Category education
These terms get used almost interchangeably, and it causes real confusion — including, admittedly, around our own name. They're genuinely different things, done by different kinds of professionals, and knowing which one you actually need can save you a lot of wasted time.
To be direct about our own name: we're an educational tool, closer to the coaching end of that list — not a licensed financial advisor, broker, or therapist. We teach the general logic (what order to tackle debt, savings, and investing in, and why), and we pay attention to how money feels for you, but we don't give personalized investment advice and we're not a substitute for licensed therapy. For big decisions, or when money anxiety is seriously affecting your life, the honest answer is to talk to a licensed professional in one of the categories above.
Ask yourself what's actually stuck: is it a specific decision (how to invest a bonus, whether to refinance) — that's an advisor. Is it a pattern (avoidance, anxiety, fighting about money with a partner) — that's a financial therapist. Is it just needing structure and a plan you'll actually follow — a coach, or a tool like this one, is often plenty.
Take the free 2-minute check-upGet a clear first step before deciding who else to talk to