Becoming a confident and ethical personal finance coach starts here.
Whether you are pursuing APFC® certification or simply want to expand your coaching skill set, Financial Coaching Foundations introduces the core philosophies, practices, and techniques of financial coaching. This course helps professionals support clients in making fulfilling, sustainable decisions for their financial well-being.
Lay the groundwork for positive behavioral shifts
Learn how to support lasting behavioral change by exploring the role of beliefs, emotions, and systemic barriers in financial decision-making. This course equips you to ask powerful, awareness-building questions that help clients turn insight into action.
Best for:
- Personal finance professionals new to coaching
- Financial educators, counselors, planners, and practitioners who want to strengthen their coaching approach Professionals refreshing or deepening their coaching skills
- Individuals needing CE or training hours for APFC®, CFP®, or ICF certification
Completion benefits:
Participants receive a certificate of completion and course credit toward APFC® certification if they choose to continue with the full program.
Course Structure and Timing
Our courses are delivered in a cohort-based format, designed to support shared learning, reflection, practice, and connection. Each cohort moves through the program together, creating space for meaningful engagement, dialogue, and peer learning throughout the training experience.
The next Financial Coaching Foundations cohort will be held as an intensive starting September 16 2026. Scheduled session dates and times are listed below.
The Course Schedule
| Session | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Session One | September 16, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Session Two | September 17, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Session Three | September 23, 2026 | 9:00 AM–4:00 PM |
| Session Four | September 24, 2026 | 9:00 AM–12:00 PM |
All session times are in Pacific Standard Time. Each of the first three sessions includes a small breaks totaling one-hour.
Registration opens July 01.
Enrollment closes August 31.
Total Training Hours: 21
Growth Work
Alongside live training, you’ll complete self-assessments and assignments in our online learning lab. This growth work helps you track your progress, reflect on your learning, and deepen your understanding of the course material.
What to expect in each session
Session One: Foundations of Coaching, Financial Wellness, and Core Coaching Skills
Learn fundamental financial coaching principles and philosophies while discovering who you want to be as a coach through a lens of financial wellness. You’ll also begin practicing core coaching skills, including empathetic listening, curiosity, and effective exploration.
Session Two: Coaching Self-Awareness, Intuition, and Trauma-Informed Financial Coaching
Explore the internal awareness, self-management, and intuition required for effective coaching. You’ll also examine the psychological factors behind financial decisions and learn how to approach coaching with empathy, emotional intelligence, and trauma-informed awareness.
Session Three: ICF Standards, Coaching Agreements, and Discovery
Familiarize yourself with the ethical standards set by the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and learn how to create clear coaching agreements with clients. You’ll also explore discovery in coaching, including how to support values-aligned goals and meaningful client-centered direction.
Session Four: Action Planning, Accountability, and Engagement Lifecycle
Practice creating action plans that keep clients engaged and on track toward their goals while learning how to provide ongoing support as their life circumstances change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any prerequisites for Financial Coaching Foundations?
While this course is open to all, it’s designed for new and experienced financial professionals who have a solid understanding of personal finance. No certifications or degrees are required to enroll; only an eagerness to improve your coaching skills to support your clients better.
How many spots are available?
This course is designed for small groups of 15 students to ensure personalized attention, a supportive learning experience, and a sense of community.
What’s the time commitment for this part of the APFC® program?
During course 2, you’ll complete a total of 24 live training hours and approximately 10 hours of self-study growth work. If you enroll in all three APFC® Program courses, you’ll complete a total of 177.5 training and experience hours.
What if I miss a live session? Can I make up for it?
We understand that things come up! If you know you’ll miss more than two hours of live instruction, please reach out to your trainer in advance to discuss your options. We want to make sure you stay on track and get the most out of your experience.
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Course Includes
- 8 Lessons
- Course Certificate
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