The Standard Newsletter
Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director of AFCPE
October is Financial Planning Month, which has financial counselors, like Charlestien Harris, AFC®, retired financial coach at Southern Bancorp, reminding everyday Americans that just like the seasons, our lives are ever-changing, and so are our financial situations and goals. With 3 months of the year remaining, October is an ideal... Read More >
Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC® AFCPE Board President
Dear AFCPE Members and Friends, As the holidays approach and the year winds down, it’s a natural time for reflection. A time to look back at the impact we’ve made and to look forward to the possibilities of the new year. For those of us within the AFCPE community, this... Read More >
Shari Evans AFC®, MQFP Your AFCPE Kids Corner Contributor Inspiring Kids to be Financially Literate
In this AFCPE Kids Corner Article, we will be exploring two personal finance "hot topics" asked by teenagers. The topics are: how do I make money, and how do I invest? When answering a teenager's personal finance question, I often provide responses framed within a three-pronged approach - Give them... Read More >
Curtis Sheldon & Tonya Peasley
Successful Financial Planning Firms recognize that wealth management is not just about numbers; it is also about behavior, and long-term transformation to help individuals in their journey of meeting financial goals. At C.L. Sheldon & Company, we’ve made it our goal to integrate financial planning and financial coaching within a... Read More >
Andi Wrenn, AFC®
One of the most common questions I hear from professionals on the journey to becoming an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) is, “How should I prepare for the exam?” The truth is, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach to studying. Some candidates thrive with structured schedules and group discussions, while others prefer... Read More >
Gilles Hudelot, AFC®, CFP®
For financial counseling professionals, understanding the nuances of these provisions is crucial to effectively advise clients on maximizing their tax benefits. This article provides a comprehensive overview of two key deductions—the "No Tax on Tips" and "No Tax on Overtime"—along with other notable provisions of the bill. The "No Tax... Read More >
Katie Ubelhor
As an Accredited Financial Counselor® (AFC®) who owns my own practice, I consider "Wounds to Wealth" by Emily June Wilcox a powerful resource for other AFCs who desire to differentiate their financial counseling practice by using this mind-body approach to financial wellness. Wilcox offers a holistic healing approach that extends... Read More >
Rachael DeLeon, AFCPE Executive Director
As someone who has drawn inspiration from the lessons of distance running, I see our strategic journey not as a sprint, but as a marathon – one shaped by the path ahead and the collective energy of all who travel with us. The marathon is more than a test of... Read More >
Dr. Brandy Baxter, AFC® AFCPE Board President
After spending a few sunshine-filled days on the beautiful islands of Hawaii, I returned with more than just photos and sand in my suitcase; I brought back perspective. There’s something about the rhythm of the ocean and the gentle island breeze that reminds you how vital it is to simply... Read More >
Naolee Makonnen
As a Gen Z college student and peer financial counselor, I’ve had many conversations about money that reveal just how unique and urgent our generation’s financial and economic concerns are. Financial literacy isn’t just important for us, it’s essential. And yet, talking about money isn’t always easy. That’s where we... Read More >
Maria Pippidis & Jesse Ketterman
In 2020, a team of Cooperative Extension Family Finance Educators came together to discuss Farm Family Finances. We set out to determine what resources farm families need when managing personal finances. Our work began with conducting interviews with farmers and farm service providers. Farm families are unique for so many... Read More >
Katie Ubelhor
If you’ve worked in financial counseling — especially in private practice — you know how rewarding and challenging, it can be. Each client brings their own story, beliefs, and sometimes emotional baggage. In private practice, these complexities impact not just our client relationships, but also the stability and reputation of... Read More >