Four copy-ready messages for common coaching moments, plus a worked example and a one-minute quality check. Choose the version that fits the action your client actually selected.
A follow-up is strongest when it reflects the participant's own plan and the coach's actual commitment. These five notes are enough to start:
Use placeholders in drafts. Send only through a channel your program and client have approved. Verify dates and resource links before sending.
Each example is a starting point. Remove any line that does not match what was agreed in the session.
Use when the client chose one clear next step.
Subject: Your next step after our coaching session Hi [first name], Today you said your goal is [goal in the client's words]. The next step you chose is [one specific action] by [time frame]. I will [coach's agreed action] by [date]. Here is the resource we discussed: [verified link or resource name]. We agreed to check in [date and approved channel]. What, if anything, would make this step easier to take? Best, [coach name]
Reflect the barrier without assigning a solution the client did not choose.
Subject: A smaller first step Hi [first name], You said [goal] matters to you, and that [barrier in neutral language] may make the first step harder. You chose to start with [smaller action] by [time frame]. If that step still feels too large, we can adjust it together. I will [coach's agreed support] by [date]. Our next check-in is [date and approved channel]. What would help you get started? Best, [coach name]
Invite the client to keep, shrink, or change the plan.
Subject: Checking in on your plan Hi [first name], Last time, you planned to [client-chosen action]. Plans can change when life changes. If you would like to, we can keep that step, make it smaller, or choose a different one. Which option fits best now? We can talk it through at [agreed check-in date and approved channel]. Best, [coach name]
Share one useful action and a verified resource without assuming every attendee made the same plan.
Subject: One action to take after [workshop name] Hello, Thank you for joining [workshop name]. One idea we practiced was [brief skill or question]. If it fits your situation, choose one small action you want to take this week and decide when you will do it. Here is the resource we discussed: [verified link or resource name]. If you would like support choosing a next step, [approved way to contact the program]. Our next [session or optional check-in] is [date and details, if confirmed]. [program/team name]
Fictional example: A client with variable income wants a clearer view of upcoming bills. In the session, the client chose to look at their two most recent pay statements before the next meeting. The coach agreed to send a blank cash-flow worksheet.
“Work on your budget and bring it next time.”
This adds an assignment the client did not choose and leaves the timing unclear.
“You chose to look at your last two pay statements before our next meeting. I will send the blank cash-flow worksheet by Friday. We will check in next Tuesday.”
The action, coach commitment, and check-in match the plan.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau offers a free Your Money, Your Goals toolkit, including “Putting goals into action.” Its Guide to Remote Financial Coaching discusses follow-up and check-ins. This FinCap Assist field kit is an original MTP resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the CFPB.