FAQs
Your questions, answered
There are many things you might feel uncertain about before becoming a GroWiser client: what happens in a meeting, how services are delivered, and which professional standards apply. You’ll find answers to all these queries and more here.
How are meetings held?
Nearly all of my meetings are held over Zoom, usually from my office at home but sometimes from my “mobile office” campervan. If you’re local to East Lothian, it may be possible to meet in person from time to time.
Do I have to pay for an initial meeting?
I always begin with a 30-minute initial chat, and there’s no fee for this.
What do I need to bring to an initial meeting?
Nothing, except an open mind! I’ll invite you to complete a short questionnaire ahead of our initial chat, but this isn’t compulsory.
How long should I allow for an initial meeting?
Initial chats last 30 minutes.
Do I have to sign up to your services at an initial meeting?
No. If we both feel there’s value in working together, we would agree on possible next steps. After that, I’ll send you a quote with your preferred option(s).
How can I book an initial meeting?
View my calendar online to find a time that suits you and fill out a few quick details to book your meeting.
What happens if you’re away on holiday?
Financial coaching empowers you to become confident and independent with your own finances. When I’m on holiday, I still check for messages, but usually, there’s nothing that can’t wait until we’re both available.
What is financial coaching?
Financial coaching is a collaborative partnership of guidance and support. It doesn’t involve the sale or recommendation of specific financial products, and you’ll always remain fully in control of your own money.
Read my article on how to decide if financial coaching could be helpful for you for more information.
Do you work with couples?
Yes! One of the most valuable aspects of financial coaching is to better understand your partner’s beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours around money. Usually, they’re different from your own. So, couples’ coaching can be a great way to develop shared goals and draw on the strengths of each other, despite any differences you may have!
How long does a financial coaching programme last?
This will vary from person to person, but around six months is average. If combined with financial planning in a more comprehensive approach, allow nine months to a year. After that, some clients like to move into an ongoing programme of quarterly or annual sessions.
How long do individual coaching sessions last?
Typically, 60 minutes for financial coaching and 90 minutes for financial planning. Our first session will usually be 90 minutes, though, regardless of which path you go down.
Are you regulated?
Financial coaching does not involve the recommendation or distribution of financial products or the management of your money. That means I don’t need to be regulated or authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority.
I’m a member of various professional bodies, though, and adhere to the following Codes of Ethics:
- Chartered Insurance Institute
- Chartered Banker Institute
- International Coaching Federation
- Wise Monkey Financial Coaching Community
Are you supervised?
I employ the services of a coaching supervisor and maintain Continuing Professional Development (CPD) through my membership of the Personal Finance Society.
GroWiser Financial Coaching is a trading name of Wellstech Financial Ltd. Registered in Scotland, company number SC491686. Registered address: 18 Knowesley Park, Haddington, East Lothian, EH41 3TB.
We are not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and will never recommend or provide opinion on the suitability of financial products such as pensions, investments, insurance contracts, or debt arrangements. We can help you understand your relationship with money and plan for your future financial peace of mind, but we are not a financial intermediary. If you need specific advice, you should seek the services of a regulated financial adviser or a regulated debt counsellor.
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