Ep. 39: Louise Bretz and Bretz Financial Wellness Coaching

In this episode of West Coast Women Rising, JJ sits down with financial coach Louise Bretz to explore the deeply personal and often emotional relationship we have with money.

Louise shares her journey from running a dance studio and accumulating significant debt to transforming her life through financial education and ultimately becoming a coach who helps others do the same.

Together, JJ and Louise dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, the emotional blocks around money, and how shifting your mindset from “budgeting” to a “spending plan” can create both freedom and empowerment.

This conversation is a powerful reminder that financial clarity isn’t about restriction—it’s about creating choice, confidence, and peace.

🔑 Key Topics Covered

1. Louise’s entrepreneurial journey from dance instructor to financial coach
2. The financial mistakes that led to $40K+ in debt—and how she paid it off
3. How money struggles impact relationships, communication, and self-worth
4. Why people feel shame and avoidance around finances
5. The difference between budgeting vs. a “spending plan”
6. Entrepreneurship lessons: marketing, ROI, and long-term thinking
7. Why visibility and messaging matter more than tactics
8. Finding the right clients vs. trying to help everyone
9. The importance of patience and long-term investment in business growth
10. Real-life success story: helping a widow gain financial confidence and freedom

💡 Key Takeaways

1. Financial clarity creates emotional freedom

When you understand your money, you gain confidence, choice, and peace of mind.

2. Budgeting isn’t restriction—it’s empowerment

Reframing it as a spending plan helps remove shame and creates ownership.

3. Discipline leads to freedom

Just like dance, structure gives you the ability to express and enjoy life more fully.

4. Money conversations are deeply emotional

Many people avoid finances due to shame, fear, or lack of education—not lack of intelligence.

5. Entrepreneurship is always a test

Success comes from experimenting, refining your message, and staying aligned with who you truly want to serve.

6. ROI isn’t always immediate

The biggest returns in business often come from relationships, connections, and long-term momentum.

👩‍💼 About Louise Bretz

Louise Bretz is a financial coach who helps individuals and couples take control of their money, eliminate debt, and create a clear plan for their financial future.

After overcoming her own financial challenges—including significant credit card debt—Louise now empowers others with practical tools, education, and personalized coaching to build confidence and freedom with money.

🎯 Who Louise Helps

Louise works best with:

1. Individuals who earn good money but don’t know where it’s going
2. People who feel stuck and unable to get ahead financially
3. Couples struggling to communicate about money
4. Those ready for structure, clarity, and accountability

🛠️ How to Work with Louise

1. Start with a free consultation call
2. 3-month foundational coaching program
3. Weekly (then bi-weekly) Zoom sessions
4. Ongoing support and accountability options

🌐 Website: moneycoachlouise.com

📧 Email: [e-mail]

💬 JJ’s Final Thought

Everything in business—and in life—is a test.

Your message, your strategy, your finances… they all evolve as you do.

Give yourself permission to learn, adjust, and grow—because the clarity you’re seeking is built over time.