The Financial Coaches Podcast

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.

Setting boundaries for your clients and leads? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares an experience that he had with a lead that told him “No” twice, and came back for a third time around. The boundaries he set, and how they were healthy and helpful for not just him as a coach, but also for the prospect as well.

Feeling cluttered with your notes? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria discuss their practices with how they take notes, what they feel is the most important parts of making them highly effective, and even some tools that can revolutionize the process for you. Pro Tip: Take notes for this episode!

Do your clients have concerns around student loans? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts are joined by guest Angie Carlson to talk about all of the ins/outs and new developments in the world of Student Loans.

Want to know how to build an effective funnel? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody goes further into detail on the backend of what goes into running a highly effective online event.

Thinking about doing an online event? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody and Maria talk about the benefits of doing an online event, and even give a structure of how to create it as well.

In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody tackle a common and sometimes uncomfortable scenario: being asked, “How much do you charge?” before a true connection or discovery has been made. They share practical ways to navigate this premature pricing question with professionalism and confidence—without sounding evasive or salesy. Learn how to redirect the conversation to focus on value, build trust, and create a meaningful coaching relationship before diving into numbers. If you've ever felt caught off guard by this question, this episode is for you.

Looking for work/life balance? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about what work/life balance looks like and means, and how to find it so that you show up going ALL IN for both areas of your life.

Are you afraid of putting yourself out there? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Maria and Cody talk about the process and importance of putting yourself out there in the form of creating content, and how it shouldn't matter about what ANYONE thinks of you, because the truth is you won't be for everyone, but are you for the people who are right for you, and they need to have the ability to know, like, and trust you.

Have you ever been told NO to your coaching? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about how sometimes people just aren't ready to start with Financial Coaching. Maybe it is a mental/emotional reason, or maybe it's a financial reason. Whatever the case, we cannot just sit back and allow those leads to slip through the cracks, because when we nurture them, the long-term benefits of it can shine through.

Have you been experiencing anxiety around your consultations? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares one shift that he made that made an incredible difference in his conversion rate from consultation to client.

Have you ever had a client drop out of your program? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts address a question from a listener about an experience that she had where a client started to ghost her after a session leaving the coach with more questions than answers. The hosts talk about this, their perspectives on it, and how to move forward from it as well.

Afraid to stretch your comfort zone? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares what he is currently doing to stretch his own comfort zone by diving into the world of TikTok.

In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts are joined by Coach Zoe Hughes to talk about a number of topics around getting started as a financial coach. With a background in psychology and counseling, Zoe brings a unique perspective to financial coaching, addressing both the numerical and emotional aspects of money management. Specializing in post-grad wealth building and management, she assists individuals in their twenties and thirties in transforming money from a source of stress into a tool for crafting their ideal lives. Throughout the conversation, Zoe shares insights into her journey from discovering a passion for personal finance to establishing her own coaching practice. The discussion delves into the importance of financial literacy, building healthy money habits, managing debt, and strategies for wealth growth. Whether you're a budding financial coach or someone seeking to improve your financial well-being, this episode offers valuable perspectives on aligning financial practices with personal values and achieving financial empowerment.

Wondering if you're working with the right people? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, the hosts talk about how it is vitally important to make sure that you're onboarding the RIGHT clients FOR YOU.

Ever experienced a dip in your coaching practice that sucks? In this episode of The Financial Coaches Podcast, Cody shares his experience with his own “Ebb” in his business, what that looked like, and how he was able to turn it around to get things back into the “Flow” state.