Karen G. Adams: Empowering Lives as a Financial Mentor and Coach 

Hi, I’m Karen, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my 30+ years in the financial services industry, it’s this: managing money doesn’t have to be stressful. In fact, with the right tools, mindset, and a little guidance, anyone can take control of their finances and start living the life they’ve always dreamed of. My mission as a financial mentor and coach is to help people do exactly that.

But before we dive into how I help, let me share a bit about my journey.

A Lifelong Commitment to Financial Empowerment

My career in financial services began in 1986. Over the decades, I’ve worn many hats—working in superannuation, investment administration, corporate superannuation advice, self-managed super funds (SMSFs), mortgage brokering and more. This broad experience gave me a front-row seat to the challenges people face when trying to build financial security.

What struck me most was how often people struggled, not because they lacked income, but because they lacked the education and confidence to make the best use of it. It became clear to me that financial literacy wasn’t just about numbers; it was about empowerment, mindset, and creating sustainable habits.

So, I decided to combine my professional expertise with a more personal, human approach to money management. That’s how I became both a financial coach and a financial mentor—two roles that let me make a real difference in people’s lives.

What I Do as a Financial Coach

As a financial coach, I focus on the practical, hands-on side of money management. My job is to help clients develop skills and strategies to take control of their finances. Think of it like this: if managing money were a sport, I’d be the coach on the sidelines, helping you build the “financial muscle” to win the game.

Here are some of the ways I help as a coach:

• Budgeting and Saving: I work with clients to create personalised budgets that align with their goals and lifestyles. Whether you’re saving for a house, a holiday, or just trying to make ends meet, we’ll develop a plan that works for you.
• Debt Reduction: Debt can feel overwhelming, but I believe there’s always a way forward. I help clients create realistic strategies to pay off their debts and regain financial freedom.
• Goal Setting: Financial success starts with clear goals. Together, we’ll define what you want to achieve and break it down into actionable steps.
• Mindset Transformation: Managing money is 80% mindset and 20% know-how. I help clients shift their thinking, replacing fear and stress with confidence and control.

As a coach, my approach is structured, actionable, and tailored to each client’s unique situation. It’s about more than just solving problems—it’s about building skills for a lifetime of financial wellness.

What I Do as a Financial Mentor

While coaching is about hands-on guidance, mentoring takes a broader, more personal approach. As a financial mentor, I draw on my own experiences—both professional and personal—to inspire and support clients on their financial journey.

Mentorship is less about creating a step-by-step plan and more about offering wisdom, perspective, and encouragement. It’s about being a sounding board, a cheerleader, and sometimes, a gentle nudge in the right direction.

Here’s how mentoring can make a difference:

• Sharing Real-Life Lessons: Over the years, I’ve learned a lot about what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to money. As a mentor, I share these insights to help clients avoid common pitfalls and embrace strategies that lead to success.
• Encouraging Long-Term Growth: Financial mentoring isn’t just about solving immediate problems; it’s about helping clients build the confidence and vision to achieve their long-term dreams.
• Providing Emotional Support: Let’s face it—money is emotional. It impacts our relationships, our self-esteem, and our sense of security. As a mentor, I’m here to listen, understand, and provide the support my clients need to stay motivated and focused.

How Coaching and Mentoring Work Together

One of the things I love most about my work is the way coaching and mentoring complement each other. Coaching provides the tools and strategies you need to tackle your current financial challenges, while mentoring offers the guidance and inspiration to think bigger and aim higher.

For example:

• A coaching session might focus on creating a budget to save for a specific goal.
• A mentoring session might involve discussing your dreams for the future and how to align your financial choices with your values and aspirations.

Together, these approaches create a holistic, empowering experience that helps clients not only manage their money but transform their relationship with it.

Who I Work With

I work with individuals and families who are ready to take control of their finances and create a stress-free life. Many of my clients are professionals or families in the 35-55 age range, juggling the demands of careers, mortgages, and kids while trying to save for the future.

Here’s what my typical client looks like:

• They’re hardworking and ambitious but feel overwhelmed by financial stress.
• They want to save and get ahead but struggle to balance their goals with their current lifestyle.
• They dream of living a life free from debt and financial worries, but they’re not sure where to start.

If this sounds like you, know that you’re not alone—and there’s a way forward. Whether you’re looking to fix immediate money problems or build a solid foundation for the future, I’m here to help.

Why I Do What I Do

At the heart of my work is a simple belief: everyone deserves to live a life free from financial stress. Money touches every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our mental health, and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be to take control of your finances.

What drives me is the joy of seeing my clients succeed—whether it’s paying off a long-standing debt, saving for a dream vacation, or simply feeling confident about their financial future for the first time. Helping people achieve these milestones is what makes my work so rewarding.

How You Can Get Started

If you’re ready to:

• Stop feeling overwhelmed by money,
• Build healthier financial habits, and
• Create a plan for a brighter future…

I’d love to work with you! Whether you need the structured guidance of a financial coach, the wisdom and support of a mentor, or a combination of both, I’m here to help you achieve your goals.

Feel free to reach out to me to learn more about my programs, workshops, and resources. Together, we’ll build your financial muscle and create the life you deserve.

Final Thoughts
Your financial journey doesn’t have to be a solo one. With the right guidance, tools, and mindset, you can take control of your finances and start living the life you’ve always dreamed of. Whether as a coach, a mentor, or simply a trusted partner on your journey, I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s build your financial muscle—together. 💪

Karen xx