Frequently asked questions
How do I/we get started?
Getting started is easy. Simply click the GET STARTED Tab on Home Screen. Complete the Financial Snapshot and Foundations Forms and hit SEND. A M$USA Staff member will contact you within 2 business days to discuss your Plan options.
What is Financial Fitness?
Financial fitness is the “ongoing” process of managing, and keeping your Personal Finances in shape. It’s sort of like having your money on a fitness plan at all times. There are 6 Fitness levels with MoneySmartsUSA (Refer to Get Started Tab).
What are the benefits of Financial Fitness Training?
A good Personal Trainer will help you set appropriate fitness goals, monitor them, and create a game plan to help you reach Home Base! Have you ever wondered why TOP athletes who are considered the “Best in the World” still have trainers? We all want to believe that we can do it on our own. We believe that somehow, things will all just fall into place. If that’s the case, so many Americans would not retire as financially unprepared as they are today.
Who will create my Financial Fitness Plan and coach me during the training?
At this time, all Financial Fitness plans are written by our Chief Financial Fitness Trainer, Darrell Evans.
Is Financial Fitness training a luxury?
No. It’s a necessity for winning with money. When you pay for Financial Fitness Training, you’re declaring that YOU are worth the money, energy and support necessary to achieve your goals and dreams. And giving up some of your other non-important luxuries will make it easier to pay for this training.
When is the best time to sign up for Financial Fitness training?
The best time to sign up for financial fitness training is when you realize that you are not where you want to be financially, and are not on a path to get there soon. Many people spend months and years “thinking” about creating a better lifestyle with more opportunities. Imagine how much further along they would be now if their “someday” was “THAT” day it first crossed their mind? That day could be your today!
Do I need to work out or join a gym to get “financially” fit?
No. Although much of my inspiration to get out of debt and become a Financial Fitness Trainer took place in a fitness center, the only exercise you’ll be asked to take part in is “mentally” working out a new money management system.
Are there discounted rates for couples (Spouses/Partners)?
Absolutely. Couples with joint accounts, meaning that their money is joined into one pot and they pay the majority of bills/expenses jointly, can receive a 15% discount off the regular price of the Fitness Plan of choice.
Should my spouse and I get trained together?
The short answer is yes, especially if you have joint accounts. If the couple believes in “The two becoming one,” MONEY is definitely an area that can strengthen or ruin a marriage quickly. The more equally yoked financially, the better! Money issues is one of the TOP reasons given for separation and divorce.
Are the fitness sessions done in person or remotely?
M$USA is headquartered in Southern California. We can drive up to 80 miles from the Inland Empire to meet a client in person. For those living outside of that boundary, or out of State, ZOOM will work just as well. If you prefer phone call sessions, that’s a great option too. As long as you can hear us, we can help you!
How long does the process take?
It depends on three main factors. 1) The severity of your current situation, 2) The amount of cash flow you have to work with, and 3) Your level of Intensity and ability to flee from bad financial habits. Some will experience fast results with just a few key moves. Others may need a steady flow of positive adjustments before they get on the financial scale. But change will happen when you change! Remember, you didn’t get in trouble overnight. It usually takes one bad financial move after another, over a period of time.
What guarantees are there?
We guarantee that if you follow the fitness Plan prescribed for your situation, you will leave us in better shape than you came. As with physical fitness, the extent of your success will depend on how dedicated you are to the transformation.
What type of financial commitment is required to receive the fitness training?
Simply a flat fee for service. The investment cost of your Fitness Plan is all that’s required. There are no service contracts or membership fees. An optional Retainer is available, however.
Why is there a non-refundable deposit due for Session 1 of the Fitness Plan?
Because that is when our work actually begins. Session 1 is the information gathering phase, where we review and analyze all the information necessary to create a Fitness Plan and initiate effective discussions for Session 2. It will also show a commitment on your part and prevent us from doing lots of work in vein. Keep in mind that 100% of the deposit is applied towards the price of your package, and not in addition to.
Is the Financial Fitness program geared towards a deprived lifestyle….can’t do this and can’t do that?
Not at all. Our desire is to position you closer to the lifestyle that you can afford to live. That includes being in a financial position to know how and when to get those things that you want, and when to say, “Not right now.” Once you get a feel of financial freedom and realize what it took to get there, you’ll become a wiser spender
What’s unique about MoneySmartUSA’s financial fitness training program?
