other opportunities in life, and how that can affect your pipeline of new leads and clients to dry up, causing new challenges to overcome.