Today we’d like to introduce you to Crystal Williams
Hi Crystal, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been passionate about personal finance since I was a teenager, but like a lot of people, I didn’t start out knowing exactly how to make my dream a reality. In my early twenties, I wanted to help people manage their finances, but I couldn’t find a clear path to do so. Instead, I pursued a career in the legal field and worked as a paralegal for over 20 years.
In 2018, I couldn’t ignore how often I heard people stress about money. Friends, coworkers, even strangers at the grocery store seemed overwhelmed by their finances, and I could relate. My family had been there too—trying to make sense of our income, trying to get out of debt, and wondering how to get ahead. But we had worked through those challenges, and I realized I could help others do the same.
That realization led me to launch Smart Money Financial Coaching in January 2019. I started small, coaching clients in the evenings after work at the law firm. As I helped people build budgets that actually worked, pay down debt, and regain control over their finances, I felt a deep sense of purpose. By the end of 2019, I knew I had to do this full-time.
When I transitioned to coaching full-time, the world shifted in ways no one could have predicted. Families faced job losses, remote work, and an avalanche of financial uncertainty. I focused on helping my clients minimize the financial impact of these big life changes and navigate the stress that came with them.
Today, I work with families and individuals who are just like my family was—earning good money but feeling stuck, overwhelmed, and unsure how to make real progress. I’ve also had the privilege of working with small service-based business owners, helping them clarify their business finances, pay themselves consistently, and find balance between their personal and professional financial goals.
Whether it’s paying off debt, saving for the future, or finding clarity in business finances, I help my clients take control of their money one step at a time. Watching them move from stress to confidence is what drives me every day.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road, but like any journey, there have been challenges. One of the biggest struggles has been helping people understand what financial coaching is and how transformative it can be. Many people have never heard of financial coaching, or they assume it’s the same as working with a financial advisor.
The truth is, financial coaching is about addressing the day-to-day management of money—something most people don’t learn in school. It’s about creating a plan, staying accountable, and finding clarity in areas that feel overwhelming, like budgeting, debt payoff, or navigating big life changes. Once clients understand what I do and experience the impact firsthand, the results speak for themselves.
Another challenge has been breaking through the misconception that financial coaching is only for people who are struggling. Many of my clients earn a good income but feel stuck—living paycheck to paycheck, overwhelmed by debt, or unsure how to achieve their financial goals. It’s been rewarding to show them that financial coaching isn’t about where they are now; it’s about where they want to go and how we can get there together.
As you know, we’re big fans of Smart Money Financial Coaching. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Smart Money Financial Coaching exists to empower people to take control of their finances and reduce financial stress. Managing your day-to-day finances doesn’t have to feel overwhelming or frustrating—it can be simple, intentional, and even empowering.
Unlike financial advisors who focus on insurance and investments, I specialize in teaching people how to manage their income. I help my clients break free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle by creating step-by-step plans that allow them to save, pay off debt, and fund the life they truly want.
I often hear similar frustrations from prospective clients:
“We earn good money, but I don’t know where it goes!”
“I got a raise, but I don’t know where it went!”
“We make too much money to be broke!”
If this sounds familiar, I want you to know that help is available. Many of my clients have tried to figure it out on their own—reading books, listening to podcasts, and Googling endlessly—but they’ve found lasting change through coaching. Clients often tell me that within just 60 days of starting coaching, they feel more confident and less stressed about their finances.
At Smart Money Financial Coaching, I offer two private, one-on-one services:
Personal Financial Coaching: Designed for individuals and families who want to manage their income, eliminate debt, save, and finally feel in control of their finances.
Small Business + Personal Financial Coaching: Business and personal finances are deeply connected and cannot be separated, especially for service-based business owners. This service is tailored to help you gain clarity in your business finances, pay yourself consistently, and create a plan that supports success in both areas.
What sets Smart Money Financial Coaching apart is my focus on practical, actionable steps. This isn’t about complicated spreadsheets, rigid rules, or a one-size-fits-all plan. Every coaching experience is tailored to the client I’m working with and what they want to accomplish with their finances. Whether it’s breaking free from the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, paying off debt, or saving for a dream, the process is designed to meet you where you are and guide you toward your unique goals. It’s about creating clarity, building confidence, and achieving the results that matter most to you.
I provide a complimentary consultation to help you decide if coaching is the right fit. My goal is to help people be more intentional with their money, so they can create a life they love—free from the stress and overwhelm of financial uncertainty.
I’m most proud that Smart Money Financial Coaching helps clients achieve results they didn’t think were possible—often for the first time in their lives. Watching my clients gain clarity, pay off debt, and finally feel in control of their finances is incredibly rewarding.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
Over the next 5-10 years, I see financial coaching becoming something more people turn to as they realize that managing their money well is the key to making their goals a reality. So many families feel stuck living paycheck to paycheck, even with a good income, and I think more people will start seeking guidance to break that cycle and create a plan that actually works for their life.
For small business owners, there’s a growing need to address both personal and business finances together. These areas are deeply connected, and getting clarity in both is essential for feeling in control and making consistent progress. While apps and tools can be helpful, they can’t replace the accountability and personalized strategies that coaching provides.
As people become more open about talking about money, I’m excited to see financial coaching help more individuals, families, and business owners take control of their finances and create a life they truly love.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smartmoneyfinancialcoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smartmoneycoaching
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Smartmoneycoaching
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smartmoneycoaching
- Other: Schedule a Complimentary Consultation: https://calendly.com/d/yq8-pqt-rzg
