019: Why the VP of Marketing at AMEX Quit to Become a Flat Fee Financial Coach - a podcast by Snap Projections

Helping people improve their financial literacy and understand the best ways to use their money is a powerful way to help improve people’s lives. Often, the people who most need this kind of advice are those who are least able to afford financial planning services, or who are in demographics that may be ignored by traditional financial planners. Today’s guest is a money coach who feels called to use his considerable skill and knowledge to help others.

Trevor Van Nest is a Certified Financial Planner and professional money coach who founded Niagara Region Money Coaches. Trevor has been the recipient of several awards for his unique education-based approach to financial planning, including Professional Services Business of the Year in Newmarket. Trevor was also a Finalist for Outstanding New Business of the Year for the Greater Niagara Region in 2015. Before becoming a money coach, Trevor spent 20 years at American Express – 8 of those years as Vice President of Marketing. In addition to his work and family life, Trevor is an active member of his Rotary Club in St. Catharines and has been involved in board work for several philanthropic organizations.

Topics Discussed in This Episode:

• What Trevor’s firm does and who they serve


• Why Trevor doesn’t have a target market


• What made Trevor get into the financial planning field


• How Trevor structured his business in order to provide value to clients who may not have much money (while still making a profit)


• How Trevor initially got discovered by clients


• What the first few meetings look like for Trevor’s clients


• What happens after clients sign a letter of engagement


• How Trevor prices his services


• How Trevor stays organized


• How Trevor sees the financial planning industry evolving


• The most exciting thing in Trevor’s business right now


• Trevor’s advice for listeners

Links and Resources:

Niagara Region Money Coaches

Quotes from Trevor:

“I feel better now than I ever have about not having a target market. I think I’m a better money coach because I don’t have a segment that I focus on.”

“I’m assessing people all the way through from the first contact until the last so that I can provide the best and most customized advice I can.”

“My primary objective with this company is not to make as much money as I can. It is to help people. That really is the reason I’m doing this.”

Trevor’s fr

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