Based in Cheltenham UK, Fanny Snaith is a renowned Certified Money Coach (CMC)® who has made a significant impact in the field of financial coaching.
Despite achieving a £1.5m+ net worth from a £40k salary, Fanny discovered that wealth alone did not equate to happiness. This realisation sparked her curiosity and led her to seek deeper understanding. She trained with the Money Coaching Institute in the USA, where she studied the intricate emotional connections individuals have with money and how these relationships influence spending, saving, and valuing money.
Through her rigorous training as a one-on-one and couples money coach, Fanny gained profound insights into her own money mindset and learnt to harness it to her advantage. This personal journey has enabled her to help others transform their financial behaviours and attitudes.
In 2023, Fanny further enhanced her expertise by qualifying as a Quest Cognitive Hypnotherapist and Master NLP Practitioner. These additional qualifications have enriched her ability to work with clients, enabling them to improve their relationship with money and enhancing their potential for wealth-building. By integrating these powerful techniques, Fanny helps clients address deep-seated financial beliefs and behaviours, fostering lasting positive change.
Today, Fanny is one of the UK’s most sought-after money coaches, having impacted over 3,500 individuals through her talks, seminars, and one-on-one sessions and courses. She collaborates with professionals and business owners, both individually and as couples, to not only improve their financial management and wealth-building strategies but also to understand the broader implications of their money relationships on their overall well-being.
Fanny is passionate about initiating meaningful conversations about money. She believes that open dialogue is crucial in breaking down the taboos surrounding financial discussions, helping people realise that everyone has a unique relationship with their finances.
Her commitment to financial education extends to the younger generation as well. She has delivered impactful talks on “Making Wise Financial Decisions” in secondary schools and has successfully led three teams of young entrepreneurs to the regional finals in the Young Enterprise Scheme, with one team advancing to the national final.
Fanny’s dedication and expertise have been recognised through her nomination as a finalist at the Money Marketing Awards in the “Financial Wellbeing Champion of the Year” category. She has contributed to three books and has been featured on prominent media platforms, including the BBC and Sky News.
Could you provide a brief overview of your career journey and the key milestones that have led you to your current leadership role?
I initially aspired to be an actress but transitioned to stage management and technical theatre while doing my A-levels. After training as a Stage Manager at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, I worked briefly in opera before moving to market research, becoming the youngest telephone centre manager in the UK. My role included managing BBC phone-ins for events like Sport Aid – super fun!
Following a year of travel in Australia, I entered the world of television, working as a TV Researcher and Production Manager on sports entertainment programs like SuperChamps and Gladiators. I then became the facilities manager of a West London TV studio, where I helped create a sports TV channel for Latin American broadcasters. Later, I served as Operations Director of a 24-hour tape duplication facility and editing house.
With the arrival of my first daughter, Connie, I shifted careers to be more present at home, training as a bookkeeper and managing accounts for global tour managers in the music industry. I then joined the Digital Workplace Group, handling their accounts for 13 years. During this time I was also focusing on building wealth for my family. This was very important to me as our family lost all our money when I was a child. I vowed for that to never happen again!
In 2015, I needed something different. I leveraged my financial skills and became a money coach, calling myself the Financial Freedom Fighter. To better assist clients – who I found seemed interested yet resisted when it came to doing the work, I trained with the Money Coaching Institute in the US, focusing on the psychology of money.
I now coach individuals and couples, run online courses. Knowing that our money worries and struggles are rarely about the money, I have now qualified as a cognitive hypnotherapist and NLP practitioner to provide therapy to my clients too.
I also enjoy working as a Parent Support Group Co-Facilitator for TIC+ (Teens in Crisis) and as a volunteer mentor for Young Gloucestershire.
In your opinion, what are the most critical qualities or attributes that a successful business leader should possess, and how do you embody them in your leadership style?
As a business leader, I believe the most critical qualities include:
Straight Talking with Kindness: I believe in being honest and direct, but with a generous helping of empathy and understanding. This balance helps build trust and respect.
Curiosity and Open-Mindedness: I’m all about exploring new possibilities and encouraging new ideas. Keeping my work dynamic and forward-thinking is a priority, so I’m always on the lookout for new ideas and solutions to improve processes and outcomes. Even though I’m flying solo at the moment, I still push myself to keep evolving. Hence the therapy training etc.
Effective Communication Skills: Clear and open communication is key. I make sure everyone is well-informed, valued, and heard, which fosters a collaborative and supportive environment. Acting with authenticity and integrity – straight talk with kindness is a value high on my list.
Leading by Example: Being a good role model is crucial. I don’t do bad debt, I build wealth by investing wisely and cleverly. I aim to demonstrate integrity, dedication, and a strong work ethic in everything I do, inspiring my students and clients to follow suit. In money work, you’ve got to walk the talk!
Recognising and Celebrating Talents: Highlighting and celebrating the unique strengths and contributions of others is important. I make it a point to acknowledge achievements, creating a positive and motivating atmosphere. This approach works wonders in my group course, My Money Makeover where people move from believing that they are “rubbish with money” to being money masters.
Delegation: Delegation is a skill I continue to refine. I was great at it when I was employed, but now that I’m self-employed, it’s even more crucial – and still something I’m working on improving.
