The first step in successful financial mentoring is to assess the client's needs, knowledge of financial issues, attitudes toward money, etc. Once completed, this assessment forms the foundation for the client's action plan (called My Action Plan, or MAP). The assessment process takes place in two steps: intake and information gathering.

Intake Form
Intake Instructions

The intake takes about 45 minutes to complete, but may last longer depending on language or comprehension. Interviews may be done in person or over the telephone.

What intake interviews accomplish
The intake interview is designed to build rapport with the client and to help the mentor learn more about the client's financial situation. Questions uncover a client's feelings about money, use of financial services and experiences with credit. The key is to actively listen to what the client says (or doesn't say!) and reframe statements into learning opportunities and personal / financial goals.

Why client goals are important
Goals are the cornerstone of FTM. Client goals can be short-term (paying off a small debt or saving for an emergency fund) or long-term (buying a house). One worthwhile goal every client should probably include is to track spending for at least a month and use the information to develop a spending plan. The client action plan – including recommended reading, workshops, etc. – is built to help the client achieve his/her goals.

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