There is substantial evidence that problems with family and other interpersonal relationships are often associated with financial stress. A counselor is likely to see clients whose financial difficulties are caused by, or associated with, one or more of four major types of problems: (1) lack of skills; (2) circumstances in the client's macro- or micro-environment over which he has little control; (3) problematic styles of interacting with others; and (4) disparate personal scripts. Although the counselor cannot always determine that a particular kind of problem exists, consideration of these major problem types is useful in determining possible courses of action. After diagnosing the problem, the counselor and client can work together to establish agreed-upon goals and can generate alternatives by brainstorming or by using the nominal group process. A plan of action can then be developed, implemented, and evaluated. Successful financial counseling involves completion of the counseling process, from diagnosis through evaluation, which will maximize the likelihood of resolving a client's present financial problems and minimize future difficulties, while providing both the client and the counselor with feedback about the proposed solutions and about the counseling process. (NB)