Andrea Varga is a qualified Learning & Development Consultant, Certified Financial Coach and an Associate Member of the Institute of Professional Willwriters. She achieved VouchedFor Top Rated 2022 Coach status helping clients at Wensons Legacy with financial coaching, financial wellbeing and legacy planning, working with organisations on financial education initiatives, supporting individuals through coaching and mentoring.
Andrea is an advocate for lifelong learning. She has contributed with enthusiasm and knowledge at every IFW event, not least the Wellbeing Café’s she co-hosted with Hiren Panchal until this month. Due to a change in focus from finance to learning and development, Andrea has stepped aside from the IFW, and we wish her all good things for her future endeavours!
How would you summarise your passions, both in and out of work?
I am a huge believer of bringing your whole self to work so my passion is the same: to be happy, healthy and wealthy and to help others achieve the same. I wanted to be a teacher from a young age and at heart I will always be one – my reward is seeing others grow, develop and live their best life.
What’s your happiest memory?
My happiest memories are get-togethers with family & friends. A lot of my family is in Hungary and I have been living in the UK for 20 years now so it is not easy to arrange, but I try. I love reconnecting. Recent excitement for me includes attending a high school reunion and going on a family holiday.
What one thing do you wish you’d been told about finance when you were 15?
I wish I had learnt everything there is to know about saving – saving before spending, being a savvy shopper, investing, pensions, cashback and rewards and so on! I believe it would have made a huge difference, but better late than never – at least I know I can help my family and friends as well as the next generation through the lessons I learnt.
What made you want to become a financial coach?
My background is in learning and development. I love the power of coaching and mentoring and have been able to change many lives. I had to learn everyday finances to help myself and deal with challenging personal & family situations due to lack of financial education, awareness and experienced financial trauma, distress and its implications first hand. I felt that financial coaching can enhance my skillset and enable me to change mindsets and attitudes – the only way to truly change behaviours.
What prompted you to join the Institute for Financial Wellbeing?
I evolved from being a teacher, then a trainer to a consultant and coach and I understand the importance of continuous personal and professional development. I promoted IFW as part of my role with Wensons Legacy, attended some of the events as a non-member and to be honest, just felt that this is the community I want to be part of, I have a lot to give and gain as well! It is great to be among likeminded people and share the same passion for making a difference!
What drew you to financial wellbeing in the first place?
I take a holistic approach to everything I do and I am an advocate for wellbeing in general. Being in legacy planning and financial planning, I have a huge opportunity to support others with gaining clarity, overcoming challenges, living and leaving a meaningful legacy – focusing on financial wellbeing can help achieve transformation rather than planning being a transactional process – which is often how it is perceived. I knew this was an area I wanted to and needed to learn more about.
What’s the biggest thing you’ve learnt about financial wellbeing since joining?
It is astonishing how financial wellbeing impacts and is impacted by all other areas of our life and it is the biggest cause of stress – and despite this there is a lack of awareness, knowledge & motivation when it comes to identifying needs and addressing challenges. There is a lot to be done to change this and it is great to see the expertise within IFW and learn so much from the members, from guests at the various events and through sharing my own experiences as well.
How has the way you work with clients changed since you joined?
I can honestly say it keeps improving as I continuously learn and try new approaches, techniques, I discover resources, books and implement changes in my processes and interactions that enhance the client experience. My focus has shifted from transactional to transformational – I base everything around financial wellbeing and use financial coaching to help clients understand themselves, their needs, identify priorities and help them overcome challenges and feel more confident, in control and at peace with their life and their legacy.
What are you doing to advance your own financial wellbeing?
I take advantage of my experience and network in learning and development and holistic approaches: attending and being an active participant at events like CIPD Festival of Work, Learning Technologies, Watercooler, Mind Body Spirit Festival, Psychic & Holistic Fair, Wellfest – enhancing and broadening my financial wellbeing knowledge as well as taking part in Money Dates and making positive changes in my own finances. I do like to walk the talk and work on my money and mindset building blocks.
Who or what is your favourite wellbeing guru, podcast or book?
As part of my own healing journey, I have tried and tested many mindfulness resources (and use them to this day) but what I found most profound is soulfulness and spiritual healing. I love the teachings of Dr & Master Zhi Gang Shah: “Heal the soul first, then the healing of the mind and body will follow.”
I became a Tao Healing Hands Practitioner myself and regularly practice gratitude, forgiveness and promote love, peace and harmony. We need positivity in the world!
Is there an IFW member you would like to see featured in the IFW Showcase? Send an email to members@ifw.org.uk and we’ll see what we can do!