It’s our proprietary system that incorporates principles of Psychology and Physical Fitness to achieve financial fitness success. And what person is more suited than our very own Chief Financial Fitness Trainer to create such a system? He is someone who has earned a Degree in Behavioral Psychology (CSUDH University), completed certificate programs for both Personal Training (LA Fitness) and Personal Finance Education, and is currently a Certified Credit Counselor (American Credit Counselors™). What’s most important to Darrell is that he is not just teaching it, he is doing it. For over 2 decades he has maintained a high-level of fitness in both the physical (body) and financial (money) arenas, and has reached our Platinum Level of Financial Fitness. ----Not an easy task to accomplish!
Does your Financial Fitness curriculum include investing and financial planning?
No. M$USA Fitness Trainers are not Financial Advisors. One of the main reasons why many people can’t take advantage of investing opportunities and financial planning is because they never get off 1st base. First base is the Personal Finance foundation (Income, Debt, Saving, Spending, Credit, Management). It’s the launching pad to more advanced financial opportunities that you’ll know what to do with, and avoid becoming a BROKE high income earner. Our concentration is on Personal Finances.
Is MoneySmartsUSA a credit repair company?
Not at all. The Chief Financial Fitness Trainer of M$USA (Darrell Evans) is a Certified Credit Counselor with an 800+ credit score, but credit repair is not our only focus. However, it’s one of the key components of Personal Finance, so it is included. We believe that focusing on credit alone is like developing nice arms and shoulders, but neglecting your abs and legs. A good balance is a better solution.
Does this system include a Debt Management program and/or Debt Consolidation Loans?
No. Our system is all about training YOU how to take control of your own financial situation and be successful in doing it. And if you have a few hiccups along the way, you’ll know exactly what to do to get back on course. You won’t have to pay someone else to get you out of financial trouble. We’re not saying that those programs can’t work for some folks. We believe that your most successful outcomes happen when YOU are in charge because you know you, and what you really want, better than anyone else!
What if I need additional support after my scheduled sessions and calls?
MoneySmartsUSA’s Financial Fitness Trainers will do what we can to help you become successful on your own. However, like with getting the body in shape, you must put in the work and have a certain level of discipline, determination and be dedicated to hitting goals. If you require additional support along the way, you are able to take advantage of our Retainer Program, where you will have on-going access to a Financial Fitness Trainer, to assist you with the particulars “specific” to the Fitness Plan that you purchased.
How confidential is my participation in this training? I’m ready to start the “Financial Fitness” journey.
Your participation is totally private and confidential. We do not mention, share or discuss your name or personal information with any 3rd party entity or in any of our marketing or training activities, without your written permission.
Why hire a MoneySmartsUSA Financial Fitness Trainer?
Because the obvious is NOT the answer. We’ve never met a person in debt who didn’t understand basic math. The assumption is that because I know math, I can do it myself when I get ready. People fully understand that spending more than you earn and living off credit cards create problems. So, why does it happen every day? Because BROKE is not a math problem. It’s a behavior problem. The M$USA Financial Trainer will help you set appropriate fitness goals and create a game plan, including behavior modification, to get there. A good Trainer will help you achieve more realistic goals that can ultimately lead to accomplishing larger ones
Who could really benefit from Financial Fitness Training?
Income earners from Entry-level jobs to $500K/year. To those who aren’t earning it, $500K may sound like a ton of money. But after the big house, two luxury cars and a boat, an appetite for spending, a couple of kids and all that goes with it, you’ll be surprised at how many BROKE ‘‘high-income” earners there are today. They make really good money only to see it good and gone each month!!
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If your credit score is less than 750 and you have multiple cards with on-going balances, you could benefit.
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If you can’t manage to keep at least 3 months of expenses saved in an Emergency Account, you could benefit.
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If you are just about broke after all the bills are paid, you could benefit.
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If you’ve never learned how to manage money and you are sort of winging it, you could benefit.
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If you would be in deep financial trouble if your employer could not pay you this month, you could benefit.
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If credit cards are used to supplement your income, you could benefit.
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if you are not able to max out your 401K employee contributions to the company match, call us.
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If you had to borrow money to pay a bill, call us right now.
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If you are not absolutely satisfied with your financial situation today, you could benefit.