Question 1

Do you have to manage my investments for me to work with you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutlely not!    Other services available include:
 
Financial Coaching (undefined)is available for folks just beginning or needing the financial foundation around daily money management; spending. saving, debt paydown. Various package levels are available.
 
Financial Planning (undefined)one time or ongoing.
 
Money Coaching i(undefined)sn't really about money, it's about you and your relationship with money. Let's chat if this interests  you.
 
Divorce Planning (undefined)
 
Investment Management -  (undefined)If you are a DIY type of client looking for education around investments, we'll definitely incorporate that as part of our work together. Being in Abundance  is no longer taking on and engaging in investment management but rather focusing on coaching and planning. So no, we don't work together for investment management to work together.

Question 2

If I hire you what should I expect for Financial Planning?

Accepted Answer

With a "Financial Planning" services, as opposed to Financial Coaching, we will work together to select specific areas to cover. These areas may include, but are not limited to, the following: your financial goals, Cash Flow and Debt Management, College Savings projections,  Employee Benefits Optimization, Insurance, Investment Analysis, Estate Planning review, Retirement Planning and projection modeling, Tax Planning strategies, and a ton of education. We'll even use even iterative projections to see the impact of decisions, tax modeling, varying retirement dates and much more.

One of the distinct differences from coaching is the use of planning software.

With 1 time  comprehensive planning we deliver it over a series of three or more meetings (unless this is a limited scope assignment). 
  
With our ongoing planning implementation + Ongoing Support clients, planning is provided over 12 months with regular plan reviews, quarterly check-ins, and as-needed consultations (up to 2 hours annually) to ensure your strategies adapt to changing goals and life events.
 
Ongoing financial planning is about more than numbers — it’s about creating confidence, direction, and alignment so your financial life continues to reflect what matters most to you.

Question 3

What is Financial Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Have you ever thought of using a personal trainer? Hired a lacrosse coach for your child? Or a life coach for yourself?  Well a financial coach is very similar. We challenge you to have goals, shift your mindset, push a little harder, put more towards debt or another goal you are saving for - and hold you accountable to what you say you're going to do and by when.
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It all starts with an ACTIVATION session. (undefined)This session helps create a foundation for the structure and tools to support you in meeting your defined goals, and creates an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns. The flexiibility of the process allows for the time YOU need based on your unique situation.
 
But this is just the basics.  If you can implement on your own, great!  If, while we are working together, you realize that you need more support, a more specific plan and help implementing that after the ACTIVATION session is complete, we can help you with that as well with out 1 Month FOUNDATIONS package.  Ask about of 4 month PROPEL, or 7 month "FINANCIAL SOVEREIGNTY" Coaching Programs.
 
And for our longer term clients already on track, we offer a semi-annual  MOMENTUM program.  You're doing great and we want to keep the MOMENTUM going!  Just ask for more information.
 
Of course there are always those one-off limited scope financial projects that can be handled separately as things come up; I'm relocating.  Should I refinance?  Can I afford to get divorced?  
 
Remember, the coaching process is a culmination of lifelong learned values, perceptions, habits, goals, dreams, tools, structure, accountability, and hope.  And I'm here to journey with you! 
 
If think this is for you, schedule a Q&A call.(https://calendly.com/michellebuonincontri/30min) If you are sure this is for you, Call to schedule your ACTIVATION Session now!

Question 4

How are your services priced?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the service provided.
 
Our financial planning service are offered as 1-time plans and with 12-month subscriptions after an initial plan is created for implementation and ongoing support.

They cover a series of strategy meetings and are typically priced starting from $3,900  or $350/mo respectively depending on the complexity of your situation.
  
 Financial coaching packages begin at $888.
  
As a "fee only" firm, Being in Abundance gets paid the following ways:
 • ​By retainer for Financial Planning, with value based tiered pricing based on the complexity of your situation
 • A "value based" flat fee for limited scope projects or packages
 • An hourly rate
 • A percentage based on the investment assets under management (AUM)  - for existing clients only.
 
