Don’t Plan It for Them: Helping Clients Decide What to Do With a Tax Refund | EP 231

Tax refund season brings opportunity. And for financial coaches, it also brings temptation. When a client receives a large windfall — $3,000, $7,000, even $20,000 — it’s easy to get excited about the progress they could make. Debt payoff. Emergency funds. Investments. Big wins. But sometimes in that excitement, we forget to pause and ask: What do they want? In this episode, Cody and Maria unpack a subtle but important coaching lesson — one that often surfaces during tax season: Why coaches can unintentionally overstep when windfalls arrive How goal-chasing can override client ownership The importance of asking before advising Why splitting a refund may increase long-term engagement How mature coaches measure success differently This conversation isn’t really about tax refunds. It’s about leadership.It’s about restraint.It’s about remembering that great coaching helps clients make confident decisions — not just efficient ones. Because it’s not about what’s mathematically optimal. It’s about what they’re ready to own.  🎧 Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode Ready to grow your coaching practice with the right support and community? 🚨 Join The Financial Coaches NetworkConnect with other Financial Coaches inside our private Patreon community:👉 www.patreon.com/NewMoneyHabitsFinancialCoaches  🔥 Launch or Level Up Your Coaching PracticeLearn more about our signature course, Getting Started as a Financial Coach, from New Money Habits:👉 www.newmoneyhabits.com/coaches/webinar/gsfc-registration  ✅ Join Our Free Facebook CommunityFind support, encouragement, collaboration, and real conversations with aspiring and established coaches:👉 www.facebook.com/groups/nmhcoaches  ✅ Get Connected Inside Financial Coaches+Whether you’re just getting started or already serving clients, you don’t have to do this alone. Join Financial Coaches+ and get your first month FREE:👉 www.newmoneyhabits.com/coaches/memberships/trial  🙋‍♂️ Have a Question for the Hosts?Email us at: [email protected]  📞 Want to Talk With Maria or Cody?Schedule a call here:👉 www.newmoneyhabits.com/coaches/fcpodcast_contact  🎵 Music by Summer School Follow us on social:@newmoneyhabits | @sizemorefinancialcoaching