Providing Opportunities: Helping people grow and develop is key. I’m committed to offering opportunities for professional development and love helping people shape new ideas and projects, whether in my work or through my mentoring with Young Gloucestershire.
Visionary Thinking: Seeing the bigger picture and planning ahead is vital. I focus on setting clear goals and work towards achieving them, all while adapting to whatever changes come my way. My personal goals are more important than my work goals. Neil and I are planning our next 10 years currently.
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, how do you stay informed about industry trends and adjust your strategies to remain competitive?
Managing my own investments and financial strategies keeps me on my toes. I’m part of the Institute of Financial Wellbeing, which means I’m always in the loop with advisers, planners, and financial coaches. Plus, I love a good read to stay sharp!
I’m also a proud member of the National Council for Hypnotherapy (NCH), where we’re required to do a fair share of CPD hours. This keeps me up-to-date and always learning new tricks in hypnotherapy, which I can then apply to my financial coaching.
Keeping the money conversation going is crucial. It not only helps me gauge how people feel about money but also gives me a sense of the overall vibe. And my role as a Parent Support Group Co-Facilitator for TIC+ (Teens in Crisis) is a goldmine of insights into family dynamics and the latest challenges.
As for my strategies, I like to mix things up and keep it fresh. While I stay informed about industry trends, I aim to stand out by being a bit different and unique in my approach. This balance of staying aware and thinking outside the box helps me stay competitive in this fast-paced world.
What is your approach to assembling and leading high-performing teams, and how do you inspire your team members to reach their full potential?
I currently work mainly solo. So not a thing for me right now. However, I have mentored many people over the years. As the business advisor for the Young Enterprise team for 3 years – I had lots of fun building a great team dynamic for young people to thrive in.
How do you balance short-term financial objectives with long-term strategic planning for the growth and sustainability of your business?
I’ve chosen to run a lifestyle business. While so many seem to chase growth feverishly, I’m all about enjoying a calm, stress-free work life. I’ve intentionally crafted my business so that I have the freedom to work as much or as little as I fancy – and I want others to experience this too.
My main goal was financial security without becoming a workaholic. Now that I’ve achieved that, my passion lies in equipping people with the skills they need as early as possible. Time is precious to me, and I value having the freedom to enjoy it.
It might not be the conventional answer you were expecting, but it’s my truth. Balancing short-term needs with long-term planning means ensuring my business sustains its relaxed vibe while nurturing its future growth in a way that’s meaningful and enjoyable for me.
Could you share an example of a major decision you had to make that had a substantial impact on your organization? What was the result, and what lessons did you learn from the experience?
Training as a Certified Money Coach (CMC)® was a game-changer for me. Understanding our relationship with money is crucial for building wealth, and this training transformed my own approach hugely.
Another major decision was parting ways with my VA after a year. Initially, I was focused on her skills rather than aligning them with what I truly needed. It was tough because I thought I was building a team, but I felt like I was going backwards. However, this experience taught me the importance of clarity in delegation and utilising systems effectively.
Through this process, I rediscovered my passion for organically growing my client base. This shift allowed me to refocus and build my business in a way that aligns better with my goals and values.
What role does innovation play in your business strategy, and how do you foster a culture of innovation within your organization?
Building wealth comes from the bottom up. Sound and solid practices are critical. Managing our money is not seen as sexy or fun generally so I see it as my job to try to make it so. I have created models and systems that people can gamify – and with the goals being different for everyone, it is fun to see how we can change and adapt to suit their needs – making sure they get there with a smile.
How do you address ethical dilemmas and make tough decisions when they arise in your role as a business leader?
As a money coach, my mission is to guide clients through tricky financial decisions with clarity and confidence – and with a smile.
Whilst I don’t provide financial advice, I’m here to educate and support, nudging clients to seek advice from independent financial advisers when they need specialised guidance. Beyond numbers, I blend talking therapy and life coaching to tackle broader challenges that intertwine with financial decisions. It’s about balancing budgets and boosting mindsets!
Recently, I’ve toyed with the idea of training as an independent financial adviser. It’s a big commitment of time and training—weighing the pros and cons like a true financial pro! In navigating these decisions, empathy is my compass. I create a space where clients can explore, reflect, and confidently decide what’s best for their financial future. I do the same for myself and my business.
Looking ahead, what are your primary priorities and objectives for your business, and what strategies do you plan to employ to accomplish them?
Looking forward, I’m really leaning into My Money Makeover, my online group coaching programme—it’s becoming a real joy for me. So, my main focus is growing this aspect of my business. With plans to spend time in Mallorca next year, I need my work to be mobile and easy to manage from anywhere.
Expanding the therapy side of my business is also on my list. I’ll be diving into marketing that soon to reach more clients effectively. Now, here’s the scary part: I’ve got a secret dream to write a book. It’s a big leap for me, but I’m rewiring my brain to embrace the author’s chair and make it happen.
On top of all that, I’m toying with the idea of training money coaches to spread the word further and empower others in financial wellness. So, my strategy? Keep My Money Makeover thriving, make my business portable for Mallorca, ramp up therapy marketing, tackle book writing with gusto, and explore training opportunities. It’s a lot, but I’m excited for the journey ahead!
