WESTERVILLE, Ohio, March 2, 2026– The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE®) and the FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Military Spouse Fellowship Program. Applications will be accepted from March 1 through April 17, 2026.
Since its launch in 2006, the program has supported military spouses in earning the Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) certification, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to deliver high-quality financial counseling and education. Through this partnership, all training and examination costs associated with the AFC® certification are fully funded, eliminating financial barriers to professional advancement.
Over the past 20 years, the program has helped 738 military spouses and counting obtain their AFC certification and has helped provide financial education and support to over 288,000 military families.
The program provides a PCS-friendly career pathway, offering military spouses the flexibility and portability needed to maintain meaningful employment despite frequent relocations.
FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellows play a vital role in strengthening the financial capability of military families, helping service members and their loved ones navigate the unique financial challenges of military life while building long-term financial stability.
“What began as a bold investment in financial capability has evolved into a lasting legacy of impact. Over the past 20 years, the Fellowship has equipped a generation of AFC professionals with a highly respected certification, meaningful hands-on experience, and a lifelong community dedicated to serving military service members and their families,” said Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director. “This month, we’re proud to open applications and welcome the next generation of changemakers.”
“The program offered a way to build a sustainable career while gaining knowledge and credibility to help others make informed financial decisions during frequent transitions,” said 2022 FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellow Jessica Oxley AFC®.
The FINRA Foundation, recognized for its longstanding commitment to equipping Americans with the knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions, has been instrumental in the success of the Military Spouse Fellowship Program. In addition to supporting the fellowship, the FINRA Foundation provides free financial education resources and tools tailored to service members, military spouses, and military financial educators.
“FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellows fill a critical need by helping military service members and their families build a strong financial future,” said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. “In collaboration with AFCPE, we architected the program to meet the unique needs of military spouses, equipping them with portable, rewarding careers while providing military families with the information and counseling they need to improve their financial readiness.”
Applications for the 2026 Military Spouse Fellowship Program are open through April 17, 2026. Current spouses, surviving spouses, and spouses of retired uniformed service members are eligible to apply. Eligible branches include the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, Space Force, National Guard, Reserves, Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Eligible spouses must be enrolled in DEERS. Candidates are encouraged to visit https://www.afcpe.org/education/finra-foundation-fellowship/ to learn more and apply.
About AFCPE: The Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education® (AFCPE®) is dedicated to certifying, educating, and supporting financial professionals to serve as qualified motivators of change for individuals pursuing their life goals, regardless of their financial history. The Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) credential is accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and nationally recognized by the Department of War and the CFPB. Please visit www.afcpe.org.
About the FINRA Investor Education Foundation: The FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower all Americans with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. Since 2006, the Foundation has delivered free, unbiased financial education tools and training to service members, their spouses and military and financial educators through on-base educational forums, professional development training programs and online and printed educational resources. The Foundation holds both a Statement of Support with the Department of Defense in support of DoD’s Financial Readiness Network and a USCG Qualified Organization Designation. Learn more about the FINRA Foundation at www.finrafoundation.org.
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