Your Personal Guide to Win With Money

A financial coach helps you create goals and actually stick with them so you’re not just dreaming about financial peace—you’re living it. Financial coaching is different from any other finance-related job. CPAs help you with your taxes. Financial advisors help you with investments. But financial coaches work with you to create a start-to-finish plan for your money and help keep you on track.

Financial coaches often work with their clients over several sessions—focusing on anything from fine-tuning your budget to discovering your long-term goals to working through a real financial crisis. No matter the situation, financial coaches sit with you one on one (we call it “kneecap to kneecap”) to help you overcome the challenges that hold you back in your finances.

That’s the great thing about a financial coach—they can help you in any situation! Maybe you’re up to your eyeballs in student loans or credit card debt, or you’re having money fights with your spouse. Or maybe you have big money goals—like saving to buy a house or setting yourself up for retirement—but no plan to achieve them. Regardless, a coach can meet you where you’re at and steer you in the right direction to win with your money.

Our Ramsey Preferred Coaches (RPCs) are actually independent coaches who charge their own rates after your free consultation. If you choose to work with an RPC, they may charge a flat rate that includes several sessions, or they may charge an hourly rate for each session. Generally, though, financial coaches will work with you to make recommendations based on your needs.

Coaching is meant to put money back in your pocket, not take it out. It’s the best way to help you develop the right money habits and put an end to your money problems. Some people will ask if they can afford it, but maybe you should ask yourself, Can I afford to not get help from a coach?

If you’re trying to get out of debt, other options (like credit counseling and bankruptcy) only manage the symptoms. They don’t change the habits that got you there. And the cost of bankruptcy is more than a financial burden—it’s a stain on your personal record.

There’s no better way to establish good money habits than by having a personal money mentor who understands your situation. And sidenote: You should never be ashamed of your financial struggles when working with a coach. They’re here to encourage you. These men and women are trained professionals who work with people from all walks of life and all ranges of income. Whatever you’re going through, it’s okay.

No—mainly because we don’t want your coach to become your creditor. They’re working to get you out of debt, not deeper in it. Instead, we ask that you always pay your coach in full up front (no credit cards). And remember, nearly all of our coaches offer their first session completely free.

Financial Peace University (FPU) is a nine-week class that teaches the nuts and bolts of Dave Ramsey’s principles. Though financial coaching and FPU are different, they actually go hand-in-hand. In fact, many of our coaches will encourage you to take FPU before or during your sessions with them. Think of it this way: FPU lays the foundation that your coach uses to build a plan for your money.

No. Our Ramsey Preferred Coaches (RPCs) are independent business owners, so their paychecks don’t come from Dave. But they are professional financial coaches who’ve been trained extensively by our team and follow Ramsey principles.

Marriage is not “me”—it’s “we.” Working on your finances together is the only way to succeed when it comes to money. Not only that, many couples find that talking about money actually reduces stress in their marriage. It’s so important, we’ve made it one of our core teachings.

If you’re having difficulty getting your spouse on board, let your coach know.

The great part about working with a financial coach is that they’ll guide you through every step of the process. But during your first consultation, your coach will ask questions to get to know you—your goals, your dreams, your past, your pain points, etc. So be sure to have your answers ready.