Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeleine Strasburg.
Hi Madeleine, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was born to good parents who, while modeled good financial practices, did not discuss them with us. I knew what I wanted my money life to look like, but I did not have the foundational pieces to build upon.
As I struggled through debt, stress, and not feeling financially secure in my early young adult years, I wondered if that was a Brazilian culture thing. But after I moved to America, got married, had kids, and interacted daily with high schoolers as a Personal Finance teacher, I realized that financial illiteracy was widespread over cultural and country limits! Accepting the beliefs of a debt-stricken culture, in only 5 years, we owned a house that we could not afford, were over our heads with student loans, and owed money to the in-laws, credit card companies, and auto dealerships. To compound, we had no savings.
The stress was enormous! It affected my health and, most of all, my relationship with my husband. I kept spinning all day about our finances… Finally, we were one emergency away from a financial disaster. (Very dramatic!) Then it happened. We could not afford to pay for daycare and the house payment. But I had faith that we could find a solution, and the Lord was merciful to us. Through my husband’s friend’s referral (Shout out to Greg), we learned about Dave Ramsey and how his financial teaching principles were based on what God had to say about money and common sense. As they say, I drank the Kool-Aid, and while we made a lot of financial progress, I was still not feeling well. I ran full force in one direction and dragged our family along while telling everyone, “We are on Dave’s plan.”
I did not want to see that WE were not all in until I found out about a hidden credit card. At the same time, I felt undermined and crushed at work, my relationship with my teenage daughter was contentious, and dealing with my kids’ quarreling questioned my effectiveness and worthiness as a mother. I believed these things and people created my unhappiness, physical (debilitating migraines), and mental health (severe depression). I could not understand why I felt so hopeless until God led me to find a life coach.
By understanding how my thoughts were the ones creating my feelings and results, I was able to take control of my beliefs and how I perceived the circumstances around me and accept others as they were. It made me realize that there are two components of true financial peace: knowledge and mindset. The thought of knowing that other working mothers are dealing with the same stress, and crushing debt, as I did makes me cringe. That’s the reason I started my Financial and Life Coaching business – to help working moms become good with money in their pockets and their minds.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
My journey has been far from smooth, filled with obstacles and challenges that tested my resilience. But you know what? Each struggle, every bump in the road, has been a blessing in disguise. It’s been a journey of growth, learning, and self-discovery.
I’ve faced my fair share of hurdles, some of which I brought upon myself with hasty and careless decisions. The beauty of it all is that the Lord has used these difficulties to shape me into the person I am today. From a lack of confidence to advocate for myself, to a shaky grasp on personal finances that led me into debt (hello, brand new cars!), I’ve seen it all.
But that’s not all – I’ve also battled clinical depression and chronic migraines, grappled with the distance separating me from family support, and struggled with poor communication skills. The journey has been punctuated by a divorce, a heartbreaking miscarriage, and even a contentious relationship with my children. Through it all, I faced the uncertainty of how to help them with their mental health struggles.
Despite these challenges, I’ve come out the other side stronger and wiser. Every obstacle has been a stepping stone towards personal growth and understanding. And I’m here to tell you that if I can overcome these hurdles, so can you. The road may be bumpy, but it’s filled with valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. Embrace the challenges, and you’ll discover the incredible strength that lies within you.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I run a financial and coaching business known as Strasburg Coaching, and our mission is clear: we’re here to empower working moms to become financially savvy, both in their pockets and in their minds. Our goal is to equip them with the confidence and skills they need to lead their families effectively.
In our lineup of services, we provide one-on-one coaching tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive 6-month program designed to guide working moms on their journey to financial empowerment.
As a working mom, joining our program is an investment in herself and her family’s future. Our priority is to guarantee that our clients receive the support, encouragement, and guidance they need to face these difficult financial challenges or to take their financial goals to the next level. Here are some of the benefits of working with us, especially inside the CFM Academy.
Gaining Financial Confidence: Overcoming the stress and uncertainty that often comes with managing finances. Build the confidence to make informed decisions.
Securing Her Family’s Future: Learning how to make wise financial choices that benefit both her and her loved ones, ensuring a brighter future for her family.
Having a Holistic Transformation: Our program doesn’t just focus on financial knowledge; it addresses the deeper aspects of her relationship with money, leading to lasting transformation.
Being part of a Supportive Community: Connecting with a community of working moms who understand her challenges and are ready to cheer her on, offering invaluable support along the way.
Tailored Coaching: Receive personalized coaching that takes her unique circumstances into account, helping her achieve her specific financial goals.
Ongoing Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous growth and learning, ensuring that she stays on top of her finances in the long run.
For those moms out there interested, please visit strasburgcoaching.com/cfm to learn about the features and to join the program.
We are also excited to be able to serve those who speak Portuguese via our Bi-Weekly Podcast and our one-on-one programs.
If you, the reader, are struggling with money. I have a checklist that can help you start organizing your financial life. It is my FREE checklist of the 12 things you need to do to NEVER worry about money again! Go to https://www.strasburgcoaching.com/checklist to get yours today.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of my business and my journey wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the incredible individuals who have played pivotal roles along the way.
First and foremost, my husband, Rob, deserves a huge shout-out. He’s been my unwavering supporter from day one. His complementary personality has helped me identify blind spots and make necessary corrections during the growth of my business. Beyond emotional support, he steps in practically, taking care of household responsibilities during coaching calls or when I’m away at conferences. He even looks after our energetic dogs, ensuring I have uninterrupted focus during podcast recordings and work sessions. His support is truly invaluable.
Technology has allowed me to connect with mentors and teachers who were not initially within my proximity. Authors of books, creators of courses, and hosts of podcasts have been instrumental in shaping my path to success. Some of them, like Dave Ramsey, Donald Miller, Dr. John Delony, Brooke Castillo, Jody Moore, Stacy Boehman, Bev Aron, Brian Buffini, Amy Porterfield, Michael Hyatt, John Bytheway, Hank Smith, Pedro Calabrez, and even the legendary Napoleon Hill (indirectly), have provided invaluable guidance.
On my team, I have Felipe “Sevens” Nakao, my video and audio editor. His feedback on my content is delivered with clarity and kindness, elevating the quality of my work. He’s a key player who consistently brings excellence to everything he does. Fernando Ledesma, our graphic designer, is another essential contributor. He crafts presentations and support materials with a focus on benefiting our clients. Their dedication has been vital to our success.
I can’t forget my very first client, Flavio Cooper. Working with him was a pivotal moment in my coaching journey. It helped me identify areas where I needed to grow to become a more effective coach.
Lastly, the coaches at the Life Coach School have been incredible supporters. For two years, they coached and mentored me in various aspects of my business and personal life. Their guidance, decision-making insights, and encouragement helped me navigate challenges, reflect on failures, and find valuable lessons in them.
All of these remarkable individuals have been instrumental in my success and the growth of my business. Their unwavering support, mentorship, and guidance have made all the difference, and I am immensely grateful for their contributions.
Pricing:
- CFM Academy 6-month program $149
- One-on-One 6-month Package $499
- One-on-One 1 month (4 sessions) $119
Contact Info:
- Website: strasburgcoaching.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madstrascoach/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/strasburgcoaching/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-strasburg-60694823a/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadStrasCoach
- Other: strasburgcoaching.com/MNYP Podcast strasburgcoaching.com/DNSP Podcast (Portuguese)
