Blog

As a single parent who left a marriage and an abusive situation, I was struggling financially all the time. I had to file bankruptcy and even count clicks on a clock to get paid. But through it all, I refused to accept public assistance. I made the necessary sacrifices and kept...

April 04, 2017

We all love stories. They inspire. They motivate. They connect. In honor of National Financial Literacy Month, we asked AFCPE professionals to share their stories. To tell us their "Why" - what inspired them to become financial educators, counselors or coaches. Each story is unique, but they all have something in common -...

April 03, 2017

Dear AFCPE Members, Professionals, Partners and Change Agents, As we come off of an inspiring week of new research, new ideas and new connections that only the AFCPE® Symposium can provide, I find myself reflecting on the incredible strides our organization and community has made over the last few years. We have...

November 28, 2016

Being stationed overseas provides exposure to a different financial attitude. We are stationed in Germany where, even today, one of the corps’ values is “to save.” An old German saying “Nur Bares ist Wahres” --- only cash is true --- underlines another German virtue – paying with cash. Even though...

November 09, 2016

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” ― Margaret Mead The theme of the 2016 AFCPE Symposium, November 16-18, in Louisville, KY is “Racing for the Triple Crown: Achieving Accreditation, Educating Clients, Changing Behaviors.” While naturally coordinating with...

September 30, 2016

Linda Jacob was an inaugural recipient of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship back in 2006. After years working in various banking positions, she recognized that her true passion was helping people get control of their money and their debt.  Now she is living her passion and providing the education...

July 27, 2016

There are many middle aged adults who see further education as a path to a better paying career or an opportunity to pursue new interests. However, with the ever-rising cost of higher education, it’s important to decide: Is it worth taking on debt to go back to school? If you are...

July 13, 2016

As President and CEO of the Investor Protection Trust and the Investor Protection Institute, Don Blandin is passionate about investor education and protection. He has worked on programs that address topics including elder fraud and financial exploitation, as well as saving and investing for retirement. This month, take a few...

June 29, 2016

The most common reason for large credit card debt, unpaid bills, and lack of savings is the result of overspending, or not living within our means. While this is common knowledge in our society, why is it still such a struggle for so many Americans today? Why are we still...

June 01, 2016

Author’s note: While recently counseling a soldier I discovered the conversation of investing was completely overridden by an ignorance of the “basics” –  monthly budget adherence and awareness of where their money was really going.  Hence the back to the basics discussion of daily (okay, weekly or monthly) due diligence was...

May 04, 2016

Another Financial Literacy Month is in the books. It is great to see the buzz and number of events nationwide increase every year. I had the pleasure again this year to represent AFCPE® at Financial Literacy Day on the Hill at the Hart Senate Office Building. The event began with the Jump$tart...

May 02, 2016

Mia B RussellEach month we spotlight an AFCPE® member who is making great strides in our field. This month, get to know AFCPE member, Mia Russell. Tell us a little bit about your background and what led you down the path to become a financial counselor & educator? My first position,...

April 28, 2016