Steve Codman

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial coach?

I’ve always found conversations about money difficult with family and friends, and I’ve never really been given clear advice on how to manage it. When I started full-time work, I was earning well but along with that came spending well. I knew I wasn’t making the most of my income, and most months I couldn’t even look back and explain where my money had gone. It left me feeling overwhelmed and a bit disappointed because I wanted to achieve more, but I had developed habits that were tough to break on my own.

How has Steve Codman helped you?

Steve taught me that managing money isn’t about being restrictive or living a smaller life which is what I used to assume. I always thought being “money sensible” meant fewer holidays and fewer nights out with friends. But Steve introduced me to the idea of intentional spending, and as someone in my early 20s, this was completely new to me! I wouldn’t say I restrict myself now - I just give each purchase a little more thought. Do I really need that extra cake? Will I actually wear that dress more than once? It’s not about making overwhelming, drastic changes, but about being more conscious in my day-to-day decisions. I also now understand the bigger picture of my finances - things like future plans, an emergency fund, and even my pension. These were all things I used to think I’d deal with “later,” but starting now has given me a stronger foundation for the future.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes! Even in just our first few sessions, I learned so much and it was all explained in a way that made me feel like I could actually make improvements. Every step we’ve taken has felt small and doable, but together they’ve made a real difference. Overall, I now understand my money so much better and, most importantly, I feel far more in control.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial coach?

This was an employer paid benefit. I have been thinking for some time to review my finances and it was perfect timing that this benefit was introduced and I took on the opportunity to get myself booked in.

How has Steve Codman helped you?

100%. I feel accountable when Steve puts time in my diary and goals so I know that I have to come to the meeting prepared. Steve asks questions that I had never thought of myself and encourages me to be pro-active and research and put the time in to work on my goals.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I feel grateful for Steve's input. My husband and I took three days of annual leave to review all our life admin, get a calendar together and visualise our goals by getting a whiteboard! We still have some work to do but am confident that with Steve's coaching, we will get there.

What could they have done better?

Nothing.

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial coach?

It was offered by my company

How has Steve Codman helped you?

Steve has helped me to better understand my current financial situation, my financial goals for the future and how to plan accordingly

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Yes, I have become more aware of what steps I need to take now to plan for my financial future

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial coach?

I am good at planning for the short to medium term but wanted to understand how my outlook would develop in the long term due to several positive financial changes happening in the short term.

How has Steve Codman helped you?

Greater focus on getting all my financial affairs in order relative to pensions, wills, insurances and the options to explore in the future to ensure my moeny goes as far as possible.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Not immediately but I am sure I will in the longer term.

What could they have done better?

Nothing

What were the circumstances that caused you to initially look for a financial coach?

It was offered through a flexible company benefit. At the time I knew my financial management was lacking and I needed some advice.

How has Steve Codman helped you?

Steve has completed revolutionised my approach to managing my finances. To start with he suggested very clear steps to immediately take control of what I do with my money and make it work for me. This then moved on to planning for unforseen circumstances and coaching me on how to provide financial security while having a clear picture as what are fixed cost and how to plan for future leisure opportunities. He has been amazing at giving me options and methods, and making think about how I can fund what I want to do.

Have you seen the outcome you were hoping for?

Absolutely. I now feel like I know what I am doing with my money. I can plan for the long term, including retirement, and know that my money is not sitting idly in a low interest account. Above all I feel more confident in my finances now that they are managed, and I know what I can and cannot do.

What could they have done better?

Steve has done more for me than I expected. I cannot think of what else he could have done.