1 time planning and 12-month subscription plans 
(starting at $3900 or $350/mo respectively based on complexity)
    
Please see our ADV for information on service pricing  https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/315888(https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/315888)

Question 5

Can you work with people in another state?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely, with today's web meeting technology and more people working from home, we can meet virtually. 
 
All you need is internet and a computer. 
 
Using a ZOOM link and a secure virtual meeting room we can see eachother, from the convenience of your home or office, even while on lunch .  We can share data on the screen and draw to demonstrate things. This avoids traffic and time commuting to appointments.
 
Clients find that all this equates to less stress, more efficiency, and gives them more free time - helping to reduce the feeling that this is a chore.

Question 6

How do I set a complementary introductory "Discovery" meeting?"

Accepted Answer

You would start by scheduling a meeting using https://calendly.com/michellebuonincontri/60min-discovery-mtg(https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/315888)
 
Once you confirm the meeting on Calendly, you will receive an email with a link to fill out a set of "Pre-Meeting Questions", which you get from the Calendly invite.  
 
On most pages of the site, you'll see a "See if We're a Good Fit" section  or a Book now link, where you'll find a link to the Calendly & the questionnaire.
 
These questions were intentionally designed so we ask only general information—for example we ask for your age, not your date of birth. The questionnaire is password protected, and we do not share your information with any outside firms. The questionnaire will need to be competed 48 hours before our meeting, or iour meeting will need to be rescheduled.

Question 7

Is this about selling me products?

Accepted Answer

When working with Being in Abundance, we don’t sell products; insurnance, annuities, real estate etc. - You get the picture, but we can help you with investment management if that is right for you.
 
Nor do we engage in accepting referral fees, kickbacks, or payments of any kind from any third-party referrel partner, product or service. We do this to ensure there is no conflict of interest and you can trust that our only motiivation is to support your needs and goals wherever you are in life.

Question 8

Financial coach, financial advisor, financial planner - What's the difference?"

Accepted Answer

Financial Coaches - Do not perform holistic financial planning as decribed by the Certified Financial Planning (CFP) Board, "Cash and Debt management" is  only 1 element of Financial Planning. As a fee-based advisory firm we do not sell products or receive commissions, and as a CFP® we are held to the Fiduciary standard of care for clients.
 
Financial coaching focuses more on the basics of:
 • personal money management
 • helping clients take a look at their personal relationship with money, habits, and emotional issues
 • identying mindset (WHY we do certain things with money) and behaviorial changes and strategies to support clients in meeting savings and debt pay down goals
 • provide accountabilty to client-driven spending plans
 • educate on the basic concepts of insurnance, investing, diversification etc.
A Financial Coach's job is to provide the client with the knowledge, foundational skills, and behaviors that will help them build cash-flow and wealth so that they can then work with a Financial Advisor and on more advanced planning. 
 
Certified Financial Planners - have a CFP® designation. They  generally analyze a client's entire financial life across cash and debt management, insurance, investments, tax, and estate planning and use specialized software to help make projections.  At Being in Abundance, financial coaching is part of our financial planning process. However, Financial Coaching services may be provided as a stand-alone service, outside of "full" planning services, typically as a first step.

Question 9

What "is" and "what isn't Financial Coaching"?"

Accepted Answer

Yes, I am trained as a Ceritifed Fianncial Planner, (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cfp.asp)and I can work with you as a Financial Coach, 
 
What does that mean?
 • It means that this is more education, NOT what is typically considered financial advice
 • Financial Advisors focus on wealth accumlation and growth of investable assets and longer term planning
 • Financial Coaches focus on the basics of personal money manegement, behavioral change and accountability to a client-driven spending plan 
 • It means that I am working in the role as educator in the realm of financial literacy and behaviors
 • I am NOT providing specific "financial advice" around investments, insurance, estate planning, taxes. etc. More guidance on things for you to consider
 • This is about your daily money habits, strategies, and the behavioral and mindset changes needed to support you in meeting your goals. Not investment returns etc.
 • This is about preparing you to work with a Financial Planner on the next level AND maybe even an investment advisor to manage your investments
 • Do I have advanced knowledge of those topics versus another Financial Coach that is not a CFP®?       Yes, and you will have the benefit of that knowledge and education.

