Blog

Cliff Robb is a professor at UW-Madison, where he teaches personal finance in the School of Human Ecology. UW-Madison recently became an AFCPE® Registered Education Program, which means their coursework covers the core competencies required to sit for the AFC® certification exam. Get to know Cliff, and hear firsthand why...

March 06, 2020

Regina Wood, AFC® is Vice President of BancorpSouth Bank in Mississippi. She is a military spouse and was part of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship class of 2018. As an AFC®, Regina makes this commitment to her clients – “that during the counseling process, we will be present and...

February 28, 2020

Overwhelmed is a word I hear frequently as a financial counselor and with good reason. When our finances are out of control, we feel “overwhelmed.” And, oftentimes, it can feel even more overwhelming to reach out for help only to receive advice with unfamiliar terminology or a plan we don’t...

February 25, 2020

Imagine this… You’ve been burning the midnight fuel to show your boss the results of months of hard work by crafting the picture-perfect presentation.  With one hour to show-time, you’re filled with anticipation because you know it’s going to be that ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moment sure to get your work noticed.  Then...

February 24, 2020

The shift from traditional defined benefit plans to defined contribution plans has changed the personal financial planning landscape significantly. Today, many individuals look to financial professionals such as advisors for guidance on establishing financial goals, investing, and identifying the right financial products for protection against an uncertain future. The services...

February 19, 2020

Taking More TimeIn the advisor-client relationship student loans are taking up more and more time and due to the inherent complexities are creating some anxiety and confusion for all involved. Understanding the nuances of the federal student loan system and its loan repayment options are essential for all advisors, who...

February 18, 2020

Don Fulton, M.Div., M.Th., AFC®, CRC®, FFC® is a financial coach and an ELCA Lutheran clergy who is currently serving on the AFCPE Board of Directors. He describes himself as someone who wears two hats. As a financial coach, Don works with clients to empower them in their financial decision...

February 14, 2020

The awkwardly named ‘Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement’ Act made sweeping legislative changes that will have an impact on more than just retirement planning. As financial counselors, it is important to understand how these changes might impact your clients. Below are some of the key provisions to keep...

February 10, 2020

Get to know new AFCPE Board Member, Jen Hemphill, AFC®! Jen has been active in the AFCPE community since 2008, when she became a FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellow. As an AFC, Jen is passionate about helping women become confident and take control of their money. As a board member,...

February 07, 2020

A woman who found her way out of a predatory car loan with guidance from Julie Tran, AFC®. A heart attack survivor with medical debt who started repairing his credit and created a plan to help him avoid bankruptcy with advice from Joshua Van Every, AFC® candidate. A young soldier who...

February 03, 2020

Eve Pentecost, CFP® is an assistant professor at The University of Alabama, working with students from across the country – and even outside it – as they prepare for rewarding careers and enrich their knowledge in consumer affairs and financial planning. Her appreciation for money and how to treat it...

January 31, 2020

Do not ask how much you need to save for your retirement, rather work out how much you can afford to spend now. Many people find it difficult to see themselves in retirement, and to estimate how much money they will need. This pushes them into denial, and they end...

January 29, 2020