Financial Consultant, Trainer and Speaker on Psychology of Money, Financial Counseling for Couples

Jeff Opdyke - Author and Columnist

"Her generosity, humor, and ability to describe how our noggins operate has greatly benefited this book and allowed me to better understand how money flows through all our lives directly and unconsciously."

I must also thank Denise Hughes, a financial counselor in San Carlos, Ca, who befriended me and who spent untold hours sharing with me her knowledge of the psychology of money, both for the Love and Money column I write and in particular this book. Her generosity, humor, and ability to describe how our noggins operate has greatly benefited this book and allowed me to better understand how money flows through all our lives directly and unconsciously.

Jeff is the author of Love and Money: A Life Guide To Financial Success and Wall Street Journalist

Our New York Family

When we first started coaching sessions with Denise, she helped us with a structure to manage our cash flow. We were really resistant to tracking expenses and holding ourselves accountable to a monthly plan. We told her we were just too busy with work, kids and life!

One of the most important things she told us that motivated us was this: "Money is already taking up space and time in your marriage. The avoidance behaviors you bring to it create arguments and sleepless nights. Worrying about money consumes your brain space. Why not create positive space for money in your life by managing it, talking about it and free up space in your brain for relaxation and creativity. When you create time and space for money in your life, you will experience peace, control and fulfillment." How right she was!

Ann, San Francisco Bay Area

One of the best things about Denise is that she saw me as a whole person, not just someone who was in a financial mess. Working with her helped me put my whole life back on track. She asks good questions, helped me to think differently and supported me in practicing new money behaviors. She stayed with me through tough spots. The work with her is not just about numbers. She speaks into the emotional and spiritual sides of money. It's some of the most life changing and fascinating personal growth work I've done!

Grateful CFP™, San Francisco Bay Area

I'm a Certified Financial Planner and was totally embarrassed to call Denise. Being a financial professional, I felt I should have it all together. Her caring and kind approach didn't make me feel judged. I discovered the emotional blocks and unconscious beliefs that were ruling my finances. We've done some wonderful work together and now I'm earning to my potential and have both my personal and business finances in order thanks to her.

Barb and Paul - In the Living Room of Their New Home

We started working with Denise because we needed help to get out of debt, gain control of our money and decide if relocating to a job on the east coast made sense.

Denise helped us take a hard look at the money patterns we each brought to our marriage and negative patterns we jointly developed. She helped us understand what was behind our money behaviors, guided us in developing a strategy for accomplishing our goals and establishing new behaviors. Denise's approach in helping us with the "why" of our money problems combined with a concrete process for getting out of debt, acquiring wealth, and achieving our financial goals has been a blessing in our lives. Working with her has been one of the best investments we've made as a couple! She is outstanding in how she guides people through change! Here's a snapshot of our progress after 10 months of working with Denise:

Why Denise's Work is so Wonderful

I grew up in a middle class family where there was never enough money. I worked to buy what I wanted. I married someone who spent money easily and freely - a dream come true. After successes in business there was a business bankruptcy that was devastating. Ultimately I divorced my husband and then he passed away. I was left without life insurance to raise two children and figure out my money situation myself. I struggled: accumulating credit card debt, getting out of debt only to get back into debt.

I needed more than a financial planner and then I started working with Denise. I have learned so much. I now spend time planning my expenditures. I have not gone into any unplanned debt in the year that I have been working with her - a record for me. I've learned the importance of spending time keeping current with my expenditures so I know exactly where I am financially at all times. It is not always easy. Yet, like any new behavior it takes time to learn and appreciate the benefits of the changes we make.

Denise's work is life changing. I wish I had learned these lessons earlier in my life.
 

Gretta Wagner, Hawaii

I am grateful to Denise who coached me with patience, care and insights. She gently showed me how to find peace with money. It was hard work and I got off track many times but Denise stood by me and helped me pick myself up and start over. A few years ago, I was a single mom with $70k+ debt making $30k a year and now I am down to $14k debt and made over $75k last year. I would not be where I am now without her help. Thank you Denise. You are a god send.
 

Judy and Peter

My husband and I first met Denise a year ago through a referral via a friend.  We had great credit, but difficulty communicating with one another regarding our finances and achieving successful goals. Denise worked with us to set up a plan to help guide us together toward a more effective direction.  Working with her was very "Eye Opening."  My husband and I learned how our spending habits differed, as well as how to hone them to achieve goals. Today, my husband and I pay our bills together. We are focused. We talk instead of argue. The additional end result is harmony between my husband and me, less stress and arguing. Denise possesses expertise in financial counseling encompassed with compassion for the clients that she is working.  She is worth every hour, and every dollar you spend with her; it is an investment in your financial future with yourself and your spouse.
 

Amy A.

"I was in a pretty fragile state when I met Denise. I had a large amount of unaccomplished dreams and an uncertain future. The first thing that Denise did with me was to help me pinpoint where my financial habits came from. The second thing she helped me with was, disappearing the guilt I felt around my situation and finding a strategy to move forward. Within a matter of weeks, my life started to open up in an extremely positive and magical way. I went from doing a side job that I detested to doing more of my dream work. I really could not have done all this without the support that Denise provided for me. Her way of working is gentle, tender and loving. She has incredible strength and power without using force. She really has been an angel and blessing for me."