Question 1

Why should I trust you with my finances?

Accepted Answer

At DMKintzer, we understand the sensitive nature of entrusting someone with your finances. Our team is led by Dennis Kintzer, who is not only our founder but also a certified financial coach with years of experience in guiding individuals and families towards achieving their financial goals. He is living proof that you can go from a childhood of welfare and poverty, to living a life with a multi-million dollar net-worth.  We prioritize building trust through transparent communication, personalized financial planning, and a commitment to acting in our clients' best interests. Our approach is rooted in education, empowerment, and accountability, ensuring that our clients feel confident and secure in their financial decisions. Additionally, our track record of success and client testimonials speak to our dedication and expertise in helping others achieve financial freedom and stability. We are committed to being a reliable and trustworthy partner in your financial journey.

Question 2

Why don't you have any certifications like CFP®?

Accepted Answer

At DMKintzer, we believe that our value comes from our extensive experience, specialized expertise in finance, and dedicated focus on providing personalized solutions for our clients. While certifications like CFP® (Certified Financial Planner™) are valuable and widely recognized in the industry, we have chosen to prioritize our unique approach to financial coaching. Our team members have years of experience in finance, and we continue to stay updated on the latest trends and regulations in the industry. We are committed to delivering customized support and guidance to our clients, tailoring our services to their individual needs and goals. This allows us to provide a level of attention and detail that is different than what a standard certification offers. We believe that our hands-on experience, combined with a deep understanding of our clients' financial situations, sets us apart and enables us to deliver truly impactful results.

Question 3

What's the difference between a Financial Coach and a Financial Advisor?

Accepted Answer

While both provide financial guidance, a Financial Coach, such as DMKintzer, focuses on educating and empowering individuals to make sound financial decisions. A Financial Coach helps clients understand their spending habits, create and stick to a "budget" (we like to call...a "spending plan"), and develop long-term financial goals. DMKintzer offers personalized coaching sessions, financial awareness workshops, and accountability to help clients achieve financial success. On the other hand, a Financial Advisor primarily offers investment and wealth management services, often catering to clients with substantial assets. They provide advice on specific investment options and may manage client portfolios. While a Financial Advisor can provide valuable investment guidance, a Financial Coach like DMKintzer concentrates on overall financial well-being and lifestyle choices.

Question 4

Do you offer both individual and group coaching sessions?

Accepted Answer

Yes!  Not only does DMKintzer offer individual and group coaching sessions, you can also participate in some of our other programs.

Need a public speaker on personal finance for your next event? Why not have Dennis walk your audience through the process of getting from total financial dependence to the independence of financial freedom!

Question 5

What sets you apart as a personal finance coach for young adults?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to the wild world of personal finance, Dennis isn't just a player—he's a seasoned navigator of the ups and downs! In a whirlwind decade, he's transformed his family's financial landscape from bleak to breathtaking, turning negatives into near-million-dollar positives! How did he do it? Well, it's like a symphony of smart money moves orchestrated with a sprinkle of newfound wisdom and a boost in household income.

But here's the kicker: Dennis isn't shy about showcasing his own financial follies alongside his triumphs. Consider it a crash course in what to do and what definitely not to do! So, heed his tales of both brilliance and blunders, and steer clear of those pesky setbacks. It's the ultimate playbook for financial success—a rollercoaster ride through cash flow calamities and wealth-building wonders!

Question 6

What inspired you to start coaching others in personal finance?

Accepted Answer

I was initially drawn to finance through investing at a young age, driven by a belief that Social Security wouldn't be viable for me in the future. However, it wasn't until later, facing substantial debt and medical bills after a hospital stay for Lyme's disease, that I realized the urgency of achieving financial independence.

Despite minimal formal education in personal finance, my journey has been primarily self-taught, with a foundation laid during accounting courses at Penn State University. Over time, my passion for assisting others with their finances intensified, especially witnessing the struggles many faced during economic challenges and high inflation rates.

My coaching approach stands out because it's rooted in personal experience. While many discuss financial strategies, few have attained the level of financial freedom and success I've achieved, including reaching a million-dollar asset milestone, primarily in cash.

The pivotal moment came during the Covid pandemic, where the lack of emergency funds became glaringly evident. This realization drove me to deepen my personal finance education to better serve others. Reaching the milestone of accumulating a million dollars in assets reaffirmed my belief that financial success is attainable and can be coached.

My ultimate goal is audacious—to help 10,000 individuals reach deca-millionaire status, facilitating a combined wealth accumulation of $100 billion. To stay informed and abreast of developments, I immerse myself in financial content daily, drawing from sources like Fidelity Investments, the Wall Street Journal, and Investopedia, among others.

In essence, my journey from humble beginnings to multi-millionaire status serves as a testament to the potential within everyone. I firmly believe that with dedication and guidance, anyone can surpass financial goals, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Question 7

How do you approach financial coaching for individuals with varying levels of financial knowledge?

Accepted Answer

At DMKintzer, our primary goal is to empower individuals to achieve financial independence while ensuring they lead fulfilling lives beyond just monetary wealth. When it comes to coaching individuals with different levels of financial knowledge, we focus on key areas such as investing, budgeting, and debt reduction.

While we currently don't conduct personalized assessments of financial knowledge, it's a feature we're looking to incorporate soon to better tailor our services. Our coaching style remains consistent for all clients—a supportive yet firm approach akin to a bootcamp style, providing both motivation and discipline.

One of the common challenges we encounter is overcoming the belief that financial independence is unattainable. Many clients initially perceive their situations as dire, but our approach emphasizes shifting their mindset from a "spend" mentality to an "accumulation" mentality.

