Scope of Services
Define specific activities, session frequency, and deliverables to avoid ambiguity about what the coach will and will not provide during the engagement.
A written Financial Coaching Service Agreement reduces ambiguity about services, limits liability, and documents client consent to coaching methods and fees. It helps avoid disputes by recording responsibilities, confidentiality expectations, and payment timing, while enabling consistent onboarding and recordkeeping for regulatory or tax purposes.
Coaches, small advisory firms, nonprofit financial education programs, and individual clients commonly use this agreement during engagement setup.
Use it whenever a coaching relationship begins, when service terms change, or before accepting payment for a defined coaching package.
The individual or entity receiving coaching services. The client signs to accept the scope, fees, confidentiality, and any disclosures; their signature confirms consent to electronic records if applicable.
The coach or coaching business providing services. The coach signs to confirm fees, delivery commitments, cancellation policy, and any disclaimers limiting regulated advice or referring to licensed professionals when needed.
Define specific activities, session frequency, and deliverables to avoid ambiguity about what the coach will and will not provide during the engagement.
State amounts, payment schedule, accepted payment methods, late fees, and the refund or credit policy for cancelled sessions or failed payments.
Clarify that coaching is educational and not regulated investment, legal, or tax advice; recommend consulting licensed professionals when appropriate.
Describe confidentiality limits, exceptions (e.g., legal obligations), and data handling practices for personal financial information.
Set notice periods, refund handling on termination, and how outstanding obligations are resolved upon early termination.
Specify governing law, venue, and whether mediation or arbitration is required before court action.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signature Field | Required for coach and client |
| Date Field | Auto-populate MM/DD/YYYY |
| Initials | Optional for page acknowledgement |
| Disclosure Checkbox | Client must consent to electronic records |
Choose an eSignature platform that supports audit trails, secure storage, and the authentication level your agreement requires.
Date services begin; use MM/DD/YYYY
Specify invoice terms and due dates
State required advance notice (e.g., 24–72 hours)
Specify auto-renewal mechanics if applicable
Retention clocks begin on effective date
| Criteria | Coaching Agreement | Planning Agreement |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | education and support | licensed advice and plan |
| Regulatory Risk | lower (non‑fiduciary) | higher (fiduciary obligations) |
| Typical Fees | session or package fees | advisory/asset‑based fees |
| Documentation Needed | consent and scope | regulatory disclosures |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |