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Unlock the connection between psychology and financial transformation

Training and Certification

Whether you're just getting started in your career or you've been serving clients for decades, enroll in our training and certification programs to:

  • Learn how to combine financial knowledge with the psychology of money

  • Deepen your understanding of yourself and clients

  • Gain confidence and patience for any coaching scenario

  • Grow an ethical, inclusive, and thriving practice

Financial decisions are rarely just about the numbers

People's beliefs about money, often shaped by their relationships, upbringing, or trauma, influence their financial decision-making. Beliefs like:

"Money is the root of all evil."

"I'm hopeless with money."

"Mo' Money Mo' Problems.”

Our Approach

Our programs teach a coaching approach that meets clients where they are without judging or minimizing their experiences. 

Learn how to facilitate clients’ self-awareness and financial intelligence—a combo of financial education and emotional intelligence.

By aligning their financial goals with personal values, clients can own their personal power, create a plan, stay accountable, and make informed, fulfilling choices.

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Our coaching curriculum is ever-evolving to adapt to shifts in society  

We keep our training fresh with the latest in neuroscience, mindfulness, and trauma-informed practices to ensure the coaching techniques you learn are relevant and effective.

Professional Development

Build trusting client relationships, enhance your problem-solving abilities, and expand your service offerings.

Certification

Boost your credibility and gain the trust of potential coaching clients. Plus, our certification meets the requirements for the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Associate Certified Coach (ACC).

Skill Building

Continue practicing skills, engage with your peer community, and meet recertification requirements to maintain credibility and stay up-to-date with effective coaching techniques and best practices.  

The Accredited Personal Finance Coach® Program

APFC® is a flexible 3-part program that tailors training to your specific needs. From improving your client communication skills to earning full certification, we have multiple pathways to achieve your goals.

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Everyone is welcome to train with us

Our virtual and in-person cohorts are as diverse and inclusive as the world we live in, with people from all walks of life and experience levels.

Practice with peers. Learn from each other. Grow bold and courageous together.

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Live virtual training and personalized mentorship

Participate in interactive group and 1:1 sessions with ICF-certified Mentor Coaches who will teach, observe, and give feedback.

You'll also have access to our online learning lab for resources and self-paced assignments.

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A fun, restorative learning environment

Our challenging curriculum will inspire you to explore your beliefs and approach, and you’ll learn how to stay grounded in your coaching practice.

It's possible to be an excellent coach without sacrificing your well-being.

The Choice is Yours

Take our standalone courses or complete the entire APFC® program, which is an an ICF level one accredited course.

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COURSE 1

Financial Coaching Foundations

Are you new to financial coaching or looking to brush up on the basics? FCF is an introductory course for essential coaching techniques, trauma-informed methodologies, and ethical conduct.

Live Intensives: 21 total hours across 3.5 days, including three 6-hour sessions and one 3-hour session

When completed, you will receive a certificate and course credit if you continue to APFC® certification.

$1,200

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COURSE 2

Deepen The Learning APFC®

After completing FCF, stretch your knowledge into action: practice self-regulation, compassionate communication, active listening, goal setting, and advanced coaching strategies. 

Live Sessions: Eight weekly 3-hour trainings

Growthwork: Approximately 22 total hours

When completed, you will receive a certificate and course credit toward your APFC® certification.

$4,200

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COURSE 3

APFC® Certification

After completing courses 1 and 2, or equivalent training, get mentor coaching while you gain fieldwork experience.

During this final sprint to certification, you'll complete 100 hours of independent coaching and participate in 7 hours of group mentorship and 3 hours of 1:1 mentorship.

Your Mentor Coach will observe your final evaluation, and you’ll submit a certificate of completion for a financial education co-requisite. Learn more about the approved co-requisite options.

$1,400

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Embrace the full APFC® journey and save $1800 by bundling all three courses

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What our students say

Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC®, APFC® Candidate

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  • "Before attending the program, I was a financial counselor who struggled with wanting to have the answers and help my clients solve their situations as quickly as possible."

     The program taught me that clients don’t need me to fix or correct them. I learned how to get out of the way and stop that voice in my head while they were sharing. Now, I have the confidence to be a safe, quiet space so they can share their goals, and I can help them facilitate their own answers and outcomes. Sage provided me with the tools and loving practices that have developed me as a coach with listening skills and patience, which had to be uncovered by learning to put the client first and foremost. 

    I am grateful for the added benefit of having these tools and practices available in my personal life, enriching my relationships with my adult children and extended family. I am so grateful I had the opportunity to learn from the best!

    Gabriella Barthlow, Founder of Alpha Advisory Group

  • "Sage’s certification program was a life-changing experience for me."

     It helped me first look inward and embrace my authentic self with love and compassion. I came out of the program with a deep awareness of who I am. Through a blend of learning methods such as instruction, role play, and practicum, the program left me feeling confident to hold a safe, non-judgmental space for women to talk about their money. The required 100 hours of client-facing experience ensured I felt ready to take off on my own. After the program, I founded my very own venture.

    Shilpa Bhaskar Gole, Founder of NerdyBird Financial Wellness

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Need more coaching hours or practice?

We offer peer group sessions that serve as paid coaching hours for the APFC® and ICF credentials.

Already an ICF Certified Coach?

Book mentorship sessions for continued support. Get approved continuing education units (CEU). Maintain your certification every three years with on-demand refresher training. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Our courses are designed for small groups of 15 students to ensure personalized attention, a supportive learning experience, and a sense of community.

  • All sessions are held in the Pacific Time Zone, typically in the mornings.

  • A certificate verifies completion of a specific course or program of study, while a certification, such as our Accredited Personal Finance Coach®, demonstrates a higher level of competency, showing clients and employers you have a professional credential.

  • You can complete your APFC® certification in as little as six months.

  • To complete your certification, you must also demonstrate financial competency. Before you submit your final APFC® evaluation for review, you must provide a certificate or certification of an approved co-requisite, which can be completed simultaneously with the APFC® program:

    • Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®)

    • Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®)

    • Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®)

    • Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

    • Certified Financial Therapist (CFT)

    • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

    Do you have a question about a certification you hold that’s not listed? Email us at certification@sagefinancialsolutions.org to see if it meets the criteria.

  • Many doors can open for you, whether you’re starting, pivoting, or expanding your career. 

    • Work as an independent financial coach and offer one-on-one or group coaching sessions. 

    • Join a financial coaching firm, bank, credit union, or other financial institution and collaborate with a team of professionals to provide financial coaching. 

    • Work for a nonprofit organization to create financial programming or offer financial coaching.

    • Add financial coaching to your offer ecosystem if you’re already working as a financial advisor, counselor, therapist, or life coach.

  • We offer scholarships!

    Email certification@sagefinancialsolutions.org with a request to apply.

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Have more questions about the APFC® program?

Join a free virtual info session

Learn about upcoming APFC® courses and get your questions answered by our founder, Saundra Davis.

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Financial Fitness Coach® Certification Holder

As a current FFC® certification holder, you’ll still have access to the Toolshed through the upcoming Coaching CoLaboratory (coming soon). Our new space for connection, resources, and community.

We’re here to support your coaching practice and remain committed to your continued growth.


You also have the option to migrate to the APFC® program.

Ready to help people put their money where their heart is?