We do provide ongoing support and resources, including online classes, courses, and programs aimed at continual education. We measure progress primarily through tracking net worth as a benchmark.

Our commitment remains steadfast in helping each client progress towards financial independence and a fulfilling life.

Question 8

Can you share your personal journey from financial struggle to becoming a millionaire?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!

My journey has been a mix of self-reflection, learning from mistakes, and persistent dedication to financial discipline. In my younger years, I made some significant financial missteps, particularly with excessive spending on new vehicles and lacking proper guidance in managing money. However, as I entered my late 40s, I had a moment of realization triggered by a medical emergency that left me with substantial bills. This served as a wake-up call, prompting me to reevaluate my financial habits and priorities.

One of the pivotal steps I took was transitioning from spending beyond my means to adopting a more frugal lifestyle. For instance, I stopped buying new cars and began investing modest amounts regularly, starting with just $10 every two weeks in PepsiCo stock during my early career days. This commitment to consistent investing, coupled with a newfound focus on eliminating debt before retirement, set the foundation for my financial turnaround.

Throughout my journey, I've been fortunate to have mentors and role models who instilled in me the importance of investing for the future. From my high school teacher's advice on retirement investing to the encouragement of a Navy Lieutenant, I've drawn inspiration from various sources. Additionally, formal education in finance, including accounting classes and obtaining a Financial Coaching certificate, enhanced my understanding and confidence in managing finances effectively.

Central to my transformation has been a shift in mindset—from a mentality of borrowing and spending recklessly to one of disciplined saving and investing. Creating a personal spending plan, or budget, was instrumental in gaining control over my finances. Over time, I learned to prioritize saving, automate financial tasks, and regularly review my financial position to stay on track.

Maintaining discipline and consistency has been key to sustaining financial growth. Whether it's adhering to a savings plan, practicing dollar-cost averaging in investments, or making conscious choices to reduce unnecessary expenses, discipline has been the cornerstone of my financial success.

For those facing financial challenges, I emphasize the importance of commitment and taking proactive steps, no matter how small, to improve one's financial situation. Starting with small actions, such as reading about finance or creating a basic budget, can lead to significant progress over time. Remember, achieving financial independence is a journey that requires patience, dedication, and a willingness to learn and adapt along the way.

Question 9

What strategies do you recommend for setting short-term and long-term financial goals?

Accepted Answer

At DMKintzer, we specialize in guiding newly engaged and newly married couples aged 20-39 who are embarking on their financial journey together. With many of our clients having limited previous experience in personal finance, our mission is to provide them with a comprehensive overview and practical guidance to set them on the path to financial success.

Our approach to goal-setting involves igniting imagination and pushing boundaries to help our clients envision and achieve their aspirations. We call it "out of this world" thinking, where we encourage individuals to explore possibilities they may have never considered before.

When assessing a client's financial situation, we take into account all aspects of their finances, including income, expenses, assets, liabilities, risk tolerance, and time horizon. This holistic approach enables us to tailor our education and guidance to each client's unique circumstances and goals.

We differentiate between short-term and long-term goals, defining short-term goals as anything achievable within the next five years. While we recognize the importance of considering economic factors such as inflation, our primary focus is on helping our clients outpace inflation and build wealth over the long term.

Prioritizing competing financial goals depends on whether the goal is a necessity or a want, and we work closely with our clients to align their priorities with their values and aspirations.

Our commitment to our clients extends beyond the initial consultation. Through our ongoing 1-to-1 coaching, we remain continually available to answer questions and provide guidance whenever they are needed. Whether it's through our app's chat feature, our website, or via text, we're here to support our clients every step of the way on their financial journey.

Question 10

How do you help clients track their progress toward financial independence?

Accepted Answer

At DMKintzer, we understand that tracking progress is key to achieving financial independence. Here's how we support our clients on their journey:
Utilizing specialized software: We leverage powerful software tools designed to provide real-time insights into our clients' financial standing. One such tool offers a comprehensive view of assets, liabilities, and goals, serving as both a budgeting aid and a progress tracker. Additionally, we utilize software that forecasts the trajectory of clients' efforts toward financial independence.
Setting specific milestones and goals: We work closely with our clients to establish personalized milestones and goals tailored to their aspirations. By collaboratively determining their financial independence number, we can then reverse-engineer the process, breaking down the journey into manageable five-year milestones.
Tailored approach based on assessment: Our coaching approach is highly personalized. Through a preliminary financial assessment, we gain insights into each client's current financial landscape. This allows us to tailor our guidance to their unique circumstances and desired outcomes.
Regular check-ins and updates: For clients engaging in ongoing coaching, we conduct periodic check-ins to monitor progress. These updates occur through direct conversations and software updates, ensuring we stay informed and can provide timely support.
Adapting to obstacles and changes: Financial journeys aren't always smooth sailing. When clients encounter obstacles or experience changes in their circumstances, we're here to help. We guide them through their options, offering support and adjustments to keep them on track toward their goals.
Success stories: One notable success story involves a client who initially delayed embarking on their journey to financial independence. Despite starting later in life, with our guidance and a clear plan, they surpassed their expectations and remain on track toward their financial goals.
Additional support and resources: Beyond one-on-one coaching, we offer free content through our social media channels and periodic newsletters. Our app also delivers push notifications with brief, motivating content to keep our clients engaged and informed.
At DMKintzer, we're committed to empowering our clients every step of the way, providing the tools, support, and guidance they need to achieve financial independence.

Frequently Asked Questions