We recently connected with Madeleine Strasburg and have shared our conversation below.
Madeleine , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the things we most admire about small businesses is their ability to diverge from the corporate/industry standard. Is there something that you or your brand do that differs from the industry standard? We’d love to hear about it as well as any stories you might have that illustrate how or why this difference matters.
Unlike mainstream financial coaches and advisors, who often focus on leveraging debt, acquiring loans, and managing credit, my approach significantly differs by emphasizing debt avoidance and fostering a comprehensive understanding of personal finance.
After moving from Brazil in 1999, I personally experienced the stress and illusory prosperity that traditional financial strategies can bring. This realization became more profound during my tenure as a high school math teacher, where I witnessed the misinformation and negative financial beliefs ingrained in young people. A turning point occurred when I discovered Dave Ramsey’s teachings, which aligned with our family’s values and financial philosophy, leading us to eliminate $300K in debt and sparking my passion for financial coaching.
My coaching model stands out because it extends beyond mere money management mechanics. It incorporates a holistic approach that includes mindset development, emotional intelligence, and faith principles. I’ve observed that financial advice falls short when it doesn’t address the individual’s beliefs and behaviors concerning money. Therefore, my programs empower individuals, especially working mothers, to make informed, wise financial decisions and instill sound financial principles in their children from an early age.
An example illustrating the effectiveness of this approach is a client who, despite a high income, was engulfed in debt and financial turmoil. Through participating in our CFM Academy program and embracing both mindset coaching and financial education, she not only resolved her debt but also learned to appreciate her husband’s different financial perspectives, established a family vision that respects both of their attitudes toward money, and began to involve their children in daily financial decisions through examples, discussions, and actions.
This integrated method is crucial because it tackles the underlying causes of financial distress, not just the superficial issues. It aims to build a foundation of knowledge, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence, empowering individuals to navigate their financial paths with wisdom and resilience. In a world rife with financial stress, offering tools for authentic financial freedom and well-being is not only my profession but also my passion.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I was born to parents who practiced good financial habits but did not openly discuss them with their children. Despite having a vision for my financial future, I lacked the foundational knowledge to achieve it. My struggles with debt, stress, and financial insecurity during my early adult years made me question if these issues were unique to Brazilian culture. However, after moving to America, getting married, having children, and teaching personal finance to high school students, I realized that financial illiteracy is a universal challenge, transcending cultural and national boundaries.
Within just five years in the U.S., my family acquired a house we couldn’t afford, accumulated student loans, and incurred debts to various creditors, creating immense stress that impacted my health and relationships. At a particularly low point, unable to afford daycare and our mortgage simultaneously, I turned to faith for guidance. This led us to Dave Ramsey’s teachings, which offered a lifeline based on biblical principles and common sense. While Ramsey’s plan helped us make significant financial progress, it wasn’t until I encountered a life coach that I truly understood the interplay of thoughts, feelings, and financial outcomes, leading to an integrated approach to financial freedom that encompasses faith, knowledge, and mindset.
With a Master’s Degree in Education, certifications from Dave Ramsey and The Life Coach School, and 18 years of experience teaching personal finance, I now aim to empower working moms to become good with money in their pockets and in their minds and lead their families confidently. My program, The Chief Financial Mom Academy, is a comprehensive 6-month, 9-module course designed to transform participants’ financial understanding and capabilities, supported by group coaching, community interaction, and a wealth of resources.
In addition to the Academy, I offer one-on-one coaching and retreats and speak on financial literacy at various events, including conferences and universities. I host two podcasts in English and Portuguese, focusing on money, mindset, and faith. My commitment extends to my role as chair of the Women’s group for the Brazilian American Chamber of Commerce of Utah, where we support and empower Brazilian entrepreneurial women.
My journey from observing my father’s business in Brazil to starting my ventures and facing financial challenges in the U.S. has shaped my unique perspective on financial education. I am passionate about helping others not fall for the cultural debt normal behavior and achieve financial wellness, not just for their benefit but for the prosperity and security of their families and communities.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
The pivotal moment in my life came shortly after I moved to the USA with my former husband, who brought significant debt into our marriage. I believed that relocating away from our family and close-knit church community would force us to confront our issues independently, without the constant rescues we had become accustomed to. However, my inability to advocate for myself was a deep-seated issue, one that played a significant role in my decision to marry in the first place.
Upon our arrival in the U.S., the pattern of debt immediately resumed. While I worked, my husband, without consulting me, decided to finance a motorcycle, obtaining a co-signer for the loan. This act was a clear continuation of the debt cycle in which we were trapped. Despite the advice from well-meaning acquaintances that building credit was essential in America, I felt overwhelmed and increasingly opposed to accumulating debt.
The breaking point came when my request to pursue educational opportunities for myself was dismissed, as it was deemed “his turn” to advance. This dismissal, among other issues, led me to decide that the marriage could not continue. I asked him to move out, a decision that left me alone and uncertain while sitting in the restaurant where I worked, pondering my next steps.
In this moment of solitude and reflection, I turned to my faith, seeking guidance and order in my spiritual life. This decision marked the beginning of a new journey, guided by divine intervention and the support of incredible individuals who entered my life. I took control, enrolling in a course and setting clear goals for myself: to establish a stable family life, work diligently, pursue education, and experience personal growth.
Simultaneously, I discovered a passion for reading, starting with Lee Iacocca’s biography and Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” This newfound love for non-fiction literature opened doors to learning from some of the most influential authors, leaders, and visionaries, shaping my understanding of the world and my place within it.
My life took another positive turn when I met my current husband, whose support and belief in our shared goals fostered a partnership that has weathered many challenges, including the daunting task of paying off $300K in debt. Together, we’ve built a family and navigated the complexities of life with resilience and mutual support, proving that with the right mindset and companionship, it’s possible to overcome adversity and achieve a fulfilling, debt-free life.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Some of the most significant books in my journey include the Scriptures, such as the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Doctrine & Covenants. I find the financial wisdom in the Book of Proverbs particularly enlightening. Dave Ramsey’s “The Total Money Makeover” has been a crucial guide for me in getting out of debt and starting to build wealth. His book “Everyday Millionaires” reinforces my belief that in America, anyone can achieve millionaire status.
I’ve also gained invaluable insights from Don Miller’s “Story Brand” and “Business Made Simple,” which are fundamental in understanding marketing, communicating effectively with clients, and grasping the basics of business building. Michael Hyatt’s “Your Best Year Ever” and “Free to Focus” have offered me the best approaches to goal setting and avoiding distractions.
Brian Tracy’s “Eat That Frog” has taught me the importance of prioritizing tasks, as it’s impossible to do everything. T. Harv Eker’s “Secrets of the Millionaire Mind” and Thomas Stanley’s “The Millionaire Next Door” have profoundly influenced my understanding of the mindset and behaviors that foster financial success.
Michael E. Gerber’s “The E-Myth” has shown me the value of running a business with effective processes and systems, similar to a franchise model. Pastor Craig Groeschel’s “Win the War in Your Mind” and “Think Ahead” have helped me use my faith to build success and avoid worldly traps.
John Delony’s “Own Your Past, Change Your Future” has been pivotal in helping me make peace with my past and move forward. Books like “Finding Meaning,” Candy Valentino’s “Wealth Habits,” and Amy Porterfield’s “2 Weeks Notice” have also played a significant role in teaching me how to leverage personal growth, understand business taxes, and turn a side hustle into a full-time, fulfilling job.
These resources have significantly impacted my approach to management, entrepreneurship, and personal growth. They offer a balanced mix of spiritual wisdom, practical financial guidance, entrepreneurial strategy, and personal development.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.strasburgcoaching.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madstrascoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strasburgcoaching/
- Linkedin: Madeleine Strasburg
- Twitter: @MadStrasCoach