Blog

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

Carl and Carletha Windom are Accredited Financial Counselors® (AFC®) who have a spirit to serve. As siblings, the Windoms have a strong family history of military service. Their individual and collective experiences have given them an understanding of the unique challenges that military service members face, instilling a passion to...

January 17, 2020

All disasters – from wildfires to hurricanes – come with their own unique set of challenges to consider during preparation; however, regardless of the type of disaster your community may face, one of the most crucial aspects of preparedness is your finances. Having ample savings and insurance coverage can make...

September 27, 2019

Erin Kidd, AFC® is an Enrolled Agent who specializes in individual taxation and focuses on simplifying complex tax issues and educating clients. “I love to help them plan for the future and anticipate the implications of their next financial move!” AFCPE: You were part of the very first class of FINRA...

September 20, 2019

Trevor Sharp, CFP®, ChFC®, AFC®, is a financial planner for DMBA, an employer sponsored financial planning firm.  Their firm helps employees with everything from basic money management to comprehensive financial planning. AFCPE: What inspired or led you to pursue a career in this field? Trevor: When I was a freshman...

August 31, 2019