FAQ
Here are some commonly asked questions about Chris Stevick's services.
What Chris Stevick can do for you?
Will Chris negotiate down finance charges with my credit card companies?
No. Chris does not act as an intermediary for her clients with their creditors. Instead, she works with them to help them discover within themselves the strength and the skills to do any necessary negotiation on their own.
Will Chris handle bill-paying for me?
No. Chris does not handle bill paying, but she does help clients establish a system that works for them.
Will Chris negotiate with my mortgage lender for me?
Probably not. She can, however, help you understand what you need to know and what questions to ask – so you may do so yourself.
Will Chris try to sell me insurance?
No. Chris is not affiliated with any insurance company or product line.
Can Chris give me legal advice?
No. Chris is not an attorney, but she can refer you to one.
Will Chris give me investment advice?
No. Chris is the first to say does not have the credentials to give investment advice, but she can refer you to a licensed investment advisor.
Can Chris help me with my taxes?
Yes! Chris can help with taxes. She is a CPA and has a background as a tax accountant.
Can Chris give me bankruptcy advice?>
No. Chris does not give bankruptcy advice because she is not an attorney.
What it's like to work with Chris?
How much will this cost?
Chris charges by the hour. Hourly fees vary and are based on a sliding scale. How much it costs depends on how much time each client and Chris need together.
Will Chris tell my spouse or partner what she and I talked about?
No. All discussions are confidential. If a client decides it will be helpful to include his/her partner in a conversation, then they will do so. She will not divulge conversations without a client’s knowledge and permission.
Will Chris make me give up my stuff?
No. While, many clients feel that freedom from debt and guilt is more satisfying and pleasurable than “stuff,” decisions about what to do with the stuff you have and the stuff you buy are completely up to you.
Will she yell at me? I feel bad enough already!
No. She has found that shame and guilt only compound the issues surrounding financial matters. Her strength is to listen and help her clients, not berate them.
How long will this take?
Every client is different. Financial literacy and basic financial management skills can be obtained by many people in as few as four sessions. People with more complex relationships with money may need more time to untangle them.
What do clients need to bring to meetings?
For your first meeting, just bring yourself. No need for you to prepare or organize anything. Depending on the path your sessions take, Chris may ask you eventually to bring some records with you.
Who does Chris work with?
Does Chris counsel couples?
Yes. Chris works with couples, traditional and non-traditional, gay and straight.
Does she counsel kids?
Yes. Chris will work with kids as young as 14 and enjoys the opportunity to teach youth the fundamentals of being in control of their financial lives. She finds this work very rewarding, and volunteers with Operation Fresh Start where she works with teens.
Does she work with people who don’t live in Wisconsin?
Yes. Depending on a client's needs, she will work over the phone or arrange visits.
