Frequently Asked Questions
Family Coaching & Social Fitness
What is Social Fitness?
Social Fitness is the practice of actively establishing and maintaining healthy relationships. The concept is inspired by the Harvard Study of Adult Development, an ongoing 85-year study focused on human happiness. Just as you exercise to keep your muscles strong, Social Fitness is about consistently working on your most important relationships to keep them robust and fulfilling. It's a proactive approach to building stronger connections.
What is Family Coaching and How Can It Benefit My Family?
Family Coaching at Total Family Management (TFM) consists of private, virtual, 90-minute workshops facilitated by our seasoned coaches. These sessions are tailored for individuals or heads of households and provide a focused environment to explore personal or family goals, needs, and those essential conversations that often get sidelined in our busy lives. Whether you're a single adult, a divorced parent, or part of a larger family unit, TFM coaching offers invaluable benefits. It gives you a common language, enhances communication abilities, and brings a sense of direction and purpose to your life and relationships. And hey, while there are tons of positives, there might be a few side effects - like feeling too good 😉
Are TFM Workshops Tailored to Individual Family Needs?
Every family that starts with TFM goes through the same set of 8 workshops. Think of it as laying down the foundation and establishing a common language. But here's where it gets personalized: while the workshop titles might be consistent, it's the family that shapes the content and overall experience. In fact, on average, our TFM coaches only do the talking about 30% of the time. This means the majority of the workshop is driven by you and your family's unique stories, concerns, and aspirations. So, each workshop ends up being as unique and special as the families we work with. Pretty cool, right?
Who attends TFM workshops?
TFM's standard workshops are specifically designed for the head(s) of the household to attend. This usually means single adults or couples—whether they're partners, spouses, or significant others—lead the way. Each workshop is facilitated by an experienced TFM family coach to ensure you get the most out of the session. There are times when other family members may be invited to join, depending on the specific topic being covered in the workshop.
Which families are the best fit for TFM's services?
We totally get it. You might be thinking, "Coaching sounds great, but I'm swamped," or "I don't have kids," or even, "I've got this life thing down." But let's be real: in today's non-stop world, who isn't feeling a bit overwhelmed? The truth is, if your relationships and personal well-being are important to you, you'll never regret dedicating time to chat and reflect on your life dynamics. When's the last time you had a meaningful conversation about what truly matters to you? TFM is here to help you navigate your personal life and relationships, however you define them. The key takeaway is that we all have one life to live, and it matters. Spending time talking, thinking, and reflecting on the most important aspects of your life is an invaluable use of time in today's always-on world. We think everyone can benefit from clarity of vision and prioritization, but chances are, you'll see yourself in one or more of these life stages:
Single Adult: Making pivotal life choices, improving relationships, taking inventory of relationships exploring career paths, setting health and wellness goals, co-parenting, and managing the challenges of relocation.
Committed Partnership: Cultivating a joyful relationship, aligning priorities, balancing dual careers, making decisions about starting a family, and handling the logistics of moving.
Raising Young Children: Fostering good values in kids, striking a work-life balance, effective parenting strategies, supporting aging parents, and managing holiday stress.
Raising Adolescent Children: Establishing a positive family culture, instilling gratitude, navigating the digital age with kids, being proactive parents, and caregiving for elderly family members.
Launching Children: Building strong bonds with adult children, embracing the empty nest phase, considering downsizing or relocating, planning for retirement, and supporting aging parents.
Later Life: Reflecting on legacy, enjoying retirement, nurturing relationships with grown children, passing down life wisdom, cherishing time with loved ones, expressing gratitude, and being engaged grandparents.
Will the same family coach be consistently assigned to us?
Absolutely! And just between us, you're probably going to be quite fond of your coach. But, you know, life happens. Sometimes our coaches decide to hit the books again, move to some picturesque spot with not-so-picturesque internet, or just need some time off. While we always aim to keep families with their original coach, if a switch-up is needed, we've got your back. We'll ensure a seamless transition and introduce you to another fantastic coach who's ready to dive in and support you.
Who makes up the TFM coaching team?
At TFM, we pride ourselves on having a world-class team of professional coaches. Our team comes from a variety of educational backgrounds, including education, psychology, social work, and human resources. This diversity allows us to approach challenges from multiple perspectives, offering a more holistic solution. While credentials are important, we place a higher emphasis on experience, ongoing education, adaptability, current client feedback, and alignment with TFM's core values. Our goal is to ensure the right fit for each client, providing a tailored coaching experience that truly makes a difference. Being a part of our team lets these talented individuals make a positive impact, earn a decent living, and design a work schedule that complements their life, not the other way around.
And just so you know, we don't just let anyone in. Our selection process is rigorous, and once on board, there's comprehensive training and continuous development.
Are our workshop sessions confidential?
Absolutely! Think of it this way: it's your family, your story, and you're in the driver's seat when it comes to sharing. We're just here to help navigate. We steer clear of diving into financial, tax, or legal specifics. Your trust is paramount, and we're committed to honoring that.
Could you elaborate on the "100% satisfaction guaranteed" promise?
You bet! Here's the heart of it: We're all in on supporting families through our coaching workshops. We genuinely believe in the magic of family coaching, even if it's a fresh idea for some. So, we're all about making it easy for families to give it a go. If after three workshops, you're thinking, "This isn't quite right for us," we've got you covered with a no-fuss refund. We're not here to just tick boxes; we want families to truly feel the difference. Our guarantee is our handshake, our pact that says we're as committed to your family's happiness and growth as you are. Think of it like this: just as hitting the gym is a go-to for physical health, we see a world where family coaching is the norm for nurturing strong, connected families. That's the TFM way.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a workshop?
