Interview Your Financial Coach

We’ve all had experience with interviews, right? It is the means by which you can find the perfect person for a specific job. Well, interviewing a financial coach is no exception. A financial coach may have exceptional abilities, but if you feel uncomfortable with this coach or your personalities clash – experience means nothing.

So what questions do you ask a financial coach? Here are some examples:

* Why should I select you in preference to any other coach? What do you offer that others do not?
* What is your work ethic? What methods of financial coaching do you follow?
* What is your educational background?
* What training have you received?
* How many years have you been a financial coach?
* Are you affiliated with any particular bank or institution?
* What specific services do you offer that relate to my circumstances?
* Are you certified as a financial coach? Do you hold any degrees in this area?
* What is your philosophy about financial coaching?
* What makes you unique in this area?
* How are you paid? What are your fees?
* Will we meet on a monthly or bi-monthly basis?
* What tools and resources do you utilize in helping me to obtain a successful financial plan?

These are just some of the questions you may ask a potential financial coach. Of course, depending upon the area for which you are hiring this coach, you may need to ask further questions.

For example, baby boomers may seek a financial coach for retirement in order to find ways to save money so they can retire on a definite date and be assured they will have ample health coverage as well.

Think of it this way: if you were hiring a nanny or a baby-sitter for your child, you would want to know as much as possible about that person’s background, employment history, references, and other factors.

Interviewing a financial coach requires the same focus and attention to detail. After all, it’s your money and seeking proper advice from a certified and experienced coach can make all the difference in your financial future.

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