Financial Coach, Financial Advisor, Financial Planner - Which should you choose?(https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogerma/2016/09/27/financial-coach-financial-advisor-or-financial-planner-which-one-should-you-use/#4c11bcdc6595)

Question 10

What is a CDFA®?   What if I am thinking about Divorce?

Accepted Answer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rig5A1kGPlQ

According to the Institute for Divorce Financial Planning (IDFA), "A CDFA® is someone who comes from a financial planning, accounting or legal background and goes through an intensive training program to become skilled in analyzing and providing expertise related to the financial issues of divorce."
 
Click here f(https://institutedfa.com/what-cdfa-1/#:~:text=A%20CDFA%C2%AE%20is%20someone,the%20financial%20issues%20of%20divorce.)or more extensiove information. 
 
If you are interested in working with me in regards to pre-divorce planning, divorce settlement development or analysis that would be addressed under another sister company Being Mindful in Divorce and a seperate client engagement agreement.  You may find some addtional information on that here WWW.BeingMindfulinDivorce.com.(http://WWW.BeingMindfulinDivorce.com) 
 
Post divorce planning  can be handled HERE!
Reach out and we can discuss what that might look like.

Question 11

Will we be doing financial planning?

Accepted Answer

Many Financial Coaches refer to their work as "Financial Planning". Financial Coaching is the foundational work defined by the CFP Board for the profession of "Financial Planning".
A similar analogy for comparing Financial Coaching to a Financial Planner would be to call a Bookkeeper an Accountant.  There is a distinction in the work they do, and one may be an aspect of the other.
This is a good article that defines the distinction What is Financial Coaching, and Best Practices for Becoming One.(https://www.kitces.com/blog/financial-coaching-what-it-is-and-how-to-become-one/)

Question 12

How do I start the financial coaching process?

Accepted Answer

• We begin by having a complimentary 30 minute Q&A  Call (https://calendly.com/michellebuonincontri/30min)to determine what your struggles currently are and what you are looking to achieve.
 • After talking we will decide if coaching makes sense and we are a good fit for eachother.
 • If that is the case, we will move forward with booking you for an ACTIVATION Session (javascript:void(0))or another suitable srvice.  If you already know that you will want or need more accountability / collaboration then we will work under the 1 Month FOUNDATIONS or 4  month PROPEL program.  AND there is a 7 month TRANSFORM package as well. 
 • If this doesn't make sense for you at this time or this isn't a good fit, I will make a referral to another professional or suggesstions on reosurces.
 • When you book for your program, you will receive an intake packet to be thoroughly completed before our session, so that when we have our ACTIVATION session,(javascript:void(0)) (or another program) we can work on strategy. 
 • After I have received your intake paperwork, I go through it and send any questions back I have for you and we will have a pre-meeting call to clarify any outstanding questions on my part or yours. 
Data collection and accurracy is key and will require you to do your part on this homework.  We  ask for a lot of information up front, so you get the most value for your time when we meet.

Question 13

Budgetting hasn't worked in the past, how is this different?"

Accepted Answer

Budgetting is just one component of daily money cash & debt planning - and I prefer the term "spending" plan, as it takes into account "fun" as well as responsibility. 
 
Knowing what comes in and out is the basis of every financial decision and directly affects your ability to achieve your goals - whether you make $40K or $400K a year.  Our process is proactive and changes with the circumstances and goals in your life. It encompasses an understanding of the impacts visually and with numbers around the decisions that you're considering, and how they will affect your cash-flow now, in the upcoming months as well as the goals that you are working towards.
 
Let's face it, everyone knows how to lose weight, yet why don't they?  If you could to do it on your own, you’d already have done so.  In my other packages, understanding values, underlying motivation and mindset play a greater part in our work together. 
 
Structure, process and accountability give you the tools to be effective, make better decisions with confidence, and have peace of mind around your finances.

Question 14

How can I afford your services if I'm struggling in my current financial situation?

