A Look Back, a Look Ahead

Written By: Rebecca Wiggins

Happy New Year from the AFCPE^® National Office! 2017 promises to be another exciting year as we implement a new strategic plan, and leverage the growth and accomplishments of 2016.

The 2016 Annual Research and Training Symposium was a historic success with sold out attendance. We were thrilled to host the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and Armed Forces Services Corporation for the Financial Coach project training, as well as the Department of Defense. The week of trainings, research, and networking always underscores the unique power of this organization—convening professionals from across the field of financial counseling and education to exchange new ideas and best practices that continue to create progress and social change in our field.

We appreciate the generous support of our sponsors and partners who understand the importance of our mission, and of your work. The USAA Educational Foundation, FINRA Foundation, Armed Forces Services Corporation (AFSC), Association of Military Banks of America, and Defense Credit Union Council, who provided funding for military financial counselors, and military spouse fellows, respectively. Additionally, Wells Fargo provided support for our second annual Community Outreach Event for AFC^® professionals to provide pro bono financial counseling to the local community.

With achievement of NCCA Accreditation, AFCPE is well poised to accomplish new strategic goals and direction. We are focused in several key areas:

• Investing in research that upholds our highest standards.
• Expanding career opportunities for our members, certified professionals, and others throughout the industry.
• Investing in effective marketing to:
  • Expand national recognition for AFCPE as the expert in personal finance research;
  • Continue to establish the AFC as the standard in professional financial counseling; and
  • Increase consumer demand for AFCPE certified professionals and services.
• Enhancing the technology that provides greatest efficiency and value.

We remain focused on increasing awareness for the work that you do and the value of the AFC to create better career opportunities. The impact of your work goes beyond empowering and educating students and clients. It has a profound influence on individual lives, creating a ripple effect that impacts our collective culture.

As members of AFCPE, we invite you to take advantage of the power of this tremendous professional community and the plethora of resources that are available to you through your myAFCPE membership dashboard. For instance, you can access all of your newsletters and journal articles, as well as get involved with our Mentorship program, or connect with other members through our search feature.

2017 promises to be another exceptional year, with many exciting projects and partnerships. Stay tuned for more information about our Ohio Investor Education project with funding from Investor Protection Trust, and the Military Transition Financial Wellness Program with funding from the Foundation for Financial Planning.

Join us as we initiate social change for financial security. Help us build and strengthen a continuum of care across the field with financial professionals and other partners who believe that all consumers deserve access to the highest standards of professionalism. Continue to advocate for comprehensive standards and create awareness for the value of the AFC in your areas of influence. Together, we will launch into next year well-equipped to continue our visionary work—to improve the professionalism of our field and ensure financial security for all people.