If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him - James 1:5

What is financial coaching, and how does it differ from financial planning?

Most of traditional financial planning focuses on taking your money and doing things to make it grow. However, much of that action happens behind closed doors and focuses on a future benefit. On the other hand, financial coaching exists to teach people how to handle their own money to receive some present gratification and a much bigger future benefit.

Why should I consider hiring a financial coach for personal budgeting?

Most people do not realize that finances are complicated regardless of the entity that has them. Another thing that most people do not realize is that their education came up drastically short of teaching them how to handle their finances. If finance professionals typically need at least a bachelor’s degree to handle someone else’s money, why would anyone think that they know enough to handle their own money alone? If you have a financial coach by your side, you will learn how to handle your finances, and this all starts with having a good personal budget.

What qualifications or certifications do you have as a financial coach?

While there are no government-mandated qualifications for working as a financial coach, a financial coach typically carries over experience from another financial field. Unlike other types of finance professionals, a financial coach will only focus on teaching you; the financial decisions you take are still entirely in your hands. I currently have a Bachelor’s degree in business, a Florida license to transact life insurance, an IRS-provided Annual Filing Season Participation certificate, and more than 5 years in mathematical/financial analysis.

How can financial coaching help me achieve my financial goals?

Because financial coaching focuses on teaching you, a financial coach can customize their instruction. At MTL Solutions, Amaniel views personal finance through the lens of project management, and this allows Amaniel to decipher how your financial goals can be achieved and help you learn what needs to be learned.

What is the typical process for a financial coaching session?

Financial coaches typically handle their sessions in different ways. However, at MTL Solutions, we focus on two processes: assessment and instruction.

• Assessment: Amaniel will typically start by assessing your overall financial situation and other relevant aspects of your life.

• Instruction: At this point, Amaniel comes up with a plan to talk about finance-related topics ranging from the basics of money to the complexities of your specific situation and goals. Amaniel will also walk you through a variety of exercises to practice the skill being taught and conclude with some actionable steps that you could take relatively soon.

How often should I schedule sessions with a financial coach?

Every financial coach works differently. However, you can schedule Amaniel for as many sessions as you wish. After initially assessing your situation, Amaniel will recommend a schedule based on your needs and your goals. 

Is financial coaching only for people facing financial difficulties, or can anyone benefit from it?

Regardless of their economic status, everyone could use an accountability partner, especially if that partner knows what they are talking about and can think on their feet. Whether your goal is to stop paying overdraft fees or scale up your business, Amaniel can help you walk through your journey.

Can you help me create a personalized budget based on my unique financial situation and goals?

Yes! That’s the essence of what MTL Solutions does. Most financial planners and coaches will focus on general, cookie-cutter advice, but MTL Solutions provides you with mathematical expertise and thorough analysis that helps guide you in your specific situation.

What areas of personal finance do you specialize in?

At the moment, Amaniel specializes in personal budgeting, personal tax preparation, life insurance, debt management, debt reduction, and credit repair. However, Amaniel also has plans to expand into certified financial planning, investments, and real estate within the next year. Stay tuned for updates!

Do you provide assistance with debt management strategies?

Yes. With the proper budget and proper principles, managing debt can be possible. You may also be interested in knowing that MTL Solutions provides credit repair services that could complement your debt management efforts.

Can you help me with long-term financial planning, such as saving for retirement or buying a home?

Yes! Even though I cannot currently transact investment vehicles (like a 401K, Roth IRA, or even an annuity), I can teach you practical skills and general knowledge about investment as a principle so that then you as my client can have the wisdom you need to make decisions on your own.

How do you handle client confidentiality and privacy?

MTL Solutions does not keep paper records. Any records that the customer provides are kept in encrypted cloud services. Also, everything that is spoken about in sessions with clients is kept confidential due to the confidentiality that’s enforced through our contracts with clients once they sign up with me. Most importantly, I do not sell or give any customer information to third parties unless you as the client were to authorize it.

How do you stay updated on the latest financial trends and changes in the market?

MTL Solutions operates in a very analytical way. I focus on making sure that I research the topics that my clients need me to research. These topics include, but are not limited to: FreddieMac for home interest rates, BLS for labor data, BEA for economic data, and a variety of newsletters from various credible sources.

How do you measure the success of your financial coaching services?

MTL Solutions believes in the power of SMART (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Reasonable, and Time-Sensitive) goals. When I first meet with a client, one thing I will focus on is drafting SMART goals based on your needs and wishes. While you will be totally responsible for completing the goals that we agreed on, I will consider the financial coaching to be a success if I properly manage to understand your situation and goals and manage to properly instruct you based on them.