Money decisions are personal. Coaching respects that.
At Financial Coaching Cats, we believe financial support should feel respectful, human, and accessible.
Money decisions don't happen in a vacuum. They're shaped by life experiences, family responsibilities, systems, stress, and change. Our coaching approach is designed to honor that complexity - while helping people move forward in ways that feel realistic and empowering.
What Financial Coaching Means to Us
Financial coaching is a collaborative, one-on-one conversation focused on your goals, values, and next steps.
Rather than telling people what they should do, our coaches:
- Listen first
- Ask thoughtful, open-ended questions
- Help clients explore options and trade-offs
- Support progress at a pace that feels manageable
You set the agenda. Your coach supports the process.
What Coaching Looks Like in Practice
Our coaching Approach is:
- Client-centered: You decide what to talk about and what matters most right now.
- Strengths-based: We focus on what's already working - even when things feel hard.
- Non-judgmental: Theres no shame, blame, or "right way" to manage money in coaching.
- Flexible and practical: Coaching can focus on big-picture goals, immediate concerns, or small next steps - whatever feels most helpful.
- Voluntary: You choose whether to meet once, or return for follow-up sessions.
What Financial Coaching is Not
To set clear expectations, financial coaching at Financial Coaching is not:
- Financial advising or investment recommendations
- Tax preparation or legal services
- Case management or emergency financial assistance
- Therapy or counseling
When something falls outside of the scope of coaching, our coaches help clients think through referrals or additional support options.
Why This Approach Works
Many people don't need more information - they need:
- Space to think
- Someone to listen
- Help sorting through options
- Support taking next steps
Financial coaching fills that gap. It helps people connect information, resources, and goals in ways that fit their real lives.
Our clients see coaching support:
- Increased follow-through on referrals
- Greater confidence and self-efficacy
- Reduced overwhelm around money decisions
Care, Training, and Support for Our Coaches
Financial Coaching Cats coaches are trained and supported through the program's partnership with the University of Arizona.
Coaches receive:
- Structured training before working with clients
- Ongoing supervision and support
- Clear guidance on scope, ethics, and confidentiality
This ensures that coaching is both high-quality and human-centered.
Ready to Get Started - or Have Questions?
If you're interested in financial coaching, or if you're not sure where to start, we're happy to help.
Email: financialcoachingcats@arizona.edu
Location:
Take Charge America Institute
McClelland Park Building - Suite 308
650 North Park Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85721
About Financial Coaching Cats
Financial Coaching Cats is a program of the Take Charge America Institute (TCAI) at the University of Arizona developed in partnership with the Norton School of Human Ecology and its Personal and Family Financial Planning (PFFP) Program. Through this partnership, trained University of Arizona students and staff provide financial coaching while gaining hands-on experience - expanding access to free, respectful financial support in the community.
All financial coaching is free, confidential, and voluntary.
We strive to make financial coaching accessible. If you have questions about language access, accommodations, or format, please reach out to our program coordinator at financialcoachingcats@arizona.edu and we'll do our best to support you.
The University of Arizona is an equal opportunity institution. The university prohibits discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin (including shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics), age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetic information. Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in any educational program or activity operated by recipients of federal financial assistance. As required by Title IX, the University of Arizona does not discriminate based on sex in its educational programs or activities, including in admission and employment. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX may be referred to the university’s Title IX Coordinator or to the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, or both. The university's nondiscrimination policy and grievance procedures and information about how to make a complaint of discrimination is available online.