Client Letter of Agreement
Wings for Widows client (“Client”) understands and agrees to the following to receive valuable financial guidance from a volunteer financial coach (“Coach”) during a pro bono coaching engagement through our Financial Advisor Network. The purpose of this engagement is to educate and empower the Client to enable them to make informed decisions about their financial future.
Section 1: Scope of Services
This agreement assures the Client a minimum of four (4) hours of pro bono financial counseling during the coaching engagement. This engagement is designed for clients seeking comprehensive, hands-on financial guidance. Coaches will work closely with clients to address a wide range of financial topics, offering personalized advice and helping clients navigate complex financial matters.
Based on the Client's needs and the Coach's professional judgment, there are three potential paths forward at the conclusion of the four (4) hours of pro bono service:
- Coach may agree to extend the pro bono period;
- Coach and Client agree to transition to a paid-relationship; or,
- Coach and Client agree to conclude the service with appropriate referrals and recommendations
Pro Bono Period:
- Client will receive a minimum of four (4) hours of financial coaching at no cost; at the coach's discretion, the pro bono service may be extended beyond the intial four (4) hours
- Coach determines service delivery method (virtually, by phone, or in-person)
- Coaching meetings can be structured in whatever way best serves the client's needs - whether that's several shorter meetings or fewer, longer sessions
- Coach and client will determine the meeting schedule, but the expectation is that the pro bono period is completed in 30-60 days
- There is no obligation for the Client to continue beyond the four (4) hours of pro bono service, if offerred
Paid-Relationship Period (Optional):
- If Coaoch and Client agree to continue service in a paid-relationship following the pro bono engagement, such conditions and terms of service will be determined solely between coach and client
- There is no obligation for the Client to continue in a paid-relationship, if offerred
The Coach may collaborate with other professional service providers (e.g., attorneys, tax representatives) as necessary.
Engagement Conclusion:
The engagement concludes when:
- The four (4) hours of pro bono service has been recevied; or,
- The Coach and Client, separately or together, opt to conclude the engagement
Limitations of Service:
During the pro bono engagement the Coach will not:
- Have authority or control over Client's assets
- Have Power of Attorney
- Sell any products or services to the Client
The Client is responsible for all financial decisions and implementation of advice.
Section 2: Responsibilities
Client Responsibilities:
The Client agrees to:
- Authorize Wings for Widows to share their Financial Wellness Survey results and application information with the Coach, if requested
- Attend scheduled meetings
- Promptly respond to Coach and Wings for Widows communications
- Maintain respectful behavior towards the Coach
- Provide requested financial information for optimal outcomes
- Make their own financial decisions
- Complete the post-engagement Client Survey to determine program effectiveness
Coach Responsibilities:
The Coach agrees to:
- Maintain confidentiality of the Client's financial information
- Provide services free of charge and not enter a paid relationship with the Client during the pro bono engagement; this option exists following the pro bono engagement upon mutual agreement
- Provide the Client advice and recommendations
- Adhere to the Privacy Policy outlined in this agreement
Professional Standards:
The Coach will comply with all regulatory, professional, and ethical obligations, including the CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct.
Section 3: Liability, Dispute Resolution and Privacy Policy
Liability & Dispute Resolution:
Neither Wings for Widows nor its affiliates shall be liable for the accuracy or appropriateness of advice provided by the Coach. The Client agrees to hold Wings for Widows and the Coach harmless from any loss, damage, cost, or liability arising from the engagement.
In case of concerns, both parties agree to attempt resolution directly. Unresolved issues must be submitted to non-binding mediation under the Commercial Mediation Rules of the American Arbitration Association. If still unresolved, the dispute may be submitted to binding arbitration under the Securities Industry Arbitration Rules of the American Arbitration Association.
This dispute resolution process is designed to be fair and protect both parties' interests.
Privacy Policy:
The Coach will not disclose non-public information shared by the Client, except:
- To comply with laws, regulations, or court/government orders
- When additional professional input is required for accurate advice
- To share with Client-authorized persons
- To prevent fraud, ID theft, or other liability
The Coach will inform the Client prior to sharing information in these circumstances.
By signing this letter of agreement below, you acknowledge understanding and acceptance of these terms.