Christine Urbanowski, CFC, P.Engshe/her
Certified Financial Counsellor
Vernon, British Columbia, Canada
Also available by telehealth: British Columbia
Helping individuals and couples reduce financial stress and build lasting financial confidence.
About
Money can be one of the biggest sources of stress in our lives, but it doesn't have to stay that way. As a Certified Financial Counsellor (CFC™), I help individuals and couples move from feeling overwhelmed and uncertain to feeling confident and in control of their money.
Many of my clients come to me saying, "I don't know where my money goes," "We're arguing about money," or "No matter how hard we try, we can't seem to get ahead." Together, we create a practical plan that fits your real life—not a perfect budget that only works on paper. My goal is to help you reduce financial stress, make steady progress toward your goals, and build a system you can actually stick with.
My approach is collaborative, practical, and free of judgment. We begin by understanding your current financial picture, your goals, and the habits and beliefs that influence your spending. Then we create simple systems that make managing money easier. Unlike many budgeting approaches, I don't believe you need to track every single dollar. Instead, I help you build a spending plan that gives you freedom while keeping you on track.
Many of my clients are couples who want to stop fighting about money and start working as a team. I also work with many adults with ADHD, helping them create financial systems that work with their brains rather than against them. My work is informed by financial psychology and the understanding that our experiences, beliefs, and nervous systems all influence our financial decisions.
I offer a complimentary 15-minute Q&A call so we can see if we're a good fit. Sessions are available in person in Vernon, BC, or online across Canada.
Specialties
- Life transitions
- Financial Counselling
- Financial Stress
- Financial Coaching
- Goal Setting
- Couples and Money
- ADHD
Approaches
- Solution-focused
- Psychoeducation
- Strengths Based
- Motivational Interviewing
- Trauma Informed
Works with
- Adults
- Couples
Sessions
Languages
- English
Logistics
- Office locations
- Vernon, BC, Canada1 (236) 471-6477
Licensed or authorized in
Frequently asked questions
- Do I really need to track every dollar?
- Many of my clients have tried tracking every dollar and found it exhausting. It often works for a few weeks before life gets busy and the system falls apart. Instead of focusing on tracking every purchase, I help clients create a spending system that naturally guides their money where they want it to go. We automate savings, plan for irregular expenses, and make sure your day-to-day spending fits comfortably within your budget. The goal isn't perfection—it's creating a system that's simple enough to stick with for years.
- My partner and I fight about money. Can financial counselling help?
- Absolutely. Money disagreements are rarely just about the numbers. They're often rooted in different experiences, values, priorities, and beliefs about money. Rather than deciding who's right or wrong, I help couples understand each other's perspectives and create a financial plan that reflects both partners' goals. My role isn't to take sides—it's to help you become a team. Many couples tell me they leave sessions feeling heard, more connected, and finally moving in the same direction.
- I have ADHD and struggle with money. Can you help?
- Yes. Many of the people I work with have ADHD, and I understand that traditional budgeting advice often doesn't work well for an ADHD brain. Together, we create financial systems that reduce decision fatigue, simplify your finances, and work with your natural strengths instead of constantly fighting against them. We focus on practical strategies like automation, reducing overwhelm, and building habits that are realistic—not perfect. Whether you've recently been diagnosed or have struggled with money for years, you're not alone.
- Why do I make good money but still feel broke?
- This is one of the most common questions I hear. For many people, the issue isn't income—it's that their money doesn't have a clear job. Expenses, subscriptions, irregular costs, and lifestyle changes slowly absorb every raise without us realizing it. Together, we'll look at where your money is actually going, identify what's getting in the way, and create a plan that aligns your spending with what matters most to you. My goal isn't to make you spend less on everything—it's to help you spend intentionally so your money supports the life you want.
- What's the difference between a financial counsellor and a financial advisor?
- While there is some overlap, our roles are quite different. Financial advisors typically help clients build long-term wealth through investments, retirement planning, insurance, and other financial products. They focus on helping you make informed decisions about your financial future. As a Certified Financial Counsellor (CFC™), I focus on your day-to-day relationship with money. Together, we'll create a practical spending plan, improve cash flow, reduce debt, build savings, and develop financial habits that fit your life. We also explore the beliefs, emotions, and behaviours that influence your financial decisions because lasting change is about more than just numbers. Many of my clients already have an accountant or financial advisor. My role isn't to replace them—it's to help you put your financial plans into practice. By creating simple systems and sustainable habits, I help you feel more confident, less stressed, and more in control of your money every day.
Credentials
- Certified Financial Counsellor, Canadian Association for Financial Empowerment (CAFE), 2021
- BASc - Mechanical Engineering, UBC, 2003