Meet Shay Cook of FINRA Investor Education Foundation

Welcome to the 2020 Sponsor Spotlight series! As we prepare for #AFCPE2020, November 16-20, 2020, we are excited to introduce you to our Sponsors, and more specifically, to the incredible people who work for these organizations. Learn more about the organizations and the people you’ll meet in the virtual Exhibit Hall this November.

Shay Cook, AFC®, FFC® is the Financial Readiness Manager at FINRA Investor Education Foundation. As a 2007 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellow, Shay received an AFC® in 2008 and the FFC® certification in 2019. Currently, Shay manages the Foundation’s Military Financial Readiness Project which delivers free, unbiased financial education tools and training to service members, their spouses and on-base financial educators. In collaboration with AFCPE®, she also manages the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program.

AFCPE: What inspired you to pursue this career, or what was your journey like to get to this career?

Shay: Since I was a little girl, I have always wanted to help people. I initially majored in Computer Engineering in college but, ultimately, obtained a BS and MS in Psychology. I wasn’t completely sure how I wanted to help people until my spirit showed me in 2006 that helping people with their finances was my purpose. The link between psychology and money is now clear, and my previous family services/financial readiness career working for and with the military (Air Force, Army and Coast Guard) was significant. This all lead to me starting Crusaders for Change, LLC and obtaining this AWESOME opportunity with the FINRA Foundation.

AFCPE: What are you looking forward to most about attending #AFCPE2020?

Shay: Each year, I look forward to seeing everyone in person and the great presentations. It always feels like a reunion. This year, I am very curious to see how the virtual atmosphere will be. I am sure it will be GREAT!!!

AFCPE: What tool or resource are you most excited to share?

Shay: FINRA Investor Education Foundation just released “Making the Most of Your Military Money – A Moving Guide for Military Personnel and Families.” This streamlined guide replaces the popular publication “Military Families: Money and Mobility.”

The new Moving Guide provides steps to protect military families and their finances—before, during, and after a move or whenever duty calls.

Please share with your networks. The Moving Guide is available in PDF or in print. You can order free copies here.

AFCPE: What message do you have for attendees?

Shay: Please live in the moment and enjoy every session you attend. We must find joy even amid a pandemic.

Shay Answers the Friday Five:

  1. Your Why: My God, Myself, My Family
  2. Your favorite quote: “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Psalms 46:10 NIV
  3. Your hero: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Oprah Winfrey
  4. Your favorite resource: FINRA.org and PowerPay.org
  5. Your best advice:
    • For someone starting the journey to financial well-being: Plant the seed, give it time to grow, and reap your harvest. In other words, make a commitment, do the work, and you shall prosper.
    • For a new professional: Ditto! See above.

Be sure to stop by FINRA Foundation’s virtual exhibit booth at #AFCPE2020 to meet Shay and to learn more about the great resources FINRA Foundation has to offer!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *