We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Marco Carreira. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Marco below.

Marco, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

If I could go back in time, I’d say starting my business sooner would have been the way to go.

I launched my personal finance coaching business in 2019 while working full-time as a software engineer. At that point, I was comfortable in my career, but I wanted to do more with my passion for helping others with their finances.

Starting earlier would have meant gaining more experience and building the discipline needed for running a business, because it’s a long process, and every day is an opportunity to learn and grow. The earlier you start, the more you can build on that foundation.

But it’s also true that it’s never too late to start. What matters is taking that first step and committing to the journey, regardless of when you begin.

Looking back, I’m glad I took the leap when I did, but if I’d had the chance to start earlier, I would have. So for anyone considering starting something new, my advice is simple: start now. The sooner, the better.

Marco, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m a financial coach, like a fitness coach but for personal finance. I help entrepreneurs who struggle to keep track of their spending, save time and money by managing their finances like a CFO. I provide accountability, support, and guidance to help them reach their financial goals.

What Sets Me Apart

My approach is unique because I blend personal finance expertise with my engineering background and immigrant perspective. This combination allows me to offer practical, data-driven advice that’s also relatable. I focus on tracking and analyzing spending to create straightforward, actionable monthly reports that empower my clients to make informed financial decisions.

Proudest Achievements

I’m proud of the results my clients achieve—they feel less stressed about money and enjoy life more. My brand is all about empowering people to take control of their finances and live the life they want.

My Journey and Challenges

Getting here wasn’t easy. Early on, I struggled with confidence, especially because English is my third language. I pushed myself to improve, and now I feel much more assured in my role as a coach. Another big challenge has been time management. Balancing a full-time job, my business, and family life is tough, but I’ve learned to prioritize and adapt through different seasons of life. My family’s support has been crucial in helping me maintain this balance.

Lessons Learned

The journey taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability. Challenges are part of the entrepreneurial path, but they also offer opportunities to grow and find new solutions. Staying resilient has been key.

What I Want Potential Clients to Know

I believe everyone deserves to feel in control of their finances. My mission is to empower entrepreneurs to manage their money with confidence so they can focus on what truly matters. I’m here to guide, support, and celebrate their successes along the way.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

A major pivot for me came when I became a dad of two. Balancing a full-time job, a growing business, and family life was already a challenge, but with two little ones in the picture, time became even more limited. I realized that my original business model, which involved a lot of one-on-one coaching, wasn’t sustainable anymore.

To adapt, I shifted my business to a more scalable approach. I developed a web app that allowed me to deliver monthly executive financial reports to my clients instead of having regular one-on-one sessions. This change was a big risk because I was moving away from what was already working, but it was necessary to align my business with my new reality.

The pivot allowed me to maintain my business without compromising the quality of my services or my time with my family. It taught me the importance of flexibility and the need to constantly reassess how I use my time and resources. Sometimes, life demands that we adjust our plans, and that’s okay—as long as you’re willing to make the changes that allow you to keep moving forward.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has definitely been referrals.

My focus has always been on providing the best value to my clients, whether it’s through actionable financial insights, personalized support, or just being there when they need guidance.

When clients see real results and feel the positive impact of our work together, they naturally want to share that experience with others.

I believe that when you truly help people and make a difference in their lives, they can’t help but talk about it. They refer friends, family, and colleagues because they trust you and know you’ll provide the same level of care and value.

Referrals have been a key driver in my business growth, and it all comes down to making sure my clients feel valued and supported every step of the way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carreirafinance.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carreirafinance/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marco-carreira/