Accepted Answer

I've seen over and over again that my fee more than pays for itself, and many clients find room in their finances to cover coaching fees within ONE MEETING, and even find more.  Most are shocked and surprised to discover how much money they have misdirected unintentionally.  See our Client Case studies.(javascript:void(0))
Working together, you will put more into savings, pay down debt faster and learn how to make it work long after we are no longer collaborating. The process involves an introspection of your values and creates emotional and psychological benefits such as reduced stress and peace of mind. When we can make choices with confidence and pride, there is excitement over the possibilities we can create in our life.
Perhaps the question is “What excuses will I make for not taking responsibilityfor my finances?" or "How much is NOT receiving financial coaching costing me in my life?”

Taking control of your financial life is an investment worth making. not an expense.  It's a choice that your future self will thank you for.

Question 15

Why would someone work with a financial coach?

Accepted Answer

Here are some reasons someone might work with a financial coach:
 • You don't have a clear outlook on your financial future but you want one
 • You want to confidently know that you’re making the best choices with your daily  money
 • Money is something that causes you to worry or it’s a big stressor in your life
 • You have a goal and you’re not sure where to begin – debt payoff, education, business growth, a new house, a big vacation
 • You're doing “fine” financially but you want to be doing great!
 • You’re unsure how the choices you’re making today impact your future goals
 • You and a significant other are not on the same page about finances
 • You “make good money” and yet there’s still uncertainty from one month to the next
 • You recently experienced a life change - marriage, divorce, graduation, job change, relocation, buying a home, child birth, loss of a loved one
 • You have an upcoming life change/transition
 • You know what you should do, but need some accountability
 • You feel like your doing well and you would like an objective opinion or perspective

Question 16

I'm not struggling, so could I still benefit from Financial Coaching?"

Accepted Answer

Absolutley, not everyone knows everything.  Just like we seek mentors in our careers, think of a Financial Coach as a money mentor.  Things might be fine, but they can always be better, improve - and why not be great?

I've worked with folks making over 6 figures, and when I was an investment manager my average client was $3MM in managebele assets, with the largest having $17MM. And guess what?  Most of them wanted clarity and confidence with their money to support those  bigger goals that they wanted to achieve.  Making more money doesn't necessarily mean having less financial stress.
Many times folks who "seem" to be well-off still worry about their finances and second guess their decisions. Sometimes it's about understanding and shifting mindset or having a trusted financial thought partner. 
So even if you are not struggling, financial coaching or planning can help you work more purposefully towards and achieve those things on your bucket list:
 • Purchasing your dream home, a vacation or rental property
 • Traveling more often
 • Going back to school or transitioning careers
 • Leaving your current career or taking on your dream business
 • Preparing to start a family
 • The ability to work anywhere
 • Freedom of time (wouldn't that be a great thing?)
 • Ensuring adequate funding for a comfortable retirement or health concerns
 • Increased savings for wealth accumulation or to invest in yourself

Question 17

How could working together improve my emotional and physical well-being?

Accepted Answer

Constant stress over finances and money matters can cause a plethora of emotional and physical health concerns.  When not tended to, over time these can exacerbate into more serious conditions than just a heachache:
 • Anxiety, depression
 • Digestive problems
 • Eating habits, overeating, stress & binge eating
 • Brain fog
 • Falling asleep and staying asleep
 • Lack of energy, feelings of exhaustion
 • Alcohol and substance abuse
 • Job loss
 • Strained realtionships, even divorce or harm to ones-self
Stress activates the sympathetic nervous system, whose actions during the stress response comprise the fight-or-flight-or freeze response.  Consequenlty, over time this can impair other functions in the body and even lead to adrenal failure.  When we improve our finances, worrying dissipates, stress levels are reduced and our minds and bodies can relax; bringing more peace and calm into our lives, allowing many areas of our health to heal and improve.
Finances were the number-one cause of stress (73%) according to the results of a Capital One "CreditWise survey" in February of 2020 — more than politics (59%), work (49%) and family (46%). Younger generations are even more stressed out about finances than older ones with the majority of Gen Z’ers (82%) and Millennials (81%) sharing that finances are at least somewhat stressful for them.  
 
The survey also revealed that major life events or puchases can trigger financial stress as well, as
- 62% were stressed about their money in relationship to buying a house
- 61% were stressed because of a car purchase
 
Let me help you reduce that stress, and powerfully make those choices in life!

FAQ's

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