Patricia Willis—Financial Coaching

When They Came to Guidewell Financial

Patricia didn’t grow up learning how to manage her money, and for most of her adult life, she didn’t give much thought to where her money was going. Her attitude was “Oh whatever,” she says. But at 53, even with a good job, Patricia’s spending habits caught up with her. She found herself with more debt than she could handle. “I was calling out for help,” Patricia says. Not knowing where to turn, she went to a bankruptcy lawyer. He referred her to Guidewell Financial for Pre-file Bankruptcy Counseling. Together, they determined that bankruptcy wasn’t the best option for her, but she was a good candidate for Guidewell Financial’s Financial Coaching program.

How Guidewell Financial Helped

From the first session when Patricia’s personal Guidewell Financial coach sat down with her, the picture of how she was spending her money began to come into focus. By the second session, “I began to really see what I was spending my money on,” Patricia says. “I was looking to get my bills more manageable and my credit score cleared up. I think I’m approaching that.” Patricia says walking into that first meeting was challenging. “It’s embarrassing.” But, she says, her coach “was very respectful. They treat you as a person. You get support, not scolding. I chose to have my coaching sessions in person. It gives me a sense of comfort. I can see how sincere someone is when I can be face to face with them.” Patricia has found that coaching not only gives her good information for managing her money, but motivation. “I know what needs to be done, but having my coach checking up on me helps me keep firm to work for my goals.”

Results

After four months with her financial coach, Patricia says “I’m still in the early stages, but I’m very optimistic.” She’s paying off the bills that had built up and is doing her best to stick to a budget. “I’m more focused on what I actually buy, not doing what I was doing before.” Patricia will continue to meet with her Guidewell Financial financial coach for another eight months. “I know there is a bright picture in the future,” Patricia says.

“The financial coach gives you guidelines and suggestions, but you have to be willing to do the work yourself.”

– Patricia Willis