Life happens, and we get it! You can easily reschedule your workshop if you give us more than 24 hours' notice. However, if you cancel within 24 hours, we have a "one-strike" policy. After one late cancellation, a $75 fee will be charged. This fee goes directly to your family coach as a way to respect their time and the time of other families who could have used that slot.
Product & Service
What is the actual experience of private virtual coaching?
Private means, it’s you, or you and your partner, alone with your family coach. Virtual means it’s just like being on a zoom call or google meet or any video conference. There’s a human on the other side
What can we expect in our first year with TFM?
First off, you'll dive into 8 private virtual workshops, each lasting a solid 90 minutes. And the best part? You can cozy up in your own home for these sessions, with your partner right by your side if that's the game plan. Plus, you get to pick a time that fits your family's schedule. No rush, no fuss. You'll have the same coach guiding you through each session over the span of a year. But that's not all! You'll also get an annual membership to RELATE, our snazzy platform that's all about making your family vision come alive. And the cherry on top? Expect improved communication, a laser-sharp focus on what matters, and, not gonna lie, a bit of a pep in your step. Welcome to the TFM journey!
What are the first 8 TFM workshops?
The first 8 TFM workshops, are:
Welcome: TFM seeking to understand before being understood
Roles: What are the most important roles you play?
Values: Identifying and aligning on the core values that guide the family.
Social Fitness: Building and nurturing strong, healthy relationships within the family.
Communication: Enhancing communication skills to foster understanding and connection.
Rituals: Discussing meaningful family rituals and traditions.
Favorite Things: Celebrating and appreciating the unique aspects of each family member.
Meant to Live: Exploring the family's purpose and how to live it out daily.
What's the journey like after the initial year with TFM?
Alright, after that first whirlwind year, things shift a bit. We move to what we like to call a "membership +" model. Here's the scoop: Almost all (99.9% to be exact) of our TFM families decide to renew their membership. For just $199 a year, you keep access to your family's portal in RELATE and get exclusive invites to members-only events. Pretty neat, right?
Now, if you're itching for more workshops, we've got options. As an active member, you can snag workshop packages (with a sweet discount for buying in bundles of 4) or go à la carte, picking up individual workshops for $349 a pop. A lot of families like quarterly workshops, but there is no pressure, give yourself credit for the amazing work you’ve done.
As for what workshops to dive into next? It's a mix of TFM recommendations, your coach's insights, and of course, your family's preferences. Picture it like your Netflix watchlist - there's always something good up next, and you'll get to it... eventually!
Do I need to be with a wealth advisor to join TFM?
Not at all! While many top-notch advisors across the country are teaming up with TFM, you don't need one to get started. Remember, this is about investing in your family's future. It's a choice you make, and trust us, it's one you'll cherish.
How much is the investment?
Alright, let's talk numbers! For the first year, it's $2,495 per household. This gets you the membership perks and those 8 foundational workshops to kick things off.
After that first year, keeping the TFM magic going with an ongoing membership is $199 annually per household.
Feeling the workshop vibes? You can grab them individually for $349 each. But if you're all about that bundle life, we offer a pack of 4 at a discounted rate. It's all about giving you options that fit your family's needs and budget.
How Does the RELATE Platform Enhance the TFM Experience?
Think of RELATE as the secret sauce that spices up the whole TFM experience. It's not just a platform; it's the heartbeat of our mission to uplift families.
First off, RELATE is your go-to spot for all things coach-related. Need to schedule a workshop? RELATE's got you. And when it's time for that workshop, no need to juggle different video apps or deal with pesky downloads. RELATE's got its own video platform built right in. Smooth, right?
But here's where it gets really cool: RELATE is like a digital scrapbook for your family's journey. It's where you can see your family vision come to life, store those core values, and even jot down those little details – like Mom's favorite flower. It's a space dedicated to celebrating and preserving what makes your family unique.
So, in a nutshell, RELATE isn't just a tool; it's an extension of your family's story.
Wealth Firms
Does TFM Partner Exclusively with Specific Wealth Firms?
At TFM, our top priority is always families. While we're proud to collaborate with some of the premier wealth firms in the U.S., the specifics of those partnerships remain under wraps. We've witnessed wealth firms seamlessly integrate our family coaching insights into their financial and estate planning processes. From enhancing client experiences to forging bonds with the next generation, the ways in which firms incorporate TFM into their operations is their unique blend – a recipe we respect and keep confidential.
How can wealth management firms team up with TFM?
If you're a wealth firm looking to dive into the world of family dynamics, we've got just the thing: Partner RELATE. Think of it as your one-stop-shop for all things TFM. Just sign up, answer a few questions, bring in the right folks from your team, and voilà – a treasure trove of resources awaits.
Need client-facing docs? We've got 'em, and you can even slap your logo on there for that personal touch. With Partner RELATE, you can seamlessly introduce your clients and employees to the TFM experience, whether you're footing the bill or they are. And trust us, the billing, reporting, and overall user experience? Smooth as butter.
Who covers the cost for the family coaching sessions?
Well, it's a bit of a mix-and-match situation. Some firms generously cover the whole shebang for their clients. On the flip side, some clients prefer to handle the bill themselves. And then there's the in-between, where it's a bit of a shared effort. Ultimately, how the bill gets split is a unique choice for each firm.
Company
You folks seem big on values. What are TFM's core values?
You hit the nail on the head! We're all about values over here. Our driving force? It's simple: "to show up and help families." That's our North Star. As for our core values, we rally around connection, authenticity, hope, support, and a good dose of humor. Because let's face it, a little laughter goes a long way, especially when navigating the family journey!